A guide to car stereo wiring harnesses
Getting a handle on all those wires
While they can look like some sort of multicolor pasta dish, wiring harnesses help you connect your new car stereo to your vehicle's wiring. In this article, we'll explain the different types of harnesses and adapters that Crutchfield offers and how they're helpful when installing your new car stereo.
We'll also touch on some of the other types of adapters that might be needed for installing other audio gear.
Car stereo wiring harnesses
Each vehicle has a different wiring story. Sometimes you have a choice of harnesses that will work in your car. Other times, you might need more than one harness to complete the installation. Our customers often refer to these as "Crutchfield wiring harnesses," but the fact is that they come from several different manufacturers. We just try to make sure you get the one you need when you shop with us.
The basic wiring harness
These represent the most common type of wiring harnesses. They offer connections for the power and speaker wires. They can also include connections for the new stereo's ground and illumination wires.
Using the wiring diagram that Crutchfield supplies, these harnesses enable you to match up the wires for each connection to the new stereo's wiring harness. Once that's done, you plug the other end of the harness into your car's wiring connector (the one that was plugged into the factory radio). Using your car's factory stereo plug wiring connector is the key to installing a new stereo without damaging your vehicle's electronics, especially in modern vehicles, which we'll discuss next.
Specialized wiring harnesses
Vehicle audio systems, electrical systems, and convenience features have come a long way. So, the harnesses had to evolve to handle the complex wiring and data information that modern cars use.
Connections at a distant location
In some vehicles, you need to plug in the harness somewhere other than behind the radio. A great example is a common version of the Ford Taurus, where the factory amp and radio tuner are located in the vehicle's trunk. These harnesses often consist of a basic wiring scheme that has wires long enough to reach the necessary destination. In the case of the Taurus, the adapter includes 20' of speaker wire to reach the trunk.
Hook up your new radio by bypassing the factory amp
A vehicle's stereo system sometimes has a separate amplifier, and when installing a new receiver, you generally need to connect the new stereo's speaker wires to the factory amp's output section. These amp bypass harnesses allow you to use the power from the new car stereo to drive your speakers and not rely on factory power.
These harnesses tend to be more affordable than amplifier integration adapters (below), but can involve more work if the amplifier is in a remote location, like under a seat or in the trunk.
Factory amplifier integration harnesses can include gain controls to reduce distortion.
Keep the factory amp in play
Many wiring harnesses can let you keep your vehicle's factory amplifier when replacing the stock radio. They include connections that directly tie the outputs of your new car stereo into the factory amplifier's inputs. So, you'll be using the factory power for your speakers, instead of the power from your new radio.
These harnesses can sometimes shorten the installation time, since wires often do not have to be run to the factory amplifier location, but they tend to be more expensive than the bypass harnesses above. You may also see a module connected in these harnesses — they include adjustments that enable you to properly integrate your stereo's speaker outputs and the factory amp's inputs to keep your music clear.
Retain those important audible safety alerts
In many vehicles, the audible safety alerts are integrated into the factory radio. When you replace that radio, these warning sounds are lost, and that's dangerous. Thus, these vehicles require a special harness to keep these audible tones working when you install a new stereo. Fortunately, these harnesses also take care of all of the basic stereo connections.
Hang on to factory conveniences you love
Today's cars include an ever-growing number of features built into the factory radios, which complicate wiring connections immensely. They can include things like Ford SYNC®, GM OnStar®, Chrysler Uconnect®, and steering wheel audio controls for the stereo and your phone.
When you replace the factory radio in these vehicles, a more-robust type of integration adapters is needed in order to have these features work with your new stereo.
Some integration adapters, like the iDatalink Maestro, even enable you to download programming for specific receivers and vehicles so you can keep as much of the factory functionality as possible.
This integration package includes the dash kit, connections, and brackets for a installing a stereo in a Ford F-150.
Packages that connect and secure your radio
There are also vehicles that not only have a complicated wiring scheme, but they also have a unique dash layout. Integration adapters for these vehicles include both the wiring connections and a custom dash kit to get your new receiver installed.
