Just showed up on the GM website!

Linkey (http://www.gmaccessorieszone.com/index.php?id=133&tx_gmshopb2b_pi1[division_name]=Chevrolet&tx_gmshopb2b_pi1[year]=2008&tx_gmshopb2b_pi1[vehicle_name]=Malibu&tx_gmshopb2b_pi1[sub_product_group]=Personal%20Audio%20Link%20%28PAL%29&tx_gmshopb2b_pi1[type]=gm)

Edit:
Well I just got it installed. Ran me $231 after tax. $159 for the cable and $62 for labor. I have to say, the interface absolutely blows ass and the manual that comes with it is an abomination. It is very difficult to figure out how to use at first. Took me 20 minutes sitting in the car to figure out how to get it to go through my playlists. The interface is really slow at bringing up items. Also a huge point of annoyance, it doesn't remember the order of your shuffle, so if you set your Ipod to random, and then try to skip back to the song that the ipod just played, it wont work... the damn thing will play a different song. Switching between songs using either the steering wheel or stereo results in at least a 2 second delay. This can result in you showing the song of the next track even though the first one is still playing. Although the fast forward buttons are supposed to work, I can't find them actually doing anything at all.

They have to run a cable to the trunk to your XM unit. You need to go throught the radio bands to select XM which will then recognize your ipod.

Overall, I'm mildly disappointed in this damn thing because the interface eats ass big time. It is nice to have hands free and the audio quality does sound better because its digital and not an analog cable. I think over time I'll get used to it, and hopefully like it more, but theres a big learning curve right now which makes it a pain.

Pics are below of the install and interface. On the positive side, the cable seems a decent length, and the dealer said he could route it anywhere I wanted it. I chose the glovebox.

Edit2: Revised impressions after 5 days.

Well I've gotten more used to using the friggin thing. You need to be more patient with it. As you navigate through the menu and choose songs, playlists, artists etc, you need to wait for 2 seconds. Then the next list will pop up and you can scroll through that to make it select what you want to listen to.

Hitting seek on the radio face will get you to the next track quicker, I just wish I could do it quicker with the steering wheel.

The lack of remembering the shuffle order still is a complete joke.

After 5 days, I'd raise the score of the cable from a 5/10 to a 7/10.

http://www.cheddarcheesemedia.com/mbugallery/ipod1.jpg
http://www.cheddarcheesemedia.com/mbugallery/ipod2.jpg
http://www.cheddarcheesemedia.com/mbugallery/ipod3.jpg
http://www.cheddarcheesemedia.com/mbugallery/ipod4.jpg

YES! its about time.. ive been goign WEEKS on CDs. :mad:;)

edit: more pics added due to limitations in the amount that can be in a post.

http://www.cheddarcheesemedia.com/mbugallery/ipod5.jpg
http://www.cheddarcheesemedia.com/mbugallery/ipod6.jpg

$160 - Geesh that's a little steep....and it doesn't include installation.

Oh well....the price for luxury and convenience.

$160 - Geesh that's a little steep....and it doesn't include installation.

Oh well....the price for luxury and convenience.

A small price to pay so I don't ram my new malibu into the back of someone while trying to change the songs on my ipod nano.

I can't wait to be able to change the songs via my radio or steering wheel!

My dealer said $45 to install it. Unforunately no stock available, but they're going to put in an order and call me when it comes in.

$160 - Geesh that's a little steep....and it doesn't include installation.

Oh well....the price for luxury and convenience.

People pay a lot for HDMI cables for their big screen HDTV's too when the actual cost is pretty low ($80 at BestBuy vs. $25 on the web).

Install for this is also should be pretty quick as it's plug and play.

People pay a lot for HDMI cables for their big screen HDTV's too when the actual cost is pretty low ($80 at BestBuy vs. $25 on the web).

Install for this is also should be pretty quick as it's plug and play.

Good Point....I gues I am just a cheap bugger!!! Funny how when you buy a new car, the cost of the car is not the actual price you ever pay....after you own it still costs you money to get all the "luxury" items to go with it!

Now my problem will be seeing when they bring this into Canada.

