One of the most popular sport crossovers of all time, there are many stereo upgrades for the Honda CRV. When you want to step up your car audio system in your Honda, you can take it to a professional for your CRV stereo install, or do it yourself. In order to install your Honda stereo on your own, you’ll need a complete CRV stereo wiring diagram.
Today I’ll be showing you what car stereo wires do what in every year range of Honda CRV. This comprehensive CRV stereo wiring schematic will take the guesswork out of your radio install. Upgrading your CRV radio or installing an aftermarket navigation system can be done easily with our car stereo wiring guide.
Whether you are a professional or just a shadetree mechanic, this guide has all the wiring information you need. Upgrade your speakers or car audio amplifier with our CRV radio wiring guide. We will begin with the first generation of Honda CR-V.
First Gen CRV stereo wiring guide 1997–2001
The early Honda CR-V came with the non-VTEC version of the popular DOHC B series engine. As you would expect this Honda used a double DIN radio opening, with a single DIN pocket under the factory stereo.
Radio Constant 12V+ Wire: White/Blue
Radio Switched 12V+ Wire: Yellow/Red
Radio Ground Wire: Black
Radio Illumination Dimmer Wire: Red/Black
The front Honda CRV speakers are mounted into the door panels and are easily accessed if you need to upgrade them.
Left Front Speaker Wire (+): Blue
Left Front Speaker Wire (-): Gray/Black
Right Front Speaker Wire (+): Red/Green
Right Front Speaker Wire (-): Brown/Black
When installing a single DIN aftermarket stereo, you can use the factory mounting brackets.
To connect a car stereo amplifier to your rear speakers, you can wire them directly in through the CRV wiring harness. These rear speakers are 6 1/2″ in size and mounted into the rear side panels of your Honda CRV.
Left Rear Speaker Wire (+): Blue/Yellow
Left Rear Speaker Wire (-): Gray/White
Right Rear Speaker Wire (+): Red/Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Wire (-): Brown/White
Second Gen CRV stereo wiring guide 2002–2006
With a fresh redesign and redone center console, this generation of Honda CRV features a double DIN sized pocket as the stereo mounting location.
Radio Switched Ignition 12V+ Wire: Yellow/Red or Yellow/Green
Radio Ground Wire: Black
Radio Illumination Dimmer Wire: Red/Black
Removal of your factory stereo is also done by removing the front plastic fascia.
Once this radio is removed, you can install a double DIN unit with using aftermarket stero mounting guides.
Left Front Speaker Wire (+): Green/Black
Left Front Speaker Wire (-): Light Green
Right Front Speaker Wire (+): Green/Yellow
Right Front Speaker Wire (-): Gray/Red
When connecting your rear speakers, you’ll need to rewire the factory harness. You can make a stereo install easier by using a plug and play stereo harness, but if you don’t have that our CRV Stereo Wiring can help you save money and time.
Left Rear Speaker Wire (-): Blue/Black
Right Rear Speaker Wire (+): Pink
Right Rear Speaker Wire (-): Blue/Yellow
This is the last generation of Honda CRV that will not require a custom radio install kit.
Most of these aftermarket install kits include a replacement face that will help bring back the OEM appearance of your stereo and dashboard.
Third Gen CRV stereo wiring guide 2007–2011
When installing an aftermarket stereo into this generation of Honda, you will require a custom mounting kit. This kit will also need a faceplate that will surround your upgraded radio.
Car Radio Battery Constant 12v+ Wire: Orange
Car Radio Accessory Switched 12v+ Wire: White
Car Radio Ground Wire: Black
Car Radio Illumination Wire: Gray
Car Stereo Dimmer Wire: Red
Car Stereo Power Antenna Trigger Wire: Black
Most of the premium Honda CRV stereos will also include a factory car stereo amplifier. If your CRV comes with a subwoofer, you can access this through your rear CRV compartment.
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Light Green
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Green
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): White
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Yellow
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Gray
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Brown
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Blue
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Orange
Our 2012+ Honda CRV stereo wiring guide is still in the works, but as you can see from the image to the left, install is very difficult.
We have installed a double DIN stereo into this model of Honda CRV, so we will be sharing our wiring pinout shortly.
Have any questions about our Honda CRV stereo wiring diagram? Leave us a comment below and let us know!