What color is the ground wire on a Honda?

Typically, the ground wire in Honda vehicles is black, serving as the negative return path, but you should confirm with model- and year-specific wiring diagrams.

In this report, we explore how ground wiring is color-coded in Honda cars and motorcycles, why colors can vary, and how to reliably identify the correct ground point on your specific model.

Ground wires in Honda vehicles: a quick primer

Ground wires provide the return path for electrical circuits. While black is the most common ground color in Honda harnesses, there are exceptions depending on model, year, and region. Always consult the official service manual for your exact vehicle.

How to verify the ground color on your model

Because color coding is not universal across all Honda models, rely on wiring diagrams and verified testing to confirm ground points. The following steps will help you identify the correct ground connection safely.

• Identify wires labeled GND or GROUND in your service manual or wiring diagram. Even when a wire is black, the diagram labeling is the most reliable guide.


• Trace from the battery negative terminal to common ground points on the chassis or engine block, which are typical locations for ground connections.


• Use a digital multimeter in continuity mode to test continuity between suspected ground wires and the battery negative terminal or chassis metal. You should see a near-zero resistance (often less than a few ohms).


• Be aware that some grounds are braided copper straps or uninsulated conductors rather than insulated color-coded wires; these can appear differently from standard insulated wires.


• When in doubt, consult your Honda dealership or the official service manual for your exact year and model before altering any wiring.

Ground color versus labeling conventions

Where color codes differ, the wiring diagram’s GND labels and the service manual take precedence over the wire color you see on the harness. Use both to confirm the correct ground path before making connections.

Following these steps helps ensure you are connecting to the correct ground point and avoids damaging electrical systems or triggering fault codes.

Summary

In most Honda vehicles, the ground wire is black, but color coding can vary by model and region. Always verify with the specific wiring diagram and perform a continuity check before making connections. When in doubt, consult a professional.

What color is a ground wire on a vehicle?

black wire
A color-coded automotive wiring harness, where each wire serves a distinct function in a vehicle's electrical system. The red wire is for Power, supplying voltage to the system, while the black wire serves as Ground, completing the circuit.

Can I connect ground to black or white?

The ground wire goes with the grounding screw, not the black or white wires. The black wire is for the hot (live) electrical current, the white wire is for the neutral current, and the ground wire (which is typically green or bare copper) provides a safety path for electricity to flow to the ground. You should never connect the ground wire to the black or white wires.
 

• Black wire: Connect to the hot or live terminal. 
• White wire: Connect to the neutral terminal. 
• Ground wire (green or bare copper): Connect to the grounding screw or strap on the electrical box or fixture. 

What color is the ground wire on a Honda motorcycle?

The green wire is your fuel consumption wire. It's what's used to measure your fuel economy or the fuel you are consuming with the engine.

Where is the Honda color code?

The Honda paint code is typically located on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb, near the bottom of the sticker under the barcode. It can also be found under the hood, often on the firewall, or on a similar sticker on the passenger side door jamb. The code is a combination of letters and numbers, and if you can't find it, a Honda dealership can provide it using your VIN.
 
Primary location

• Driver's door jamb: Open the driver's door and look for a sticker on the door frame. The paint code is usually found on this sticker, often in the center below the barcode. 

Other possible locations

• Under the hood: Check the firewall or the front of the engine bay, specifically near the radiator support or strut tower. 
• Passenger's door jamb: Some Honda models may have a similar sticker on the passenger's side door jamb. 

How to read the code

• Look for a label that contains a barcode and other vehicle information. 
• The paint code is a string of letters and numbers, sometimes with suffixes (e.g., NH71, B-92P). 
• The code is usually found directly under the center of the barcode. 

If you still can't find it

• Contact a Honda dealership and ask the parts department. They can look up your vehicle's factory paint code using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).