I got an Email from my dealer that the cable came in Friday. Going to try to make an appointment to get it installed this week. I'll take pics when it's in :)

I got an Email from my dealer that the cable came in Friday. Going to try to make an appointment to get it installed this week. I'll take pics when it's in :)

BuckyFan...

SWEET!!!! I am anxious to see what it looks like, and how well it interfaces with the car.

I got an Email from my dealer that the cable came in Friday. Going to try to make an appointment to get it installed this week. I'll take pics when it's in :)

It's not just a "cable"....it's a box with harness & cable

It charges your iPod & lets you control it from the factory radio:
http://www.gm.com/shop/parts/ipod/PAL+Quick+Ref+Guide+NOV07.pdf

Appointment is at 5 on Thursday to get it installed :)

Appointment is at 5 on Thursday to get it installed :)

What's the total for the PAL & the install gonna be??

What's the total for the PAL & the install gonna be??

$170 for the PAL and $45 for the install IIRC. Getting it done at Fox Chevrolet in Rochester Hills.

Anxiously awaiting to hear what you think.

Does this only work for iPods and no other MP3 players?

$170 for the PAL and $45 for the install IIRC. Getting it done at Fox Chevrolet in Rochester Hills.

Holy crap man....I didn't know you were local (to me) here in Michigan

LOL

$170 for the PAL and $45 for the install IIRC. Getting it done at Fox Chevrolet in Rochester Hills.

BuckyFan....Come on, the suspence is killing me!!!!!

QUESTION:
Will this cable also control the iPhone?

Now that the new 3G iPhones are coming out next month I'm considering getting one but my friend informed me that i-products are somtimes particular about their own equipment. you may be able to connect them but not use the features it offers. Can anyone verify that for me please?

Does this only work for iPods and no other MP3 players?
Apparently so, Doug. As you know, the Malibu radio does have an MP3 jack for music playback. Well at least my LTZ radio has one, not sure about other models.

BuckyFan....Come on, the suspence is killing me!!!!!

I said in a post above, the appointment is tomorrow at 5PM. :p

If you can't wait for an ipod cable to get installed in my car, how are you going to wait for your own Malibu to arrive? :p

I guess I don't understand all the excitement about spending $200 on an Ipod cable.

I spent $13 at Verizon for a cable and $20 on a 2GB micro SD card for wifes phone and she plays music through the aux in connection at the front of the radio. It sounds as good as a cd and have had no problems at all. :confused:

I guess I don't understand all the excitement about spending $200 on an Ipod cable.

I spent $13 at Verizon for a cable and $20 on a 2GB micro SD card for wifes phone and she plays music through the aux in connection at the front of the radio. It sounds as good as a cd and have had no problems at all. :confused:

The excitement is the music list showing up on the radio of whats playing, and being able to control the ipod through the stereo buttons and steering wheel buttons. It also keeps the iPod charged and out of site.

I have a 3rd Generation Nano, so its very hard to see what the hell the screen says, as well as press the buttons while I'm driving. I find myself looking at my nano too much because I've mishit a button. This will make it safer for me to change tunes while driving.

I love that the CD changer reads MP3s/WMAs. I made a couple of data CDs with WMAs and its awesome! All of the ID3 tags show up on the radio as well! Hundreds of songs on a CD, now if only it read DVDs like the CTS...

I said in a post above, the appointment is tomorrow at 5PM. :p

If you can't wait for an ipod cable to get installed in my car, how are you going to wait for your own Malibu to arrive? :p

:DLOL:D

Sorry must be the fact that I am over in China right now working and really tired.

Never said that I was a patient person, and the wait is killing me for the car right now and to see how the cable works! LOL

Cheers!

The excitement is the music list showing up on the radio of whats playing, and being able to control the ipod through the stereo buttons and steering wheel buttons. It also keeps the iPod charged and out of site.

I have a 3rd Generation Nano, so its very hard to see what the hell the screen says, as well as press the buttons while I'm driving. I find myself looking at my nano too much because I've mishit a button. This will make it safer for me to change tunes while driving.

That makes since.

