When swapping out a factory radio for an aftermarket radio, a wiring harness is a must. have in order to power on your new radio. Oftentimes, the wire colors in your factory harness will be different from the new wire colors in your aftermarket harness. This blog post will help you decode the factory wiring harness ford radio wire harness color codes.
Things to consider:
- One of the most important things to know when installing a new radio is what wires power and what functions. Depending on how your vehicle is equipped, there can be up to 14 functions that need to be powered by the new radio’s wiring harness.
- The most important functions are: constant 12V+ power, switched 12V+ power, ground, speakers (left front+, left front-, right front+, right front-, left rear+, left rear-, right rear+, right rear-), and antenna/remote turn on.
If any of these are not hooked up correctly, the radio may not work correctly or at all. In some cases, additional features such as an amplifier turn-on or steering wheel controls may need to be connected as well. To avoid any issues, it is always best to consult a professional when installing a new radio.
The importance of the color codes:
Many people choose to install aftermarket radio head units in their vehicles, which usually require a new stereo wiring harness. These harnesses provide an easy way to connect your new radio to your vehicle’s existing electrical system.
One of the most important aspects of choosing the right wiring harness is making sure that it uses the correct wire colors.
- Most vehicles use a standard set of color codes for their electrical systems, and many aftermarket radio manufacturers use these same codes in their products. As a result, it is important to choose a wiring harness that uses the same color codes as your vehicle.
- Using the wrong colors can cause electrical problems and may even void your vehicle’s warranty.
Fortunately, many reputable brands offer wiring harnesses that are specifically designed for use with specific vehicle models. By taking the time to select the right product, you can ensure that your aftermarket radio will be properly installed and will function as intended.
The color codes to look at
When it comes to wire colors, each manufacturer uses a different color code for their vehicles. Ford is no different. Here is a list of common wire colors and what they each correspond to for a Ford factory radio:
- Constant 12V+ Power = Light Green
- Switched 12V+ Power = Yellow
- Ground = Black
- Speakers (Left Front+) = Gray/Black
- Left Front-) = Lt. Blue/Black
- Right Front+) = Tan/Black
- Right Front-) = Orange/Black
- Left Rear+) = Dark Green/Black
- Left Rear-) = Brown/Black
- Right Rear+) = Violet/Black
- Right Rear-) = Pink/Black
Endnote:
Depending on your particular vehicle and model year, there may be additional wires that need to be hooked up or certain wires that are not used. Again, it is always best to consult a professional to ensure that everything is properly installed and working correctly. Happy installing!