Automotive Standard

SAE J1128 Wire Color Codes

The complete guide to automotive primary wire color coding per SAE J1128 standard.

What is SAE J1128?

SAE J1128 is the Society of Automotive Engineers standard that defines specifications for low-voltage primary cables used in automotive applications. It covers wire construction, insulation materials, temperature ratings, and standardized color codes for circuit identification in vehicles operating at 60 volts DC or less.

SAE J1128 Color Chart

Color	Abbrev.	Primary Function	Typical Circuits
Black	BLK	Ground	Chassis ground, negative battery, ground return
Brown	BRN	Tail/Park Lamps	Tail lights, parking lights, license plate lights
Red	RED	Power	Battery positive, starter, alternator, main power feeds
Orange	ORN	Accessory	Accessory circuits, auxiliary power, ignition-switched power
Yellow	YEL	Left Turn	Left turn signal, hazard flasher feed
Green	GRN	Right Turn	Right turn signal
Blue	BLU	High Beam	High beam headlights, high beam indicator
Violet	VIO	Dimmer	Instrument panel dimmer, courtesy lights
Gray	GRY	Auxiliary	Various auxiliary circuits, data lines
White	WHT	Ground/Return	Signal return, neutral, secondary ground
Pink	PNK	Fuel Gauge	Fuel level sending unit, fuel gauge
Light Blue	LT BLU	Oil Pressure	Oil pressure sensor, oil pressure gauge
Light Green	LT GRN	Temperature	Coolant temperature sensor, temp gauge
Tan	TAN	Brake Warning	Brake warning indicator, parking brake

Tracer Stripes

When more circuits are needed than base colors allow, SAE J1128 permits tracer stripes—a secondary color stripe running along the wire insulation. The notation format is:

BASE COLOR / TRACER

Example: RED/YEL = Red wire with yellow tracer stripe