It all boils down to convenience

Control the iPod thru the factory radio & have it charging/hidden for about $200
or
Just buy a audio cable for $10 & control it manually thru the iPod


Clever idea from GM, but it seems a little too expensive

It all boils down to convenience

Control the iPod thru the factory radio & have it charging/hidden for about $200
or
Just buy a audio cable for $10 & control it manually thru the iPod


Clever idea from GM, but it seems a little too expensive

There is a sound difference between the two. The Aux port is analog audio, using the Ipod adapter will give you true digital audio. Similiar to the difference between XM and FM.

There is a sound difference between the two. The Aux port is analog audio, using the Ipod adapter will give you true digital audio. Similiar to the difference between XM and FM.

well yeah that too...LOL

But it's all about $$$ too

If someone is looking for one of these PAL units....I know someone on the Cobalt forum that is selling one for only $100 SHIPPED

(I bought a set of wheels/tires off of him last year--he's local to me)


Check it out....JohnnyNFullEffect is selling it:
http://www.cobaltss.net/forums/showthread.php?p=2458077#post2458077

There is a sound difference between the two. The Aux port is analog audio, using the Ipod adapter will give you true digital audio. Similiar to the difference between XM and FM.

Maybe it's just me but I can't tell the difference in a CD witch is digital and the phone plugged into the aux-in port. I'm quite sure there is a difference but I kind of doubt you'll pick that differnce up in a factory radio through factory speakers.

Bump for updates and pictures

Hmm....kind of cool (I think)

I like how the "Chevy" logo is on the iPod

A couple years ago I went with the Alpine iPod interface with a Alpine headunit and it displayed the Alpine logo on the screen too.
It was a little bit of pain to learn as well, but once you get it down....it's pretty easy

As for the location.....yeah the glove box works, or you could've maybe had them put it in the center console (just an idea?)


I thought you would've ranted & raved about it....not complained about it though.

I guess I'll just stick with the AUX jack for now

Hmm....kind of cool (I think)

I like how the "Chevy" logo is on the iPod

A couple years ago I went with the Alpine iPod interface with a Alpine headunit and it displayed the Alpine logo on the screen too.
It was a little bit of pain to learn as well, but once you get it down....it's pretty easy

As for the location.....yeah the glove box works, or you could've maybe had them put it in the center console (just an idea?)


I thought you would've ranted & raved about it....not complained about it though.

I guess I'll just stick with the AUX jack for now

I really like that I now can change songs through the steering wheel and radio, but the rest of the interface is just plain awful.

Just like changing the radio stations, you have to hold the buttons down on teh steering wheel for 2 seconds to get it to change the song. When you add that to the fact that theres another 2 second delay before the change takes effect, its very frustrating wondering if the damn song is going to change or not.

I also found myself looking at the damn radio a lot on the road yesterday as I was trying to get through my frickin' playlists but I couldn't get out of one and into another.

I also really really really hate the fact that the shuffle is complete shit because it doesn't remember the order of the tracks. It always shuffles to a new song, even if you go back to try to repeat the last one that just played.

I also really really really hate the fact that the shuffle is complete shit because it doesn't remember the order of the tracks. It always shuffles to a new song, even if you go back to try to repeat the last one that just played.


I think it was like that on my Alpine HU too (a couple years ago).....it literally shuffles the songs & doesn't remember

Weird that it can do it on the iPod normally, but not thru an interface....dunno man

edit: more pics added due to limitations in the amount that can be in a post.

http://www.cheddarcheesemedia.com/mbugallery/ipod5.jpg
http://www.cheddarcheesemedia.com/mbugallery/ipod6.jpg

BuckyFan - Thank you for the review....Hmm....I think I may reconsider doing this now....Although I understand the AUX input will only be analog and not digital, at least some of the frusturations will be elliminated. I currently have a my iPod running though an FM transmitter and the sound quality isn't the best but atleast I don't have to look down to switch songs.

I would be interested to hear what your thoughts are after using it for a little while. If you don't mind would you post in a couple of weeks with an updated review?

Thanks.

Well I've gotten more used to using the friggin thing. You need to be more patient with it. As you navigate through the menu and choose songs, playlists, artists etc, you need to wait for 2 seconds. Then the next list will pop up and you can scroll through that to make it select what you want to listen to.