These generally include just about everything you need to get the receiver connected, mounted in the dash, and retain many of beneficial factory features, such as electronic climate controls.
Additional adapters for car stereo installations
Sometimes, a wiring harness won't take care of everything and you need additional adapters to install a new stereo. They can help with a specific connection or allow you to keep a factory feature.
Antenna adapters
Many factory AM/FM antenna connectors simply plug into the antenna port on the rear of a new receiver. However, some vehicles have an antenna connector with a different shape or are part of an amplified antenna system. In these cases, an antenna adapter becomes necessary for your radio installation so you can keep your AM/FM stations playing.
Steering wheel audio control adapters
Modern vehicles often include steering wheel controls to let you safely operate your factory audio system without taking your hands off the wheel. These functions include volume controls, track forward/back, and hands-free calling controls. In most cases, those controls won't work after replacing the factory radio. Thankfully, steering wheel control adapters help integrate these controls with many new stereos, so you can keep using these handy controls with your new stereo.
Learn more about these adapters in our steering wheel control adapter article.
Speaker wiring harnesses
While they don't directly help with car stereo installations, the speaker wiring harnesses we offer let you use the factory speaker wires for your new speakers, just like car stereo harnesses. Their plugs match the factory speaker wiring plugs in the vehicle, and the other ends slide over the new speakers' terminals. That way, you don't have to run new wire from the radio to all the speaker locations in your vehicle or cut factory wires. These adapters are also free with a car speaker purchase from Crutchfield.
How do I know what I need?
We'll show you! You can use our OutfitMyCar™ application or contact one of our expert advisors for help choosing the right harnesses to work with your vehicle. They can also answer any questions you have about the installation and give you some idea about how difficult it'll be — some vehicles are easier than others. You can reach them at 1-888-955-6000 or via chat or email.
Best Sellers in Car Stereo Installation Parts
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Juan Rodriguez from San Dimas
Posted on 9/27/2019Ok my girlfriend has a 2013 nissan versa sv factory radio, she bought a newer factory radio from a 2016 or 2017 nissan versa, because she wanted bluetooth, but her factory radio has only 2 plugs and the newer radio has 4 plugs. PLEASE HELP.
Alexander H. from Crutchfield on 9/30/2019Juan, we won't be able to help with the replacement factory radio, but if she'd like to upgrade to Bluetooth, we have lots of aftermarket options. Just give us a call. Regarding the new factory radio she bought, her best option is to check with a Nissan dealership about compatibility.Al from Vista
Posted on 6/29/2019I have the 2019 Toyota sienna se and I wanna add the high and low converter but can find any info about the stereo wiring diagram.
Alexander H. from Crutchfield on 7/1/2019Al, our Tech Support team can definitely help. If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details. Also, this overview of Line Output Converters might be worth a look.Jamie Hare from Goldsboro
Posted on 3/10/2019What wire harnesses interchange with jvc kw-v21bt?
Alexander H. from Crutchfield on 3/10/2019Jamie, the idea is to select a vehicle-specific harness in order to integrate your JVC and retain certain factory features or to make installation a little easier. So, we'd need details about your vehicle to help. Give us a call and an Advisor can help you find the right harness for your vehicle and radio.Ryan Manor from Nashville Tn
Posted on 2/5/2019Does anyone have the wiring harness chart for a 2006 Acura Tl. Basically im trying to hook up a line out converter and I'm doing it from behind the radio. I cant figure out which wires are the speaker wires. I just need to be able too tap into the speaker wire to get sound going to converter which outputs the RCA cables
Craig
Posted on 6/17/2018Do I really need an o star adapter to my aftermarket headunit? I dont care about onstar. I have an aftermarket headunit I want to install
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield on 6/20/2018Craig, that's up to you. If you don't need to keep Onstar, then no need to worry about integration. However, some wiring harnesses are multi-function, and while you may not care about keeping one factory feature, said harness may allow you to keep another feature that you care about. You can use our vehicle selector when you choose your stereo and get info on how to keep the factory features that matter to you. Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 11/20/2017Dave, thanks for the catch. We've fixed that link. As far as aftermarket connectors go, they tend to be brand-specific, but that shouldn't interfere with installation because a wiring harness is provided with your stereo. If you buy used and don't get one for some reason, then a) contact the manufacturer for a replacement.
