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2013–2016 Chassis Codes: C520 (3rd Generation) | Model Years: 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016
This page provides the complete 2013–2016 Ford Escape radio wiring diagram for the all-new 3rd generation C520 chassis. Use this guide when installing an aftermarket head unit or troubleshooting your factory stereo in a 2013, 2014, 2015, or 2016 Ford Escape.
The 2013 model year marked a complete redesign of the Escape, moving to the global C520 platform shared with the Ford Kuga and dropping the previous generation’s boxy styling for a more car-like crossover shape. This generation also dropped the Escape Hybrid from the lineup. SE, SEL, and Titanium trims were offered, with SYNC and the MyFord Touch touchscreen infotainment system available depending on trim and options package, along with an optional Sony premium audio system on Titanium models. Because the factory harness connector and available features vary meaningfully between a base SYNC radio and a MyFord Touch-equipped unit, it is worth confirming your exact trim and infotainment setup before purchasing aftermarket installation components.
🔗 In This Guide
2013–2016 Ford Escape Stereo Wiring Diagram
Use the wiring table below for your 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Ford Escape stereo wire color codes, speaker wiring, and harness pinout.
| Wire Function | Wire Color & Location |
|---|---|
| Battery Constant Power Wire (12V+) | Brown/Red |
| Accessory Switched Power Wire (12V+) | Run a Power Wire to the Fuse Box or ignition switch harness for switched power. |
| Ground Wire | Black |
| Illumination Wire | Yellow/Green |
| Dimmer Wire | Yellow/Green |
| Antenna Trigger Wire | Yellow/Green |
| Amplifier Trigger Wire | Yellow/Green |
| 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 (+) | Green |
| Center Speaker Negative Wire (–) | Gray/Yellow |
| 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 (+) | White |
| Front Left Speaker Negative Wire (–) | White/Brown |
| Front Right Speaker Positive Wire (+) | White/Violet |
| Front Right Speaker Negative Wire (–) | White/Orange |
| 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 (+) | White/Green |
| Rear Left Speaker Negative Wire (–) | Brown/Yellow |
| Rear Right Speaker Positive Wire (+) | Brown/White |
| Rear Right Speaker Negative Wire (–) | Brown/Blue |
| Subwoofer Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Subwoofer Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
2013–2016 Ford Escape Speaker Sizes and Locations
Use the speaker table below for your 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Ford Escape speaker sizes and locations.
| Speakers | Speaker Size & Location |
|---|---|
| Center Speaker Size | 3-1/2″ Speakers (Sony Premium Audio) |
| Center Speaker Location | Center of the Dash (Sony Premium 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 | 1″ Tweeters (Sony Premium Audio) |
| Rear Tweeter Speaker Location | Rear Doors (Sony Premium Audio) |
| Rear Speaker Size | 6-1/2″ Speakers |
| Rear Speaker Location | Rear Doors |
| Subwoofer Speaker Size | 8″ Subwoofer (Sony Premium Audio) |
| Subwoofer Speaker Location | Right Side Panel of Rear Cargo Area (Sony Premium Audio) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a 2013–2016 Ford Escape with MyFord Touch need a different harness than one with basic SYNC?
Yes. Escapes equipped with the 8-inch MyFord Touch touchscreen use a different Head Unit connector and additional data wiring for the touchscreen display, climate control integration, and dual-zone HVAC readouts compared to Escapes with a basic SYNC radio and physical buttons. Confirm which system your Escape has before ordering a harness adapter, since a harness built for a basic SYNC radio will not carry all of the pins needed for a MyFord Touch-equipped dash.
Does the 2013–2016 Ford Escape Titanium Sony audio system have a factory amplifier and subwoofer?
Yes. The optional Sony premium audio package on Titanium trims includes a factory amplifier along with a Subwoofertypically mounted in the cargo area, in addition to upgraded door speakers. If your Escape has this system, retaining or properly bypassing the factory amp and subwoofer wiring is necessary when installing an Aftermarket Head Unit, or you risk losing bass output or damaging the factory amplifier.
Does the 2013–2016 Ford Escape have steering wheel audio controls?
Yes, steering wheel-mounted audio controls are standard across SE, SEL, and Titanium trims for this generation. A steering wheel control retention interface is needed to keep these buttons functional after replacing the factory Head Unit, since Ford’s factory SWC signal is not natively compatible with most aftermarket radios.
What dash kit is needed for a 2013–2016 Ford Escape head unit replacement?
Escapes with a basic SYNC radio typically use a double-DIN dash opening that accepts a standard Double-DIN Dash Kit. Escapes with MyFord Touch use a more integrated dash design built around the 8-inch touchscreen, and replacing that unit generally requires a specialized dash kit designed to work around the surrounding climate control panel and touchscreen cutout, rather than a generic Double-DIN Kit.
Is a backup camera affected when replacing the factory radio in a 2013–2016 Ford Escape?
Escapes equipped with a factory Rearview Camera route the video feed directly into the factory head unit or MyFord Touch display. When installing an aftermarket head unit, you will typically need a camera video interface adapter to convert the factory camera signal into a format the new head unit can display, since most Aftermarket Head Units cannot read the factory camera feed directly without one.
Add Wiring Information
If you have verified 2013–2016 Ford Escape 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 Escape owners. If you have a question about your Ford Escape stereo installation, post it below and our community will work to find an answer.
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