Hitting seek on the radio face will get you to the next track quicker, I just wish I could do it quicker with the steering wheel.

The lack of remembering the shuffle order still is a complete joke.

After 5 days, I'd raise the score of the cable from a 5/10 to a 7/10.

Well I've gotten more used to using the friggin thing. You need to be more patient with it. As you navigate through the menu and choose songs, playlists, artists etc, you need to wait for 2 seconds. Then the next list will pop up and you can scroll through that to make it select what you want to listen to.

Hitting seek on the radio face will get you to the next track quicker, I just wish I could do it quicker with the steering wheel.

The lack of remembering the shuffle order still is a complete joke.

After 5 days, I'd raise the score of the cable from a 5/10 to a 7/10.

BuckyFan - Thanks for the update....Much appreciated.

DOACanada....if you're thinking about getting one:

I know someone on the Cobalt forum that is selling one for only $100 SHIPPED

(I bought a set of wheels/tires off of him last year--he's local to me)


Check it out....JohnnyNFullEffect is selling it:
http://www.cobaltss.net/forums/showthread.php?p=2458077#post2458077

DOACanada....if you're thinking about getting one:

I know someone on the Cobalt forum that is selling one for only $100 SHIPPED

(I bought a set of wheels/tires off of him last year--he's local to me)


Check it out....JohnnyNFullEffect is selling it:
http://www.cobaltss.net/forums/showthread.php?p=2458077#post2458077

Not to sure of it right now, BuckyFan's review is not putting it in the greatest of light right now. I am thinking I am going to wait a bit.

Thank you very much for the offer though. Appreciate it!

this definitely gives me more to think about. I'm gonna do some more research on the Peripheral Electronics version. & keep checking back here for new updates.

this definitely gives me more to think about. I'm gonna do some more research on the Peripheral Electronics version. & keep checking back here for new updates.

How much is that one???

Got a link to it???

I managed to get my hands on an Ipod Touch last night. It's actually slightly slower than my Nano when changes are taking effect. For example, if I press next track on the stereo, I can get to "two one-thousand" when counting before the song changes with the nano - with the ipod touch, I actually say three before the song changes.

How much is that one???

Got a link to it???


http://www.peripheralelectronics.com/products.aspx

$170
just go to that link and enter your make model and year then one of your choices should be the PXAMG.
thats what you want to look at

http://www.peripheralelectronics.com/products.aspx

$170
just go to that link and enter your make model and year then one of your choices should be the PXAMG.
thats what you want to look at



Hmmm...almost the same price as the GM one then

hello all,

I just bought a PAL kit (PN#: 19171028) from ebay and the instructions say it's for a HHR, Cobalt, G5.

Does anyone know what would be the difference for installing it in a 2009 Malibu? Looks like it would work to me.

Has anyone tried to do one of these installs themselves? did you any problems?

What was the color of the wire to remove from the Body Computer connector for the XM hookup (the instructions I have called out a Dark Grn wire)? What did you do when you have to get the unit flashed to work with XM?

I'm trying to save some money by doing it myself. If it proves to be impossible without the Tech II flash, I'll have to have the dealer do it.

thanks in advance - phil b

hello all,

I just bought a PAL kit (PN#: 19171028) from ebay and the instructions say it's for a HHR, Cobalt, G5.

Does anyone know what would be the difference for installing it in a 2009 Malibu? Looks like it would work to me.

Has anyone tried to do one of these installs themselves? did you any problems?

What was the color of the wire to remove from the Body Computer connector for the XM hookup (the instructions I have called out a Dark Grn wire)? What did you do when you have to get the unit flashed to work with XM?

I'm trying to save some money by doing it myself. If it proves to be impossible without the Tech II flash, I'll have to have the dealer do it.

thanks in advance - phil b

You can do the physical install, but you HAVE to have the Tech II flash done or it won't work--it's all a part of programming. There's no way to get around that on such a vehicle, just like most electronic accessories.