Dave Burton from Cary
Posted on 11/11/20171. Could you please discuss the different types of connectors on aftermarket radios. I've seen several different types: a. "ISO" which is a pair of 8-pin connectors, and b. A single 20-pin connector (two rows of ten pins) c. A single 16-pin Kenwood connector and probably others 2. In your reply to Alex from Miamisberg you typo'd the antenna adapter link; it should be: www.crutchfield.com/p_12040cr20/Metra-40-CR20-Antenna-Adapter.html
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 10/30/2017Hi Ann, if you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
ann from Downingtown
Posted on 10/30/2017bought a harness for honda accord it has an illumination wire with no match to the new stereo. While Stereo has "parking sensor control" wire and "key" wire with no matche to the harness.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 7/28/2017Robert, if you have a question about a specific wiring harness, give us a call.
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Robert from Fresno
Posted on 7/27/2017How would I know what gauge they are
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 3/28/2017Isaac, if you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Isaac from NY
Posted on 3/26/2017Hey, I've got an 07 Ford Taurus for which I'd like to find out which speakers (and what polarity) these wires connect to. Would you be able to assist me? Pink and off white Black and green Grey Blue and white Red and yellow Red and yellow Grey and red Light green and black Tan Tan and light blue Light blue and pink Red and black
Steve Carter from Redmond
Posted on 3/18/2017I have Kenwood KDC 232 . I have a vintage sparkomatic LC52 40 watt amplifier booster . On the back of the power booster there is 2 screws that are R + and L + . There are 4 other screws for the speakers . How do you connect the power booster to the stereo ?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 3/6/2017Jesse, give us a call. We have the harness you'd need, but we'd need to confirm your trim package and some details on your new stereo first.
Jesse from Gaffney
Posted on 3/5/2017I have a 1997 ford mustang I a 3 harness hookups I couldn't find the adapter to put on the wiring harness to put my new radio in I pulled the stock one out and I can't figure out which one is the ignition wire or otherwise known as the accessory wire I got all the speaker wires hooked up the ground and the power but I still don't have power to my aftermarket radios for some reason? Do you think you can help me out
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 1/13/2017Zach, you can search our online Knowledge Base for wiring information. Or if you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Zach from Traer
Posted on 1/12/2017I have 2 wiring harnesses that I purchased for my 1992 Oldsmobile cutlass ciera. Neither one of them have the right connection to put in an aftermarket radio. On the package it says this harness should fit my vehicle. Can you help me out?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 1/11/2017Matt, we don't recommend using the antenna wire. For help with wiring, call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting any Crutchfield purchase. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Matt B from apex
Posted on 1/9/2017I am trying to put subwoofers in my car. I have a wiring harness hooked up to my new radio. Would I splice the remote wire from my amp into the antenna wire on the radio and the antenna wire on the harness? Or how would I connect it
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 1/3/2017Caleb, we'd need to know a bit more about the head unit. If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Caleb from ATASCADERO, CA
Posted on 12/28/2016Trying to figure out where to hook the "system remote control" blue/white wire from my pioneer HU to the PAC interface for my 2008 Toyota Tundra? There are two blue/white wires on the interface side I need to know which one to connect to? Thanks!
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 11/30/2016Gary, sorry, but I can't tell what your question is. If you're replacing your stereo, you won't need to worry about the input you describe. You'll need this harness, however, to add an aftermarket stereo. You can use our vehicle selector to confirm which stereos fit your car and get some info on what else is needed for the installation, or just give us a call.
Gary from Los Angeles
Posted on 11/29/2016Hi, I have a 2003 Suzuki Aerio sx. I pulled out the radio and I notice a port that's not connected to anything it's black in a Hape of a square. It also has like little holes inside of it. If you want a cure the me know. But I will to at is the I called.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 10/10/2016Alex, if you don't care about OnStar, then this this harness will retain your warning chimes. Additionally, you'll need this antenna adapter if you don't have one already.
