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1st Gen Platform: GM Lambda Platform (GMT960) | Model Years: 2009–2017
This page provides the complete 2009–2017 Chevrolet Traverse radio wiring diagram for the 1st generation Traverse (GM Lambda platform, GMT960). Use this guide when replacing the factory head unit or troubleshooting audio in a 2009–2017 Chevrolet Traverse.
The 1st generation Traverse launched for the 2009 model year, debuting as Chevrolet’s largest crossover SUV and sharing its unibody Lambda platform with the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, and Saturn Outlook. It replaced the body-on-frame TrailBlazer and the Uplander minivan in Chevrolet’s lineup, offering three rows of seating for up to eight passengers with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available. Power came from a 3.6L V6 paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Traverse received an exterior and interior refresh for the 2013 model year and again received infotainment updates later in its run, with a 6.5-inch touchscreen becoming standard by its final years, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not yet offered on this generation. Wiring information for this generation is actively being compiled by the community.
🔗 In This Guide
2009–2017 Chevrolet Traverse Stereo Wiring Diagram
Use the wiring table below for your 2009–2017 Chevrolet Traverse stereo wire color codes, speaker wiring, and harness pinout.
| Wire Function | Wire Color & Location |
|---|---|
| Battery Constant Power Wire (12V+) | Red/White |
| Accessory Switched Power Wire (12V+) | Run a Power Wire to the Ignition Switch Harness for Switched Power |
| Ground Wire | Black/White |
| Illumination Wire | Purple/White |
| Dimmer Wire | N/A |
| Antenna Trigger Wire | White |
| Amplifier Trigger Wire | White |
| Factory Amplifier Location | Under the Driver Dash Above the Driver Kick Panel |
| Rear View Camera Video Positive (+) | N/A |
| Rear View Camera Video Negative (–) | N/A |
| Center Speaker Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| 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 (+) | Tan |
| Front Left Speaker Negative (–) | Gray |
| Front Right Speaker Positive (+) | Light Green |
| Front Right Speaker Negative (–) | Dark Green |
| 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 (+) | Brown |
| Rear Left Speaker Negative (–) | Yellow |
| Rear Right Speaker Positive (+) | Dark Blue |
| Rear Right Speaker Negative (–) | Light Blue |
| Subwoofer Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Subwoofer Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
2009–2017 Chevrolet Traverse Speaker Sizes and Locations
Use the speaker table below for your 2009–2017 Chevrolet Traverse speaker sizes and locations.
| Speakers | Speaker Size & Location |
|---|---|
| Center Speaker Size | 3 1/2″ Speakers |
| Center Speaker Location | Center of the Dash (Bose Audio) |
| Front Tweeter Speaker Size | 1″ Tweeters |
| Front Tweeter Speaker Location | A-Pillars |
| Front Speaker Size | 6 1/2″ Speakers |
| Front Speaker Location | Front Doors |
| Rear Tweeter Speaker Size | 3 1/2″ Speakers |
| Rear Tweeter Speaker Location | 3rd Row Side Panels (Bose Audio) |
| Rear Speaker Size | 6 1/2″ Speakers |
| Rear Speaker Location | Rear Doors |
| Subwoofer Speaker Size | 6 1/2″ Subwoofer |
| Subwoofer Speaker Location | Under the Center Console on the Front Passenger Side Floor (Bose Audio) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my 2009–2017 Traverse aftermarket radio only turn on with the key, not with a simple accessory wire?
The 1st generation Traverse’s factory Radio wakes up over GM’s GMLAN data bus rather than a simple switched 12V accessory wire, according to owner-shared wiring notes and GM service documentation referenced on Traverse owner forums. This is why installers sometimes tap a brown ignition-harness wire near the steering column for accessory power rather than relying on a dedicated “accessory” pin at the radio connector itself. If your Aftermarket Radio isn’t powering on as expected, this data-bus behavior is a common culprit worth checking before assuming a bad wire or connector.
Does the 2009–2017 Chevrolet Traverse have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
No. The 1st generation Traverse predates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which weren’t introduced to the Traverse lineup until the redesigned 2nd generation arrived for the 2018 model year. Later 1st gen models did add a 6.5-inch touchscreen with OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi, but smartphone mirroring wasn’t part of the factory system.
Does the 2009–2017 Traverse LTZ have a 10-speaker Bose sound system?
Yes, on many model years the top-tier LTZ trim of the 1st generation Traverse included a factory 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, while LS and LT trims used a more basic standard audio setup with fewer speakers. If you’re planning a speaker or Amplifier upgrade, confirming whether your specific Traverse has the Bose system is an important first step, since Bose components in this era can use different impedances and wiring than the standard system.
Are there capacitors or inductors in the factory speaker wiring I need to remove before installing aftermarket speakers?
On non-Bose, standard-audio 1st generation Traverse models, owner-referenced factory wiring diagrams indicate there are no inline capacitors or inductors acting as crossovers on the standard speaker wiring, meaning aftermarket speakers can generally be wired in directly at the factory connectors. Bose-equipped models are more likely to have processed or filtered signals, so it’s worth verifying your specific trim’s wiring before cutting into it.
Add Wiring Information
If you have verified 2009–2017 Chevrolet Traverse 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 1st generation Traverse owners. If you have a question about your 1st gen Chevrolet Traverse stereo installation, post it below and our community will work to find an answer.
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