You can do the physical install, but you HAVE to have the Tech II flash done or it won't work--it's all a part of programming. There's no way to get around that on such a vehicle, just like most electronic accessories.

thanks for the reply.
Any clue on which wire to splice into on the Malibu BCM connector?:confused:

phil b

Did anyone else ever get this installed? I've been calling around to dealerships and it's not something any local service centers are aware of for either the part or labor cost, and I'm being told upwards of $150 for just the labor which is just not worth it to me.

Silas, I've been searching for the same thing... lots of conflicting info on PAL for the Malibu... none of the dealers around here know anything about it EXCEPT for the Cobalt which has a USB port on the front of some of their radios this year.

Silas, I've been searching for the same thing... lots of conflicting info on PAL for the Malibu... none of the dealers around here know anything about it EXCEPT for the Cobalt which has a USB port on the front of some of their radios this year.


So do some Malibus, but that isn't PAL. The dealerships do see quite knowledgeless about PAL though. So does GM. I called them angry that I can't find a dealership willing to install PAL (one told me flat out, "you dont want that. Don't do it.") They dont know what it is, cant find the part, say it wont work, etc. I got a call back from GM and they said they'd investigate, and called back the next day to say that you can't get PAL on any Malibu. I then gave them the part numbers and referenced people having it and they said they'd investigate again. Really, I'm shocked with the lack of knowledge or ability to find information on things they don't know by both the dealerships and the GM customer service.

So do some Malibus, but that isn't PAL. The dealerships do see quite knowledgeless about PAL though. So does GM. I called them angry that I can't find a dealership willing to install PAL (one told me flat out, "you dont want that. Don't do it.") They dont know what it is, cant find the part, say it wont work, etc. I got a call back from GM and they said they'd investigate, and called back the next day to say that you can't get PAL on any Malibu. I then gave them the part numbers and referenced people having it and they said they'd investigate again. Really, I'm shocked with the lack of knowledge or ability to find information on things they don't know by both the dealerships and the GM customer service.

I'm glad I'm not alone with the frustration of dealing with GM sometimes! I was hoping that the radio I saw in the Cobalt with the USB input would be the "builtin" version of a connection for a NEW PAL... but I stand corrected in my guess! Since my IPod works perfect with the USB connection to my computer I did the unforgivable "assume" as to the new USB connection on the face of some radios. By all rights that USB connection should interact with ALL mp3 or IPods, but the devil would be in the software....

I have a couple of emails in to GM, but have gotten no response yet... I will see if another local dealer would be willing to order and install...

Thanks... and if anyone is successful with a PAL install in a 2009 Mailibu, PLEASE let me know how you were successful in getting hardware and getting the dealer to install with warranty.

I'm glad I'm not alone with the frustration of dealing with GM sometimes! I was hoping that the radio I saw in the Cobalt with the USB input would be the "builtin" version of a connection for a NEW PAL... but I stand corrected in my guess! Since my IPod works perfect with the USB connection to my computer I did the unforgivable "assume" as to the new USB connection on the face of some radios. By all rights that USB connection should interact with ALL mp3 or IPods, but the devil would be in the software....

I have a couple of emails in to GM, but have gotten no response yet... I will see if another local dealer would be willing to order and install...

Thanks... and if anyone is successful with a PAL install in a 2009 Mailibu, PLEASE let me know how you were successful in getting hardware and getting the dealer to install with warranty.


Well they wont install it with the warranty because nothing is broken you're adding on.

I'm confused, do you want info on the PAL with the regular radio or the USB radio and no PAL? You mention both, but it's not the same thing.

I would also be interested in knowing if I could simply swap out my mp3 player with the version with the USB jack. I'd need to know if it would: a. control my mp3 player and b. work with the bluetooth, steering wheel controls, Onstar and turn-by-turn Nav.

Im going to the auto show tonight, so if I see one in a Chevy, I'll see if I can plug in a mp3 player to try it out.

Well they wont install it with the warranty because nothing is broken you're adding on.

I'm confused, do you want info on the PAL with the regular radio or the USB radio and no PAL? You mention both, but it's not the same thing.

I would also be interested in knowing if I could simply swap out my mp3 player with the version with the USB jack. I'd need to know if it would: a. control my mp3 player and b. work with the bluetooth, steering wheel controls, Onstar and turn-by-turn Nav.

