Looking to ditch that tired factory Tahoe stereo and upgrade your sound system? Not sure where or which Tahoe speaker wire you need? Need a Tahoe stereo wiring schematic to help you get the job done?
Whether you are a professional stereo shop, or you are just working out of your garage, knowing what stereo wire goes where makes all the difference in the world. Today I’ll be showing you how to install or upgrade your Tahoe stereo with ease. This Tahoe stereo wiring guide will walk you through all generations of this Chevrolet and show you what goes where.
Chevrolet Tahoe Stereo Wiring Guide
Using this Tahoe wiring guide, you can wire up anything you need. Quickly identify speaker wires, amplifier outputs and even navigation systems and Tahoe steering wheel controls with ease.
Depending on the upgrade you need or if you want to put your stock Tahoe stereo back into place? Check out this Tahoe stereo wiring guide below.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a very popular SUV / truck crossover that’s undergone several generational changes. The first generation Tahoe was built from 1992-2000 year ranges, with several BOSE and sound system upgrades during this window of time.
Depending on your Chevy Tahoe, you may or may not have the challenges of mounting brackets and the dash. If you are installing a double DIN stereo into your Tahoe, you may need brackets to ensure proper alignment. Usually however most double DIN stereos fit just fine with minor adjustments.
First generation Tahoe Stereo Wiring Diagram (1992–2000)
Like many of the Chevy’s of this era, there are a few changes to stereo wiring that could confuse you. Luckily we cover these changes depending on the upgrades to your Tahoe, Silverado, Yukon, etc. These trucks are also known as the C1500 or C2500 series vehicles, and can have different wiring depending on your Tahoe sound system.
If your Tahoe has the BOSE sound system upgrade, you will no doubt have the factory double DIN sized stereo that is found of the Chevy / GM vehicles of this era.
Car Radio Battery Constant 12v+ Wire: Orange
Car Radio Accessory Switched 12v+ Wire: Yellow
Car Radio Ground Wire: Black
Car Radio Illumination Wire: Gray
Car Stereo Dimmer Wire: Brown
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Tan
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Gray
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Light Green
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Dark Green
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Brown
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Dark Blue
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Light Blue
When upgrading your Tahoe speakers, make sure to buy the right size. With 6 1/2 inch speakers, you’ll need to swap them from the front and rear Tahoe doors come upgrade time. If you happen to own a BOSE sound system upgrade, you may or may not need a stereo wiring installation kit.
These kits make it easy for you to upgrade your Tahoe stereo without the hassle. Looking for the best price on a Tahoe stereo install kit? Check out our links below.
There are a few known issues during any Tahoe stereo upgrade that you must be aware of. One of the biggest challenges is finding a switched 12+ volt signal. Because this vehicle does not have one from the year 2000 onward, you’ll need to either tap into the steering column / ignition switch or get creative.
Either way, make sure to use the proper safety guidelines when installing or working on your Chevy Tahoe.
Second generation Tahoe Stereo Wiring Diagram (2000–2006)
For the second generation Tahoe, there’s more than a few changes. One is the integration of a factory Tahoe amplifier, which can complicate matters. Before you begin using our Chevy Tahoe stereo wiring guide, it may be a good idea to identify a few things.
- Where is my Tahoe Amplifier? If located under your seat, the wiring goes from PINK to DARK PINK / RED. If your amplifier is under your center console, it’s PINK.
- Where is my switched 12 volt signal? The Tahoe requires you to get a bit creative when it comes to this wire. Many installers recommend using the ignition switch.
2004 Chevy Silverado Stereo Wiring Diagram
Car Radio Constant 12V+ Wire: Red/White
Car Radio Switched 12V+ Wire: GMLAN Serial Data
Car Radio Ground Wire: Black
Car Radio Illumination Wire: Yellow
Car Stereo Antenna Trigger: White
Car Stereo Amp Trigger Wire: Same as Power Antenna Wire
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Tan
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Gray
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Light Green
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Dark Green
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Brown
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Dark Blue
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Light Blue
Left Subwoofer Speaker Positive Wire (+): Dark Blue/White (at subwoofer)
Left Subwoofer Speaker Negative Wire (-): Light Green/Black (at subwoofer)
Right Subwoofer Speaker Positive Wire (+): Dark Green (at subwoofer)
Right Subwoofer Speaker Negative Wire (-): Light Blue/Black (at subwoofer)
To access your Tahoe stereo amplifier, you’ll need to remove the center console to uncover it. If you opted for the BOSE upgrade, your Tahoe subwoofer is located towards the rear of the truck.
Third generation Tahoe Stereo Wiring Diagram (2007–2014)
Third generation Tahoe stereo wiring schematics shown below can have a few variations. Because the Tahoe does not provide a switched 12+ signal at the Tahoe stereo harness, you need to think outside of the box.
You can tap into the ignition switch, or use the LAN serial network connector under your dashboard. If all else fails a vampire clip to the fuse box could suffice as well.
Car Radio Battery Constant 12v+ Wire: Red/White
Car Radio Ground Wire: Black
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Tan
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Gray
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Light Green
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Dark Green
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Brown
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Dark Blue
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Light Blue
There’s a few other things with your Tahoe stereo wiring that you should be aware of. Because the Tahoe radio harness does not provide a stereo dimmer wire, you’ll need to tap into the dashboard dimmer. You can also use the LAN serial connector to accomplish this.
But wait! there’s more! Along with the dimmer wire, your Tahoe stereo wiring does not include an antenna trigger wire or amp trigger wire. This is also known as the REMOTE wire for those wh are installing aftermarket Tahoe stereos.
For those who own a Chevy Tahoe with infotainment, you can easily use a wiring harness to get your upgrade done. Utilizing any aftermarket wiring connector gets the Tahoe stereo wiring done quick and easy.
If you are looking to install an aftermarket navigation system or even a single DIN stereo with a pop-up face, you will need a install kit as well as new mounting brackets.
Fourth generation Tahoe Stereo Wiring Diagram (2015+)
There’s a lot to love about the latest generation of Tahoe. Improved interior, sound system and build quality upgrades make any Tahoe stereo install a pleasure. When using this Tahoe stereo wiring writeup, make sure you cover all the bases by purchasing the mounting kit that’s right for you.
Car Radio Battery Constant 12V+ Wire: Red/White
Car Radio Ground Wire: Black
Left Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Tan
Left Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Gray
Right Front Speaker Positive Wire (+): Light Green
Right Front Speaker Negative Wire (-): Dark Green
Much like the earlier year Tahoe trucks, there is no accessory switched 12v wire. Looking for the size of your Tahoe tweeters? They measure 3/4″ and are great upgrades for your Tahoe stereo system.
Tired of your factory speakers? Need to upgrade your rear Tahoe speakers? Look at the Chevy Tahoe stereo wiring schematic below.
Left Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Brown
Left Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Yellow
Right Rear Speaker Positive Wire (+): Dark Blue
Right Rear Speaker Negative Wire (-): Light Blue
If you want to upgrade your Chevy Tahoe, this stereo wiring guide is what you need. When upgrading the factory stereo, you can utilize an install kit to make any single, double DIN or navigation system fit.
Own a Tahoe without infotainment? You will need a modified harness kit that allows you to retain the standard Park Assist bypass or MyLink disable you would in the traditional truck.
Have any questions about this Tahoe Stereo Wiring guide? Leave them for us below and let us know! Subscribe to My Pro Street today for all the latest in automotive news, events, DIY articles and How To guides.
Awesome! Is the wiring for the 2021 non Bose system the same?