Alex from Miamisburg
Posted on 10/8/2016I have a 2012 malibu with onstar, do I have to get the fancy wiring harness or can I just get a basic one? I don't use the onstar .
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 9/19/2016Dan, take a look at this video on how to install an amplifier as well as the included links. Keep in mind that if you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. Just give us a call.
Dan from Nyc
Posted on 9/14/2016I need to wire my pioneer gmd1004 to the battery, how will I attach the power cable to the harness? It's 10 gauge I'm using with a 15 amp inline blade fuse. And would my ground go into the harness or to the body of the car as I've gone straight to the battery?
Dave Delamere from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/3/2016Will, since you bought your Pioneer radio at Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. Their toll-free number is on your invoice.
Will from Phoenix
Posted on 7/31/2016Who or where can I purchase a wiring harness that will allow me to use my factory amp and sub for my 2000 Chevy Tahoe with the non-Bose factory amp and subwoofer? I purchased a Pioneer system from Crutchfield and I was also sent a basic install kit that came with a wiring harness as part of the install. The problem is I am still getting no sound. After doing some research and some troubleshooting I found out that the basic harness may not work (not sure how much truth there is to that) if I have a factory amp and sub. Thanks!
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 7/25/2016Bon, factory radio design will vary from make to make, model to model, and year to year, so without more information, we won't be able to answer your question. But give us a call! If you're looking to replace your factory radio, we have everything needed to upgrade most vehicles.
Bon from Fort McCoy
Posted on 7/25/2016Why is there two plug-ins in the back of my radio stock radio
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 7/11/2016Jaxon, you'll use Posi Products to connect the aftermarket stereo's harness to a vehicle-specific harness. That vehicle-specific harness will then plug directly into the factory harness.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 7/11/2016Noah, if I had to guess, it sounds like the splitter you purchased is for audio output -- to split one signal and direct it to two places (rather than vice versa). You'll need some sort of switcher. Unfortunately, we don't carry one for vehicle use.
Jaxon
Posted on 7/10/2016Hello, is this a wiring harness that just plugs in where you don't have to strip wires and hook up up that way?
Noah from Menifee
Posted on 7/6/2016Hi, I bought one of those aux input adapters for my JBL 6 disk cd player for my Highlander 2007 (with navigation) I also bought a basic Y cable so that the navi could still be connected. Now when I press the cd button twice, like on all of these aux adapters, It says no disk. Putting a cd in wont switch it over either. But, when I disconnect the navi display, pressing the cd button twice does work. So, is it possibly the Y adapter, or do I need another aux adapter device? Is there one under $50 that you could recommend. I only payed $22 for mine, and it does sound wonderful, despite loosing the display. Thanks
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 3/7/2016Royce, if you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Royce Hammock from Winter Garden, Fl
Posted on 3/5/2016I am installing a stereo in my boat and would like to maintain the various wiring colors from the back of the unit all the way to the endpoint destination. I'm having a difficult time finding a source for the 4 different color combinations for the speakers. E.g. Purple-purple/black, grey-grey black, green-green/black, and the 4th one that I can't remember. Any suggestions?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 12/23/2015Rob, unfortunately, our vehicle database only spans vehicles sold within the United States.
Rob Harrison from Christchurch
Posted on 12/23/2015Hi I have a 2001 Renault Clio and am looking to replace the factory head unit with a more modern one with AUX etc. I'm just wondering if you know what type of harness adapter I would need. Cheers.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 9/10/2015Andy, you may be able to find the wiring info you need in our online Knowledge Base.
