[Imlost77]

I just bought my first car which is a malibu 2011 but it didnt have a radio so i bought a radio from a salvage yard but when i pluged it in it said locked does any one know how to get rid of this or do i have to go to a dealer ?

 

[PFanis]

You may have to have the radio flashed at a dealership. When we get locked radios we replace them with a new radio. Radios are no longer interchangeable unless you purchase an aftermarket non-factory radio, which then an experienced installer may have to rewire. That is the purpose of the anti-theft radio's. Any time you replace the radio, it has to be downloaded into the vehicle computer. Radio's can be reflashed to unlock them, then downloaded to the car. This is my experience from working on 2016 or newer Malibu's. I suggest you call a dealer and inquire and then let us know what they told you.

 

[!Tommy]

I think the 2011 can just be unlocked with a GM Tech2 device, I know I see the option to do so in my 2011 but I've never had the reason to try it out since my radio is still stock.

 

[Imlost77]

Thanks for the answers

 

[champain2121]

You may have to have the radio flashed at a dealership. When we get locked radios we replace them with a new radio. Radios are no longer interchangeable unless you purchase an aftermarket non-factory radio, which then an experienced installer may have to rewire. That is the purpose of the anti-theft radio's. Any time you replace the radio, it has to be downloaded into the vehicle computer. Radio's can be reflashed to unlock them, then downloaded to the car. This is my experience from working on 2016 or newer Malibu's. I suggest you call a dealer and inquire and then let us know what they told you.

actually your wrong , they are most definitely interchangeable by removing the eeprom chip..

 

[DrivenDaily]

actually your wrong , they are most definitely interchangeable by removing the eeprom chip..

Can you provide a bit more info on how that is done, or a place that has done a number of them successfully? Can a DIYer do it? What tools and equipment are required?

 

[butch814]

I think the 2011 can just be unlocked with a GM Tech2 device, I know I see the option to do so in my 2011 but I've never had the reason to try it out since my radio is still stock.

what is an gm tech 2 device

 

[ccrystal702]

What numbers are on Chevy Malibu eeprom?

 

[1966tbird]

what is an gm tech 2 device

It’s a diagnostic tool used at GM dealerships to diagnose, configured, load software or modify software and almost all electrical modules on 1996 ish to 2013-some 2014 GM automotive products…cars & trucks. Do a quick search on your favorite search engine. They range in price for new from around $200 to $2k