Im going to the auto show tonight, so if I see one in a Chevy, I'll see if I can plug in a mp3 player to try it out.

The warrenty I was referring to is IF I have a dealer install PAL on a new vehicle the 3 year warrenty of the car will also cover PAL (at least according to GM website). If I purchase the part and have someone else install it will NOT be covered for labor if it fails, etc.

As for the USB port.. ipods use the same USB ports as other mp3 players... I was hoping, in vain I guess, that I could control my ipod via the USB port rather than have to use the full PAL package and wiring... but alas that is not true...

It all boils down to convenience

Control the iPod thru the factory radio & have it charging/hidden for about $200
or
Just buy a audio cable for $10 & control it manually thru the iPod


Clever idea from GM, but it seems a little too expensive

I agree.

You still have to look at the radio to see your selection so why not just look at your ipod? Ive had mine since Christmas and see no problem.

A small piece of velcro will attach your ipod near the instrument clust for easy viewing and song changing.

I think the extra cost is too much for the little convenience.

The warrenty I was referring to is IF I have a dealer install PAL on a new vehicle the 3 year warrenty of the car will also cover PAL (at least according to GM website). If I purchase the part and have someone else install it will NOT be covered for labor if it fails, etc.

As for the USB port.. ipods use the same USB ports as other mp3 players... I was hoping, in vain I guess, that I could control my ipod via the USB port rather than have to use the full PAL package and wiring... but alas that is not true...

Ahhh, yes this is true, but again, the dealerships dont seem to understand this. They told me it wouldn't be covered as a B2B warranty item because, "though it's a GM part, it's almost like an aftermarket item." which is 100% clearly wrong. I am frustrated at how they don't know their own parts, procedures or policies.

The autoshow was fruitless. Though I know there was a Malibu radio with USB support, no cars there had it, and nobody knew what I was talking about or what PAL was.

I agree.

You still have to look at the radio to see your selection so why not just look at your ipod? Ive had mine since Christmas and see no problem.

A small piece of velcro will attach your ipod near the instrument clust for easy viewing and song changing.

I think the extra cost is too much for the little convenience.
It would also power it... I have a really small mp3 player and it's hard to read, and especially so in the dark (the display is lit, but not the buttons), and I dont like having cabes running all over for power and audio, and having to hide it when I park, etc. It isn't worth the ridiculous install rate though.

This cable sucks !!!!!!!!! I have an '08 LTZ and it is slow switching songs, some songs sound echoey, and my XM radio doesn't work like it did before this cable was installed. Am now looking at getting a Kenwood DNX8120 unit for navigation and ipod control.

OK---for better or worse, I ordered the PAL for my '09 Malibu LTZ. I called Chevrolet, gave them my VIN, told them what I wanted...and after being on hold for about five minutes, they came back and told me "yes," the PAL will work on my '09 LTZ. So then I went to my local Chevy dealer with parts numbers in hand (service department said "sure, we can install it---we've never seen it before, but I'm sure it comes with instructions!"). My BIGGEST concern is that I've seen, only in a couple of places, a note that says "will not work with navigation radio"). WTH does that mean? My radio will download directions and display them...is that a navigation radio? Am I screwed in this purchase?? We'll find out, I guess. And I'll pass on whatever experience I have with the order/installation/functionality when it's done.

Till then, wish me luck.

I've never seen anything about the nav radio not working. Your radio should be able to display some basic navigation instructions via OnStar.

OK---for better or worse, I ordered the PAL for my '09 Malibu LTZ. I called Chevrolet, gave them my VIN, told them what I wanted...and after being on hold for about five minutes, they came back and told me "yes," the PAL will work on my '09 LTZ. So then I went to my local Chevy dealer with parts numbers in hand (service department said "sure, we can install it---we've never seen it before, but I'm sure it comes with instructions!"). My BIGGEST concern is that I've seen, only in a couple of places, a note that says "will not work with navigation radio"). WTH does that mean? My radio will download directions and display them...is that a navigation radio? Am I screwed in this purchase?? We'll find out, I guess. And I'll pass on whatever experience I have with the order/installation/functionality when it's done.

