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2nd Gen Chassis Codes: EC1 • ED8 • ED9 | Model Years: 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991
This page provides the complete 1988–1991 Honda CRX radio wiring diagram for the 2nd generation CRX (USDM chassis codes EC1 for DX/HF models, ED8 for the standard/DX, and ED9 for the Si). Use this guide when installing an aftermarket head unit or troubleshooting your factory stereo in a 1988, 1989, 1990, or 1991 Honda CRX.
The 2nd generation CRX shares its EF platform with the 4th generation Civic hatchback and was one of the most popular sport compacts of the late 1980s and early 1990s. It remained a two-seat design with no rear seating. The Si trim with its DOHC ZC or D16 engine became highly sought after for both performance and audio builds. Unlike the 1st gen, the 2nd gen CRX used Honda’s standardized radio connector and had defined front door speaker locations on Si and higher trim levels, making aftermarket audio installation considerably more accessible than on its predecessor. The CRX HF continued to be offered in an audio-delete configuration on some models.
🔗 In This Guide
1988–1991 Honda CRX Stereo Wiring Diagram
Use the wiring table below for your 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991 Honda CRX stereo wire color codes, speaker wiring, and harness pinout.
| Wire Function | Wire Color & Location |
|---|---|
| Battery Constant Power Wire (12V+) | Blue/White |
| Accessory Switched Power Wire (12V+) | Yellow/Red |
| Ground Wire | Black |
| Illumination Wire | N/A |
| Dimmer Wire | Red/Black |
| Antenna Trigger Wire | N/A |
| Amplifier Trigger Wire | N/A |
| Factory Amplifier Location | N/A |
| Rear View Camera Video Positive (+) | N/A |
| Rear View Camera Video Negative (–) | N/A |
| Dash Center Speaker Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Dash Center Speaker Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
| Front Left Tweeter Positive (+) | N/A |
| Front Left Tweeter Negative (–) | N/A |
| Front Right Tweeter Positive (+) | N/A |
| Front Right Tweeter Negative (–) | N/A |
| Front Left Speaker Positive (+) | Blue/Green |
| Front Left Speaker Negative (–) | Gray/Black |
| Front Right Speaker Positive (+) | Red/Green |
| Front Right Speaker Negative (–) | Brown/Black |
| Rear Left Tweeter Positive (+) | N/A |
| Rear Left Tweeter Negative (–) | N/A |
| Rear Right Tweeter Positive (+) | N/A |
| Rear Right Tweeter Negative (–) | N/A |
| Rear Left Speaker Positive (+) | Blue/Yellow |
| Rear Left Speaker Negative (–) | Gray/White |
| Rear Right Speaker Positive (+) | Red/Yellow |
| Rear Right Speaker Negative (–) | Brown/White |
| Subwoofer Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Subwoofer Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
1988–1991 Honda CRX Speaker Sizes and Locations
Use the speaker table below for your 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991 Honda CRX speaker sizes and locations.
| Speakers | Speaker Size & Location |
|---|---|
| Front Tweeter Speaker Size | N/A |
| Front Tweeter Speaker Location | N/A |
| Front Speaker Size | 6 1/2″ Speakers |
| Front Speaker Location | Front Doors |
| Rear Tweeter Speaker Size | N/A |
| Rear Tweeter Speaker Location | N/A |
| Rear Speaker Size | 5 1/4″ Speakers |
| Rear Speaker Location | Rear Strut Towers (All models came pre-wired for them from the factory. To mount rear speakers, the car required an optional dealer-accessory plastic trim kit/baskets that capped the rear strut towers.) |
| Subwoofer Speaker Size | N/A |
| Subwoofer Speaker Location | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What wiring harness adapter fits a 1988–1991 Honda CRX?
The 2nd generation CRX uses a Honda radio connector compatible with Metra 70-1720 Wire Harness Adapter or Metra 70-1721 Harness Adapter. The Metra 71-1720 is the factory-connector-side repair harness that plugs into the OEM radio socket. These adapters are widely available and allow a clean aftermarket installation without cutting the factory wiring. The 2nd gen CRX shares its radio connector with the 4th generation Civic hatchback of the same era, so harness adapters for either vehicle are interchangeable.
Does the 1988–1991 Honda CRX have rear speakers?
No. The 2nd generation CRX is a strict two-seat vehicle with no rear seating area and therefore no factory Rear Speakers locations of any kind. The wiring table on this page shows rear speaker rows for reference consistency, but there are no rear speakers and no rear speaker wiring in any factory CRX configuration. All factory audio output is routed to the front door or dashboard speaker locations only. Any rear audio additions require custom fabrication and new wiring runs.
What size are the front speakers in a 1988–1991 Honda CRX Si?
The 2nd generation CRX Si uses 6 1/2″ Speakers in the front door panels. Standard and HF trims may use a dashboard-mounted speaker rather than door-mounted speakers depending on the configuration. When replacing the front door speakers in a 2nd gen CRX Si, standard 6 1/2″ Aftermarket Speakers fit the factory location. Speaker mounting depth is a consideration given the slim door construction — select speakers with a mounting depth under 2.5 inches to avoid clearance issues with the door panel internals.
Was the 1988–1991 Honda CRX HF sold without a radio?
Yes. The CRX HF continued the tradition of the 1st gen HF by being offered without a factory Radio on many configurations. Weight reduction was a primary engineering goal for the HF trim, and the radio, speakers, and associated wiring were deleted to reduce mass. Some CRX HF models were sold with a radio fitted, but it was not standard. Always verify whether your HF has factory audio wiring before purchasing harness adapters, as the wiring may not be present behind the dashboard.
Does the 1988–1991 Honda CRX have steering wheel audio controls?
No. Steering wheel audio controls were not available on any 2nd generation CRX trim. The steering wheel in all CRX models includes only the horn. No steering wheel control retention interface is needed when replacing the Head Unit in any 1988–1991 CRX — simply connect the harness adapter and install the new head unit without any SWC wiring.
Add Wiring Information
If you have verified 1988–1991 Honda CRX radio wiring data — wire colors, pin locations, harness adapter tips, or speaker sizes — please share it in the comments below. Community-submitted data is reviewed and added to the table above to help other Honda CRX owners. If you have a question about your Honda CRX stereo installation, post it below and our community will work to find an answer.
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