Andy from Michigan
Posted on 9/10/2015In need of wiring diagram for 2000 sable WITH climate control. I can't seem to find just a harness for a radio install. I'm not paying 180 for a dash kit but need to know the wires so I can hook up my radio. Thank you
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 9/8/2015Billy, there are many potential causes to your problem. A good first start would be to retrace your installation steps and recheck all of your connections to make sure they are secure. Any interruption of signal from the radio to the speakers will cause them to function improperly. If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
billy pennington from Tompkinsville
Posted on 9/5/2015I have a Nissan pickup with a pioneer head unit put new speakers and wires from head unit to speakers now radio won't put out any sound
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/17/2015Nancy, the pink wire triggers an amplifier relay that supplies power to the orange wire at the amp. You'll find wiring information for your vehicle in our online Knowledge Base. Using the 70-1858 harness with the eight-speaker system, you'll need to make sure that the amp remote wire on your new stereo is connected to the blue wire on the harness. If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
Nancy from Tacoma
Posted on 8/17/2015I find most of these comment not really very helpful, as I have installed many stereos and even the 99 Tahoe w/amp hook up the remote wire so the amp is powered up but I find sometimes information is left out,,, would it not be easier to remove the plug on the bottom of the amp and run a ign hot to same, as I can't get it to work...?? it should I have test the deck in another auto and all is fine, so it is in the wiring using a meter 70-1858 I thought it should be the 1859 which has a power wire for the amp?? I'm lost... If you can help please educate me... as I have the blue wire for power ant/remote hooked to the factory wire which in turns goes to pink on the back side... when I turn the car on the deck doesn't not come on but the rear amp speaker click and so does the amp... what am I not doing?? Ask 10 people get 10 answers like where is the amp mine is by the gas pedal not behind the glove box which would be better I think to get to.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 8/10/2015Alec, the brown wire is unrelated to your problem. The fact that the problem occurs when you turn to the ignition points me to the red ignition wire. A look at the wiring diagram in your new receiver's manual says that the red ignition wire must be wired into the car's fuse block if your factory wiring harness doesn't have a 12 volt ignition switch wire. The easier and inexpensive way to go would be to use a vehicle-specific wiring harness to connect your stereo. Give us a call, and an advisor can help you with the harnesses you'll need for a satisfying installation.
Alec from Hooksett
Posted on 8/7/2015Hi, i have a 2006 dodge stratus, and when i attach the radio (jvc kd-r760) to the car, i can turn the car in the "on position and the radio works, turns on, i can setup settings and everything, but when i go to start it i get a wiring/fuse malfunction error code. I can re-instal my old radio and it works fine. There is a brown wire on my harness that says :mute/not used. Should i disconnect this wire, or is there another problem? I know the brown is a mute for onstar/bluetooth from what ive researched, and my car has neither. Is it a problem that my original witing does not support that wire? Help would be greatly appreciated
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 6/29/2015Wes. Yes, it is possible. You'll need a vehicle-specific wiring harness and a steering wheel adapter. I've passed your information on to a Crutchfield advisor, who will contact you soon to help.
wes from mesa, az
Posted on 6/25/2015I have a 2005 Pontiac GTO. I'm trying to find out what wiring components I need to use aftermarket radio and keep the factory amp and speakers and also steering wheel controls. Is that possible?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 6/12/2015Russ, Pioneer does not disclose how to bypass the video safety feature. But they weren't thinking about boat owners. Try contacting Pioneer support at 1-800-421-1404.
Russ
Posted on 6/12/2015how do I install a video bypass for a AVH-4100NEX for my boat?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/27/2015Richard, if you have a particular aftermarket stereo in mind that you'd like to integrate, the easiest thing to do is input your info in our vehicle selector and select your stereo of choice. You will be shown your options for retaining factory features. If you have any questions, just give us a call at 1.888.955.6000
Richard Steinbach from United States
Posted on 5/26/2015I have a 2000 Dodge Durango with infinity system that I need a pigtail with the connectors that plug into the original stereo.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 5/13/2015Sebrina, you should be able to find what you're looking for on our tech support page. Click the blue button that reads "Search Knowledge Base" and type in your complete year/make/model information in the resulting search field. In your case you'll also need to know if your vehicle has the Bose system and/or OnStar. If you'd like a vehicle-specific wiring harness for an easier installation, just give us a call, and an advisor will be able to help you.
sebrina
Posted on 5/13/2015i have a 2004 cheve Silverado we r looking how to do stereo wires diagram please help
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