This color code breakdown applies to the factory radio harness in most 1998 Ford Ranger models. Locate the square connector behind the radio.
Primary Wiring Functions & Colors
- Constant 12V (+): Yellow (Battery Power - Always Hot)
- Switched 12V / Ignition/Acc (+): Red/Black or Red/Blue (Turns on with Key)
- Ground (-): Black or Black/White
- Illumination / Dimmer (+): Violet/Red or Light Blue/Red (Headlights On)
- Power Antenna Trigger (+): Blue (Activates Antenna Motor)
- Amplifier Remote Turn-On (+): Light Green/Purple (If equipped)
Speaker Wiring (Standard Ford Polarity)
Front Speakers:
- Left Front (+): Orange/Light Green
- Left Front (-): Light Blue/White or Gray
- Right Front (+): Dark Green/Orange
- Right Front (-): White/Light Green or Tan
Rear Speakers:
- Left Rear (+): Pink/Green or Orange/Red
- Left Rear (-): Black/White or Pink
- Right Rear (+): Purple/White or Orange/Black
- Right Rear (-): Dark Green/Orange or Purple
Critical Notes
- Always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before starting work.
- Verify wire functions with a multimeter if possible. Colors can vary slightly by trim level or build date.
- Factory speaker wiring often uses a "reverse polarity" convention (- wire might be solid color/+ stripe). Match colors precisely to your harness or verify with a meter.
- The switched ignition wire (Red/Black or Red/Blue) is essential for the radio to turn on/off with the key.