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4th Gen Chassis Codes: RM1 • RM2 • RM3 • RM4 | Model Years: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016
This page provides the complete 2012–2016 Honda CR-V radio wiring diagram for the 4th generation CR-V (chassis codes RM1, RM2, RM3, and RM4). Use this guide when replacing the factory head unit or diagnosing stereo issues in a 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, or 2016 Honda CR-V.
The 4th generation CR-V featured Honda’s updated infotainment system with a touchscreen display on EX and above trims. EX-L with Navigation trims use a factory GPS unit integrated into the head unit, requiring a bypass harness for aftermarket radio installation. A steering wheel control retention interface is recommended on all trims equipped with factory SWC buttons. Front and rear door speakers were standard across all trim levels.
🔗 In This Guide
2012–2016 Honda CR-V Stereo Wiring Diagram
Use the wiring table below for your 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Honda CR-V stereo wire color codes, speaker wiring, and harness pinout.
| Wire Function | Wire Color & Location |
|---|---|
| Battery Constant Power Wire (12V+) | Red (Pin 13 in 24-Pin Plug) |
| Accessory Switched Power Wire (12V+) | Violet (Pin 23 in 24-Pin Plug) |
| Ground Wire | Black (Pin 1 in 24-Pin Plug) |
![]() (Simple Radio Install, Keep Steering Wheel Controls and Use Factory Amplifier) |
|
| Illumination Wire | N/A |
| Dimmer Wire | N/A |
| Antenna Trigger Wire | Black (Pin 1 in 3-Pin Plug) |
| Amplifier Trigger Wire | Red (Pin 20 in 24-Pin Plug) |
| Factory Amplifier Location | Behind the Shifter. |
| 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 (+) | Purple (At Amplifier) |
| Front Left Tweeter Negative (–) | Pink (At Amplifier) |
| Front Right Tweeter Positive (+) | Red (At Amplifier) |
| Front Right Tweeter Negative (–) | Blue (At Amplifier) |
| Front Left Speaker Positive (+) | White (At Radio) or White (At Amplifier) |
| Front Left Speaker Negative (–) | Black (At Radio) or Black (At Amplifier) |
| Front Right Speaker Positive (+) | Red (At Radio) or Red (At Amplifier) |
| Front Right Speaker Negative (–) | Green (At Radio) or Green (At Amplifier) |
| 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 (At Radio) or Blue (At Amplifier) |
| Rear Left Speaker Negative (–) | Pink (At Radio) or Pink (At Amplifier) |
| Rear Right Speaker Positive (+) | Light Blue (At Radio) or Blue (At Amplifier) |
| Rear Right Speaker Negative (–) | Purple (At Radio) or Pink (At Amplifier) |
| Subwoofer Positive Wire (+) | Light Blue (At Radio) or Green (At Amplifier) |
| Subwoofer Negative Wire (–) | Purple (At Radio) or Black (At Amplifier) |
2012–2016 Honda CR-V Speaker Sizes and Locations
Use the speaker table below for your 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Honda CR-V speaker sizes and locations.
| Speakers | Speaker Size & Location |
|---|---|
| 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 | N/A |
| Rear Tweeter Speaker Location | N/A |
| Rear Speaker Size | 6 1/2″ Speakers |
| Rear Speaker Location | Rear Doors |
| Subwoofer Speaker Size | N/A |
| Subwoofer Speaker Location | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What wiring harness adapter fits a 2012–2016 Honda CR-V?
The 4th generation CR-V uses a connector compatible with the Metra 70-1729 Wire Harness Adapter for non-amplified trims. EX-L with Navigation trims require additional bypass harnesses for the navigation unit and backup camera. Confirm your trim and whether navigation is present before ordering, as the connector layout differs between navigation and non-navigation models.
Does the 2012–2016 Honda CR-V have a factory amplifier?
The standard audio system in most 4th generation CR-V trims does not include a factory amplifier. However, some EX-L models sold in certain markets were equipped with an upgraded audio system that included a separate Amplifier. Verify your specific configuration by checking for the presence of a multi-pin connector near the head unit that routes signal to an external location.
How do I retain steering wheel controls in a 2012–2016 Honda CR-V?
The 4th generation CR-V uses Honda’s CAN-bus steering wheel control system on EX and EX-L trims. A CAN-bus compatible SWC retention interface such as the iDatalink ADS-MSW or PAC SWI-CP2 is required to retain steering wheel audio functions. Standard resistor-based interfaces will not work with the CAN-bus SWC system on this generation.
What is the factory rear cargo speaker situation in a 2012–2016 Honda CR-V?
The 4th generation CR-V does not include a factory speaker in the rear cargo area on any trim level. All factory speakers are located in the four doors. If adding audio to the cargo area, new speaker wire runs and custom mounting are required. Some owners install a Compact Powered Subwoofer in the cargo area using speaker-level inputs from the rear door speaker wires.
What size are the factory door speakers in a 2012–2016 Honda CR-V?
The 4th generation CR-V uses 6 1/2″ Speakers in all four doors. These are a standard size with good aftermarket support. The door mounting depth on the 4th gen is sufficient for most standard-depth 6 1/2″ Speakers without spacer rings. Sound deadening on the inside of the door panels in this generation will noticeably improve the performance of upgraded door speakers.
Add Wiring Information
If you have verified 2012–2016 Honda CR-V 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 4th generation CR-V owners. If you have a question about your 4th gen Honda CR-V stereo installation, post it below and our community will work to find an answer.
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