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1996–2000 Chassis Codes: J2 / RD (2nd Generation) | Model Years: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000
This page provides the complete 1996–2000 Hyundai Elantra radio wiring diagram for the second-generation J2 (RD) chassis. Use this guide when installing an aftermarket head unit or troubleshooting your factory stereo in a 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, or 2000 Hyundai Elantra.
The J2 Elantra replaced the outgoing J1 model with rounder, more contemporary styling and was offered in the U.S. market as both a sedan and a wagon through the 1998 model year, after which the wagon body style was dropped from the U.S. lineup. Hyundai gave the Elantra a mid-cycle update for the 1998 model year with a new grille, revised bumpers, and restyled headlights and taillights, sometimes referenced by enthusiasts as the “J3” or “RD2” update. This facelift did not change the factory head unit connector or the core audio wiring, so the wiring and harness information on this page applies across the full 1996–2000 range for both pre-facelift and facelift sedans.
🔗 In This Guide
1996–2000 Hyundai Elantra Stereo Wiring Diagram
Use the wiring table below for your 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000 Hyundai Elantra stereo wire color codes, speaker wiring, and harness pinout.
| Wire Function | Wire Color & Location |
|---|---|
| Battery Constant Power Wire (12V+) | Light Green |
| Accessory Switched Power Wire (12V+) | Brown |
| Ground Wire | Black |
| Illumination Wire | Dark Green/White |
| Dimmer Wire | Dark Green/Black |
| Antenna Trigger Wire | N/A |
| Amplifier Trigger Wire | N/A |
| Factory Amplifier Location | N/A |
| Rear View Camera Video Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Rear View Camera Video Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
| Center Speaker Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Center Speaker Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
| Front Left Tweeter Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Front Left Tweeter Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
| Front Right Tweeter Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Front Right Tweeter Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
| Front Left Speaker Positive Wire (+) | Green/Red |
| Front Left Speaker Negative Wire (–) | Light Green/White |
| Front Right Speaker Positive Wire (+) | Red/Blue |
| Front Right Speaker Negative Wire (–) | Light Green/Black |
| Rear Left Tweeter Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Rear Left Tweeter Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
| Rear Right Tweeter Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Rear Right Tweeter Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
| Rear Left Speaker Positive Wire (+) | Yellow/White |
| Rear Left Speaker Negative Wire (–) | Yellow/Blue |
| Rear Right Speaker Positive Wire (+) | Green |
| Rear Right Speaker Negative Wire (–) | Green/Blue |
| Subwoofer Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Subwoofer Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
1996–2000 Hyundai Elantra Speaker Sizes and Locations
Use the speaker table below for your 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000 Hyundai Elantra speaker sizes and locations.
| Speakers | Speaker Size & Location |
|---|---|
| Center Speaker Size | N/A |
| Center Speaker Location | N/A |
| Front Tweeter Speaker Size | 1″ Tweeters |
| Front Tweeter Speaker Location | 1″ Tweeters |
| 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 | 6″ x 9″ Speakers |
| Rear Speaker Location | Rear Deck |
| Subwoofer Speaker Size | N/A |
| Subwoofer Speaker Location | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What harness adapter fits a 1996–2000 Hyundai Elantra radio installation?
The J2-generation Elantra uses the same general factory connector family as other mid-to-late-1990s Hyundai models, and installers commonly pair this generation with the Metra 70-1817 Wire Harness Adapter. As with any 25-plus-year-old harness, verify wire colors at the factory plug before splicing, since connector pin assignments can vary slightly between early production runs and later facelift models within the same generation.
Does the 1998 facelift change the radio wiring on the Hyundai Elantra J2?
The 1998 model year update brought a new grille, revised bumpers, and restyled headlights and taillights, but Hyundai carried over the same factory Head Unit connector and speaker wiring used on 1996 and 1997 models. A harness adapter or dash kit that fits a pre-facelift 1996–1997 Elantra will also fit a facelifted 1998–2000 model, so no separate wiring diagram is needed for the two sub-variants.
Is the wiring different between the Elantra sedan and wagon in this generation?
Hyundai offered the J2 Elantra as both a sedan and a wagon through the 1998 model year in the U.S. before dropping the wagon body style. The wagon uses the same dash-mounted Head Unit connector and front speaker wiring as the sedan, but rear speaker placement differs since the wagon’s cargo area layout is not identical to the sedan’s rear parcel shelf design. Confirm your body style before assuming rear speaker locations match a sedan-specific diagram.
Is there a factory amplifier in a 1996–2000 Hyundai Elantra?
No J2-generation Elantra sold in the U.S. market included a factory Amplifier or premium branded sound system. Every trim level, including cassette and cassette/CD combination units, powered the door speakers directly from the Head Unit. This means aftermarket head unit installs on this generation do not require an amplifier bypass harness.
Does the 1996–2000 Hyundai Elantra have steering wheel audio controls?
Steering wheel-mounted audio controls were not offered on the J2-generation Elantra. Steering wheels on this generation include only the horn button and, on some higher trims, cruise control switches unrelated to the audio system. No SWC retention module or steering wheel control interface is required when replacing the factory Head Unit on any 1996–2000 model.
Add Wiring Information
If you have verified 1996–2000 Hyundai Elantra 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 Elantra owners. If you have a question about your Hyundai Elantra stereo installation, post it below and our community will work to find an answer.