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Single Gen Platform: GM Gamma II Platform | Model Years: 2012–2020
This page provides the complete 2012–2020 Chevrolet Sonic radio wiring diagram. Use this guide when replacing the factory head unit or troubleshooting audio in any Chevrolet Sonic, sedan or hatchback.
The Chevrolet Sonic spanned a single generation across its entire 2012–2020 production run, making it Chevrolet’s second-generation Aveo replacement in North America and its first truly global subcompact. Built on GM’s Gamma II platform and developed by GM Korea, the Sonic was offered as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback with either a naturally aspirated 1.8L four-cylinder or a turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder engine, paired with manual or automatic transmissions depending on the model year. The Sonic received a styling refresh for the 2017 model year with a new front fascia and updated interior, and later years added a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with 4G LTE Wi-Fi through OnStar. The 1.8L engine was discontinued after 2018, leaving the 1.4L turbo as the sole engine for the final two model years before the Sonic was discontinued after 2020. Wiring information across these model years is actively being compiled by the community.
🔗 In This Guide
2012–2020 Chevrolet Sonic Stereo Wiring Diagram
Use the wiring table below for your 2012–2020 Chevrolet Sonic stereo wire color codes, speaker wiring, and harness pinout.
| Wire Function | Wire Color & Location |
|---|---|
| Battery Constant Power Wire (12V+) | Red/Blue |
| Accessory Switched Power Wire (12V+) | Run a Power Wire to the Ignition Switch Harness for Switched Power |
| Ground Wire | Black |
| Illumination Wire | N/A |
| Dimmer Wire | N/A |
| 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 |
| 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 (+) | Light Blue |
| Front Left Speaker Negative (–) | Brown/Light Blue |
| Front Right Speaker Positive (+) | Yellow |
| Front Right Speaker Negative (–) | Yellow/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 (+) | Light Green |
| Rear Left Speaker Negative (–) | Light Green/Black |
| Rear Right Speaker Positive (+) | White |
| Rear Right Speaker Negative (–) | Light Blue/Black |
| Subwoofer Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Subwoofer Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
2012–2020 Chevrolet Sonic Speaker Sizes and Locations
Use the speaker table below for your 2012–2020 Chevrolet Sonic 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 | 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
Does the Chevrolet Sonic have a factory Bose or other name-brand premium sound system?
No. Unlike many other Chevrolet models of the same era, the Sonic was never offered with a Bose, Harman Kardon, Boston Acoustics, or similar name-brand factory audio system. Instead, GM offered a dealer-installed Kicker-branded amplifier and subwoofer accessory as an audio upgrade for Sonic models with the base radio, according to GM parts documentation, and that Kicker accessory is explicitly listed as incompatible with Bose or other premium-branded systems since the Sonic never had one to begin with.
Why is there a 4-pin harness I need to disconnect when installing an aftermarket radio in my Sonic?
Aftermarket wiring interface documentation for the Sonic notes that the interface harness ships configured for amplified systems by default, with a 4-pin sub-harness that needs to be unplugged if your specific Sonic does not have the amplified/premium audio setup. Leaving it connected on a non-amplified vehicle, or disconnecting it on an amplified one, is a common source of missing rear-speaker output after a radio swap.
Does the Chevrolet Sonic have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
It depends on the model year. Earlier Sonic models predate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. GM added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility to the Sonic’s MyLink infotainment system in later years, and by the final 2019–2020 model years, CarPlay and Android Auto were standard along with 4G LTE Wi-Fi through OnStar.
How many generations of the Chevrolet Sonic are there?
The Chevrolet Sonic was produced for a single generation, spanning the 2012 through 2020 model years. It received a styling refresh for the 2017 model year with an updated front fascia and interior, but GM never released a fully redesigned second generation before discontinuing the nameplate after 2020 — so unlike the Traverse, there’s only one Sonic wiring diagram era to worry about.
Why do owner-reported Sonic radio wire colors sometimes not match between sources?
Sonic owners on enthusiast forums have reported that factory wire colors and connector pin-outs don’t always match between different published diagrams, and that some vehicles have a 22-pin connector that differs from commonly circulated references. This is likely tied to regional sourcing and build differences inherited from the Sonic’s global Aveo/Kalos/Barina platform. If your wire colors don’t match what’s listed here, it’s worth verifying with a Multimeter or a service manual for your specific VIN before making connections.
Add Wiring Information
If you have verified Chevrolet Sonic 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 Sonic owners. If you have a question about your Chevrolet Sonic stereo installation, post it below and our community will work to find an answer.