How do you replace a radio on a 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier?

Answer 1

It requires a wiring harness to relocate the factory radio, due to it being needed in order for other things to work, including alert chimes and AIRBGS. The relocation wiring kit will come with everything you need.Other than that,you need to remove the entire top of the dash, removing screws on the sides, underneath, and through the glove box.

A site that will help with this is j-body.org. It isa pain, but can be done.

If it is the same as a 2000/2001 -

You will need a "Torx/Star" drill bit or driver to remover these screws...

(STEP1-)Open drivers door

(STEP2-)Use flathead screwdriver to pop-off panel where the fuse door is. (Pop the whole thing off...not just the fuse door)

(STEP3-)Unscrew the screw closest to the A/C vent

(STEP4-)On top of your dash, there are 2 or 3 screws with the Defrost vent...remove them and the vent

(STEP5-)Open passenger door

(STEP6-)Repeat step 2 (minus the fuse door)

(STEP7-)Repeat step 3

(STEP8-)Open glove compartment

(STEP9-)There are 2 or 3 screws on the top perimiter of the glove box...remove them

(STEP10-)Using a long screwdriver or nutdriver (not sure anymore), unscrew the two "brass-looking" screws INSIDE the glove box(on the roof of the glove box) they are right in the middle. DONT DROP THEM OR THEY WILL BE GONE FOREVER! (STEP11-)That does it for the top part...just start pulling it off (If you here snaps, its normal. Because it is also held in by clips)

(STEP12-)Unscrew the screws all along the top of the front dash trim

(STEP13-)Now start pulling the dash trim away from the dash

(STEP14-)While it is off, you will have to unsnap the dimmer control (from behind) and unplug the cig lighter (From the back. Also, the actual lighter stays in the dash trim)

and yes, you have to do steps 1 thru 11. If not, you will not be able to get to the screws holding on the front dash trim. It sounds tough. After you do it the first time, its no sweat. I have actually timed myself doing it in under 2 minutes... Now, there are 4 screws holding the radio into the dash around the radio. Remove them, then replace with you new radio, then repeat the previous steps in reverse order.