Till then, wish me luck.

I purchased a red LTZ about 10 days ago. The same day I bought the car (Thursday) I ordered the PAL (2 separate parts). They arrived the next day at the dealership (Northern California), and I had it installed on Tuesday. 1.5 labor is what is called for by GM... it took them 1.6 hours but they only billed 1.5. Total cost with tax, labor was $344. It works great EXCEPT that the gromet in the glove box (in a new hole they had to drill to run the IPOD cable) won't stay in... something behind where they said to install it keeps pushing out the gromet... I will experiment and see what can be done to hold that in place... My Ipod Touch works perfectly! It does take getting used to somewhat as to the various controls, but so far everything seems to work fine... Since they have discontinued the 6 CD radio for the Malibu, it appears that the replacement may come with the built in USB port which is "supposed to" integrate the Ipod at least as well as the PAL kit that I purchased... or so says GM and my dealer...

Love my new BU.... any advice on wax... type, when to do the first wax.... etc. time to cruise.....

Thanks for the replies---I'm more optimistic now that this is going to work!

Sciaccatani: I bought the Red LTZ as well, and I'm lovin' it, too. I'm new to the Malibu forum, but there's a whole section on car care tips. I actually dropped mine off this morning for an exterior detail. The Meguiars website says wax a new car as soon as you want; the factory paint job can be waxed right away. And I wanted to get that red jewel tintcoat protected as soon as possible! (I've always used Meguiars; I'm partial to carnauba wax---the shine just seems brighter to me).

Thanks for the replies---I'm more optimistic now that this is going to work!

Sciaccatani: I bought the Red LTZ as well, and I'm lovin' it, too. I'm new to the Malibu forum, but there's a whole section on car care tips. I actually dropped mine off this morning for an exterior detail. The Meguiars website says wax a new car as soon as you want; the factory paint job can be waxed right away. And I wanted to get that red jewel tintcoat protected as soon as possible! (I've always used Meguiars; I'm partial to carnauba wax---the shine just seems brighter to me).

This is one GREAT Car! With the PAL audio it just makes it even better! I have heard about Meguiars before but never used their wax... I will check it out ASAP... with the clearcoat on the red MU I just wanted to make sure not to hurt the surface... I guess I will get some exercise this weekend... should draw all the neighbors around... everyone keeps telling me how much they love the color!!! Good luck with you BU... Now I have to sell my old '86 Fiero... hate to let it go....

Okay---I had the PAL installed on my LTZ today. All around, a very bad experience. First, for the PAL itself. I understand now why I have seen "will not work with Navigation Radio." The PAL uses the XM band, so you have to cycle through between XM stations and the iPod. What happens if you're using navigation, every time the navigation kicks in to tell you to "turn left in 0.7 miles" or something like that, that also causes the radio to cycle between XM and the iPod. So if you're listening to the iPod and the navigation comes on, it cycles you to XM. Same thing happens with Bluetooth---if you're listening to the iPod and someone calls in (or you call out), it will cycle you away from the iPod to XM. And vice versa. Is it worth it, for the iPod integration? Given how confusing the basic iPod functionality is (granted, I've been using it for only about an hour), I'd say so far NOT.

But that's not the worst of it, by far. My dealer (Chevy Chase Chevrolet, Bethesda, MD...I don't feel bad in calling them out) charged me FOUR HOURS of labor for the PAL installation. $460!! For that, I could have done it myself. But it gets worse still!! In installing the PAL, they busted the vent louvres above the radio, chipped the trim piece, and put about a half dozen little dimples in the top of the radio where they pulled it out. Needless to say, I was p***ed. I will be returning to the dealer tomorrow to identify the parts of my brand new car I want replaced.

PAL has been a bad experience for me so far. Functionally, it's not great. With my dealer experience, I'm disappointed I had it done at all.

Sorry you had such a BAD experience so far... as for labor costs, you should insist on the "book" labor of 1.5 hours! My dealer took 1.6 hours but since the book/GM labor cited 1.5 that was all they charged!!! If they give you any BS, I would talk to the manager and/or the regional representative!!!

