🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Honda

Model:

Prelude

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

BB1, BB2, BB3, BB4

Engine Code:

H23A1 (2.3L), H22A1 (2.2L VTEC)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1995 Honda Prelude represented Honda's premium sporty coupe offering, known for its advanced technology, engaging driving dynamics, and reliable engineering. It competed with models like the Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Nissan 240SX.

Competitive Analysis:

This manual directly addresses the needs of owners of a sporty, technologically advanced vehicle from its era. Its comprehensive nature is crucial for maintaining the complex systems, particularly the optional 4-wheel steering and ATTS found on higher trims.

Key Features:

Focus on FWD/FWD with ATTS, advanced suspension design, potential for performance tuning and maintenance.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

1995 Honda Prelude (All Trims and Engine Options)

Estimated Page Count:

1500-2000 (Estimated based on typical OE service manual scope and software format)

Type:

Official Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Online Software / Digital Access (PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet Compatible)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, engine management (ECU/ECM), intake, exhaust

Transmission:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission (ATTS - Active Torque Transfer System for VTEC models), clutch, driveshafts, differentials

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, hydraulic system

Suspension:

Front independent suspension (double wishbone), rear independent suspension (multi-link beam axle), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column

Electrical:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn

Body And Trim:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, glass, weatherstripping

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, controls

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I) with diagnostic codes (DTCs), troubleshooting procedures

Wiring:

Complete wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, connector pinouts

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, air filter replacement, cabin filter replacement (if applicable)

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon drivability, electrical, and mechanical issues

Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure readings

Alignment:

Wheel alignment specifications and procedures

Recalibration:

ABS sensor calibration, idle air control valve (IACV) relearn procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork)

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Proprietary software, web-based access (no traditional PDF or print file provided)

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital format)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Access Duration:

1 Year (with discount for renewal)

Licensing:

Officially Licensed Information derived from OE materials

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 2.3L Sohc:

2.3L (2254cc) F23A1 Inline 4-Cylinder, SOHC, 16-valve. Power: 135 hp @ 5500 rpm. Torque: 142 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm.

Engine 2.2L DOHc Vtec:

2.2L (2156cc) H22A1 Inline 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve with VTEC. Power: 190 hp @ 6800 rpm. Torque: 152 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm.

Redline:

Approx. 6800 rpm (H22A1), Approx. 6500 rpm (F23A1)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Regular (87 Octane) for F23A1, Unleaded Premium (91 Octane) recommended for H22A1

ECU:

PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) ECU

Coolant Capacity:

6.1 US quarts (5.8 liters) with automatic transmission, 5.7 US quarts (5.4 liters) with manual transmission (approximate)

Oil Capacity:

4.4 US quarts (4.2 liters) with filter change (F23A1), 4.2 US quarts (4.0 liters) with filter change (H22A1)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Base, Si models), 4-speed Automatic Transmission (Optional on Base, Si models)

Transmission Type Vtec:

5-speed Manual Transmission or 4-speed Automatic Transmission with ATTS (SH 'Si' model)

Atts:

Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) on SH models, a mechanical limited-slip differential system integrated into the transaxle for improved cornering traction.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-85W

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Honda ATF-Z1 (or equivalent specified by Honda for the era)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

178.3 inches (4528 mm)

Width:

69.7 inches (1770 mm)

Height:

51.6 inches (1311 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.2 inches (2621 mm)

Front Track:

59.4 inches (1509 mm)

Rear Track:

59.0 inches (1500 mm)

Curb Weight:

2987 - 3175 lbs (1355 - 1440 kg) depending on trim and transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 3800 lbs (1724 kg)

Wheel Size:

15x6.0 inches (Base, Si), 16x6.5 inches (SH) standard

Tire Size:

P205/55R15 (Base, Si), P205/50R16 (SH)

Bolt Pattern:

4x114.3 mm (4.5 inches)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Rating:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this model year as per modern standards, but generally considered safe for its era.

ABS:

Available Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front wheels (standard on SH, optional on others).

4Ws:

Optional Active Four-Wheel Steering (4WS) system on Si models, providing improved maneuverability.

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard.

Seatbelts:

Three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, three-point rear seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio system with cassette tape player and AM/FM radio, optional CD player. Speaker configurations vary by trim.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Connectivity Features:

N/A (This era predates modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Aftermarket solutions are available.)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific conditions).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km), depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 7 years, whichever comes first (crucial for H22A1 and F23A1 engines to prevent catastrophic damage).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Honda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or ATF-Dexron II/III

Common Issues:

Interior component wear (dash cracks, seat bolster wear), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, automatic transmission torque converter shudder, exhaust manifold cracks (H22A1), ABS sensor failures, power steering pump leaks, timing belt tensioner noise.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Honda's heritage is built on reliability, engineering innovation, and a commitment to performance. The Prelude has been a cornerstone of their sporty coupe lineup for generations.

Fourth Generation Debut:

The fourth generation (1992-1996) marked a significant departure from previous generations with a more aerodynamic, rounded design and a focus on advanced technology.

Trim Levels:

Base, Si (with optional 4WS), SH (with 4WS and ATTS).

Production Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Prelude has historically been recognized by Car and Driver as one of its 10Best cars in previous generations, indicating its strong performance and value proposition.