i've googled and searched for the answers to this for awhile before posting this and can't quite find what i need...

I want to install a new class two radio w/cd-player from a newer cavalier with the wide red tail light bar into a 1998 cavalier, I have arrangements to have it installed, but i can't quite find the info on if i will need anything like a harness or anything to plug it in? the new class two radios are said to be wired differently, so what would i need to do to swap it?? i called some shops and dealers and the only thing they can tell me is that it "may" require a harness, but none of them knew... i'm really hoping this will work!

Thanks :-)



cliff-notes:
2003-2005 stock CD player to replace 1998 stock AM/FM...
will it work? will i need anything? what will i need to do in addition to plugging it in?

The newer radios do not have a remote wire. Instead, they use a data signal to turn on. As far as I know, your 98 does not have a data wire in the harness, and even if you run one, your car's electronics don't know how to turn the radio on. The only way I know of to do this is to upgrade to a 00+ BCM and/or ECU which is completely not worth it for a POS stock head unit.

2002 Cavalier 2200 5spd

A 2000+ is a double din stereo. I believe a 1999- is a din and a half. Therefore, I doubt it won't fit without some modification. And wiring it would be a nightmare.

Get yourself a nice head unit for a $100 and sell that one on eBay.

i didn't hold them up side by side yet but they did seem to be the same size. I'll compare later, but as of now, if the radio will not work due to what solid snake says is true, its not going to matter.

x2 will not work, there is no data wire to turn it on in your car

Not only would it never turn on... but it would be locked because the BCM wouldn't match it. Which wouldn't really matter, because your car doesn't even have a BCM.

just go aftermarket. an aftermarket HU can do more and will sound better anyways.




GO PATS!!!