The first time I used the OnStar navigation and drove using PAL/XM I noticed what you described... it just never registered with me that this is what others had been talking about... not too much of a hassle... just have to cycle thru to the next IPod or XM set... they alternate bands as you go through the various options...

Yesterday, my IPod touch just said it wasn't able to charge when connected... now IF that is a problem I want my money back! Integration and charging are MUSTs... or else why buy PAL????

I have been experimenting some with selecting songs, albums etc. it will take some time to get used to it, but I am happy with that part of PAL...

I will probably end OnStar directions after my free year though... so far I have used it three times and all three times they tried to make me use a longer route that takes more time... even my Garmin GPS doesn't have that many problems... it is nice to be able to talk to someone and give them the address you want to go to, but you don't see a MAP only arrows and oral directions... and no way (that I can find) to change the VOICE.... We'll be going to Southern California and some other traveling this summer... I will use BOTH my Garmin GPS and OnStar... it should be interesting which one works best....

I will have to try the Bluetooth to see if I have the same problem...

Good luck dealing with all the damage they have done to your car!!! Don't forget to take detailed photos of the way it is now (damaged) in case you have to prove your case later!!!!

SFB

Okay---I had the PAL installed on my LTZ today. All around, a very bad experience. First, for the PAL itself. I understand now why I have seen "will not work with Navigation Radio." The PAL uses the XM band, so you have to cycle through between XM stations and the iPod. What happens if you're using navigation, every time the navigation kicks in to tell you to "turn left in 0.7 miles" or something like that, that also causes the radio to cycle between XM and the iPod. So if you're listening to the iPod and the navigation comes on, it cycles you to XM. Same thing happens with Bluetooth---if you're listening to the iPod and someone calls in (or you call out), it will cycle you away from the iPod to XM. And vice versa. Is it worth it, for the iPod integration? Given how confusing the basic iPod functionality is (granted, I've been using it for only about an hour), I'd say so far NOT.

But that's not the worst of it, by far. My dealer (Chevy Chase Chevrolet, Bethesda, MD...I don't feel bad in calling them out) charged me FOUR HOURS of labor for the PAL installation. $460!! For that, I could have done it myself. But it gets worse still!! In installing the PAL, they busted the vent louvres above the radio, chipped the trim piece, and put about a half dozen little dimples in the top of the radio where they pulled it out. Needless to say, I was p***ed. I will be returning to the dealer tomorrow to identify the parts of my brand new car I want replaced.

PAL has been a bad experience for me so far. Functionally, it's not great. With my dealer experience, I'm disappointed I had it done at all.

Two quick updates---as mentioned on this thread earlier, the PAL DOES get easier to use with time and practice. Now that I've figured out how to turn off the "random" setting, I can find artists and songs quickly---it really is much better than plugging the iPod into the AUX input. But there is the issue of the radio flipping between XM and the iPod interface with either navigation or Bluetooth. I had turn-by-turn navigation to steer me out of downtown DC last night, and when the turns are coming quickly and frequently, the flipping between XM and the iPod was pretty bizarre. But if you don't use the OnStar navigation much (a Garmin really is much better), it's worth the investment.

Update on the dealer issues---after much discussion, the dealer is ordering and installing all new parts for those they screwed up in the installation (radio, vent, trim pieces, GLOVE BOX...yes, they drilled a one inch hole for the cable in the wrong place--straight through the bottom of the glove box!). I will be happy when (if) this all gets resolved and I never have to return there for service again.

Did they reduce the 4 hours of labor they charged?

OnStar could be nice with a real map and less of a monthly charge... I'll use it for the free year then probably let it expire....

Did they reduce the 4 hours of labor they charged?

OnStar could be nice with a real map and less of a monthly charge... I'll use it for the free year then probably let it expire....

Hey--unfortunately no, I didn't argue with them on the labor charge, although I certainly should have. I'll just be happy to have the interior back in new condition (if they can do it without messing something else up!) and be done with them.

I just bought the same model as Buckyfan, 08 LTZ. Would you be able to share the PN of the unit you bought so i can take it to my less then knowledgeable parts dept, please?
Thanks.