1987 Jeep Cherokee Radio Wiring Diagram

If you’re looking to install a new radio in your 1987 Jeep Cherokee, it’s important to have an accurate wiring diagram. The radio wiring diagram will help you to identify the correct wires for your new radio, ensuring a smooth installation process. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on everything you should know about the 1987 Jeep Cherokee radio wiring diagram.

What is a Radio Wiring Diagram?

A radio wiring diagram is a schematic representation of the electrical wires that connect the radio to the power source and the speakers in the Jeep Cherokee. It helps to identify the color-coded wires used in the wiring harness of the radio, making it easier to find the right connections. Without a wiring diagram, you might end up damaging your radio or not getting the best sound quality.

Why is a Radio Wiring Diagram Important?

A radio wiring diagram is important because it helps to ensure that the new radio is connected correctly to the existing wiring harness in your Jeep Cherokee. If you try to guess which wire goes where, you could end up damaging your new radio or not getting the optimal sound quality. A wiring diagram will help you to avoid these potential problems and ensure that the installation process is smooth and hassle-free.

1987 Jeep Cherokee Radio Wiring Diagram

Below is the radio wiring diagram for the 1987 Jeep Cherokee:

Wire Color Function
Red 12V Accessory
Yellow 12V Constant
Black Ground
Orange Illumination
Dark Green Right Rear Speaker (+)
Dark Blue Right Rear Speaker (-)
Light Green Left Rear Speaker (+)
Gray Left Rear Speaker (-)
Tan Right Front Speaker (+)
Gray/Yellow Right Front Speaker (-)
Light Blue Left Front Speaker (+)
Tan/Yellow Left Front Speaker (-)

Understanding the Wiring Diagram

The wiring diagram above shows the color-coded wires used for the radio installation in the 1987 Jeep Cherokee. The red wire is for the 12V accessory power, which is controlled by the ignition switch. The yellow wire is for the 12V constant power, which is always on. The black wire is the ground wire, which is connected to the negative battery terminal or a chassis ground.

The orange wire is for the illumination, and it’s connected to the dashboard lighting system. The dark green and dark blue wires are for the right rear speaker, and the light green and gray wires are for the left rear speaker. The tan and gray/yellow wires are for the right front speaker, and the light blue and tan/yellow wires are for the left front speaker.

FAQs

1. How do I connect a new radio to the wiring harness in my Jeep Cherokee?

First, identify the color-coded wires in the wiring diagram for your Jeep Cherokee model. Then, match these wires to the wires on your new radio harness. Connect the red wire to the 12V accessory power, the yellow wire to the 12V constant power, and the black wire to the ground. Connect the orange wire to the illumination, and connect the speaker wires according to their color codes.

2. Can I install a new radio in my 1987 Jeep Cherokee without a wiring diagram?

While it’s possible to install a new radio in your Jeep Cherokee without a wiring diagram, it’s not recommended. Without a wiring diagram, you may not be able to identify the correct connections for the wires, which could lead to damage to your new radio or suboptimal sound quality.

3. Can I use the wiring diagram for a different Jeep Cherokee model to install a new radio in my 1987 Jeep Cherokee?

No, it’s not recommended to use the wiring diagram for a different Jeep Cherokee model to install a new radio in your 1987 Jeep Cherokee. The wiring diagrams may differ between different models and years, and using the wrong diagram could lead to incorrect connections and potential damage.

4. Can I use a universal wiring harness to install a new radio in my 1987 Jeep Cherokee?

Yes, a universal wiring harness can be used to install a new radio in your 1987 Jeep Cherokee. However, you’ll need to match the wire colors in the harness to the wires in the wiring diagram for your Jeep Cherokee model to ensure proper connections.

5. How can I test my new radio to make sure it’s installed correctly?

You can test your new radio by turning it on and checking if it’s receiving power and if the speakers are working properly. If the radio doesn’t turn on, check the connections for the red and yellow wires. If the speakers aren’t working, check the connections for the speaker wires.

Conclusion

Installing a new radio in your 1987 Jeep Cherokee can be easy and hassle-free with the help of a wiring diagram. The wiring diagram will help you to identify the correct connections for the wires in your Jeep Cherokee, ensuring that your new radio is installed correctly and provides the best sound quality possible. Follow our guide above to ensure a smooth and successful installation process.