The 2018 Chevy Malibu is a mid-size sedan that comes with advanced technology features including a premium sound system. However, upgrading the speakers or installing a new stereo system requires you to have a clear understanding of the Chevy Malibu speaker wiring diagram. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on the speaker wiring diagram for the 2018 Chevy Malibu that will enable you to upgrade your sound system with ease.
Understanding the Speaker Wiring Diagram for 2018 Chevy Malibu
Before we dive into the details of the speaker wiring diagram for the 2018 Chevy Malibu, let’s first understand what this diagram entails. Essentially, this diagram is a visual representation of the wiring connections of the speakers in your car. It shows the color codes of the wires connecting to your speakers and how they are connected to the head unit or amplifier.
The 2018 Chevy Malibu comes with a four-speaker sound system as a standard. However, some Malibu models have a six-speaker or nine-speaker system. Regardless of the number of speakers, the wiring diagram is the same, and it is represented by a color-coded diagram.
The Basic Wiring Connections
The basic Chevy Malibu speaker wiring diagram for the four-speaker system includes two front speakers and two rear speakers. You will notice that each speaker has two wires connected to it. The wire colors are as follows:
| Speaker | Wire Color 1 | Wire Color 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Front Left Speaker | Yellow | Brown |
| Front Right Speaker | Dark Blue | Light Blue |
| Rear Left Speaker | Brown | Yellow |
| Rear Right Speaker | Light Blue | Dark Blue |
The wire color codes are essential since they help in identifying the positive and negative terminals of the speaker. The positive wire is usually the one with a solid color and the negative wire, the one with a stripe or dash.
The Six-Speaker and Nine-Speaker Systems
If your 2018 Chevy Malibu has a six-speaker sound system, you will notice that two new speakers are located at the front. These speakers are installed on the dashboard, and their wiring is different from the other speakers. The dashboard speakers’ wiring colors are:
| Speaker | Wire Color 1 | Wire Color 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Front Dashboard Left Speaker | White | White with Black Stripe |
| Front Dashboard Right Speaker | Gray | Gray with Black Stripe |
For the nine-speaker sound system, three speakers are added to the four-speaker system. These speakers are installed in the front doors and the rear deck. Their wiring color codes are similar to the four-speaker system.
FAQ
1. Can I install an aftermarket sound system in my 2018 Chevy Malibu?
Yes, you can install an aftermarket sound system in your 2018 Chevy Malibu. However, you will need to ensure that the new system is compatible with your vehicle’s wiring diagram.
2. How do I know which wire is positive and which one is negative?
The wire color codes on the Chevy Malibu speaker wiring diagram indicate which wire is positive and which one is negative. The wire with a solid color is usually the positive wire, while the wire with a stripe or dash is the negative wire.
3. Can I access the speaker wiring diagram from the car manual?
Yes, the speaker wiring diagram is contained in the car manual. You can also access it online or from a professional car audio installer.
4. What if I cannot access the color codes on the wires?
You can use a multimeter to determine the positive and negative wires. Set your multimeter to measure resistance and touch the probes on each wire. The wire with the lowest reading is the negative wire, while the other wire is the positive wire.
5. Can I upgrade my Chevy Malibu sound system myself?
Yes, you can upgrade your Chevy Malibu sound system yourself if you have the knowledge and tools required. However, it is recommended that you seek the services of a professional car audio installer to ensure that the installation is done correctly.
Conclusion
The Chevy Malibu speaker wiring diagram is essential when upgrading or installing a new sound system. The diagram helps in identifying the wires’ color codes, which aids in connecting the speakers correctly. In this article, we have provided you with a comprehensive guide to the speaker wiring diagram for the 2018 Chevy Malibu. Use this guide to upgrade your sound system with ease and enjoy the music while driving your Chevy Malibu.
