🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Honda

Model:

Prelude

Model Generation:

Fifth Generation (BB6/BB7/BB8)

Production Years Covered By Manual:

1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Chassis Codes:

BB6 (JDM SiR/Type S, USDM Base/EX with 2.3L), BB7 (JDM SiR/Type S with 2.2L VTEC), BB8 (JDM SiR/Type S with 2.2L VTEC and SH-AWD)

Engine Codes:

H22A4 (USDM), H22A7 (JDM Type S), H23A1 (USDM 2.3L)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Sport Compact Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance, repair, and restoration of their 1997-2001 Honda Prelude.

Competitors:

Mitsubishi Eclipse, Toyota Celica, Nissan 240SX, Mazda MX-6.

Unique Selling Points:

Advanced mechanical systems (e.g., Prelude SH with Active Torque Transfer System - ATTS), refined styling, and sporty driving dynamics, all comprehensively detailed in this manual.

Manual Advantage:

Provides factory-level repair and maintenance information, empowering owners to perform repairs themselves, saving significant costs compared to dealership service.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

All Honda Prelude models produced for the 1997-2001 model years, including all trim levels and engine variants.

Total Pages:

>5000

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

File Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul and rebuilding, performance tuning, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management (ECU/PCM).

Transmission:

Manual transmission (M2A4, M2S4) and Automatic transmission (B7VA) removal, installation, in-car servicing, and rebuilding procedures. Includes torque converter, clutch, and gearbox diagnostics.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake system service, including caliper overhaul, rotor replacement, brake pad installation, bleeding procedures, ABS system diagnostics and repair.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering rack, and wheel bearing replacement. Front end alignment procedures and specifications.

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay functions, starter system, charging system, lighting system, power windows, power locks, sunroof operation, HVAC controls, and all sensor inputs/outputs.

Bodywork:

Exterior body panel removal and installation, glass replacement, sunroof operation and repair, door and lock mechanisms, interior trim removal and installation.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system service, including refrigerant charging, compressor replacement, leak detection, evaporator and condenser service, heater core replacement, and climate control system diagnostics.

Routine Maintenance:

Factory scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid).

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting and diagnostics for all major systems, including engine performance issues, transmission shifting problems, brake system malfunctions, and electrical faults. Computer diagnostic trouble tree charts and trouble codes.

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component repair and rebuilding, including engine internal components, transmission gears, brake calipers, suspension arms, and electrical actuators.

Timing Belt:

Complete timing belt replacement procedures, including component identification, proper alignment marks, tensioner adjustment, and related accessory belt (serpentine belt) routing and replacement.

Cv Joints:

U-joint and CV-joint service procedures, including inspection, lubrication, and replacement of drive axles and related components.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Covers basic diagnostic checks to advanced computer diagnostic analysis, including the use of OBD-II scan tools and interpretation of error codes.

Repair Complexity:

Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics, covering everything from simple fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Compatible with all versions of Windows, Mac, Linux OS, iPhone, iPad, Android devices, and any platform supporting Adobe PDF Reader.

Enhancements:

Bookmarked and searchable PDF for efficient navigation. Printable pages for workshop use. Zoomable for detailed inspection of diagrams and illustrations.

Physical Format:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Physical Format:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

H22A4 (USDM)

Engine Type:

2.2L DOHC VTEC Inline 4-Cylinder

Displacement:

2156 cc

Horsepower Usdm:

195 hp @ 7000 rpm

Torque Usdm:

156 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

Engine Code Jdm Sir Type S:

H22A7

Horsepower Jdm Sir Type S:

220 hp @ 7200 rpm (approx.)

Torque Jdm Sir Type S:

164 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm (approx.)

Alternative Engine Usdm:

H23A1 (2.3L SOHC Non-VTEC)

Horsepower H23A1:

160 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque H23A1:

152 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Usdm:

5-Speed Manual (M2A4)

Transmission Type Automatic:

4-Speed Automatic (B7VA)

Sh Model Feature:

Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) on SH models for improved cornering performance.

Fluid Type Manual:

Honda Genuine Manual Transmission Fluid MTF or equivalent API SG/SH, SAE 75W-85

Fluid Capacity Manual:

2.0 L (2.1 US qt)

Fluid Type Automatic:

Honda Genuine ATF DW-1 or ATF-Z1

Fluid Capacity Automatic:

2.6 L (2.8 US qt) for refill

📐 Dimensions

Length:

178.0 inches (4521 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

50.3 inches (1278 mm)

Wheelbase:

103.2 inches (2621 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 3050 - 3150 lbs (1383 - 1429 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 3150 - 3250 lbs (1429 - 1474 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (1997 models)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on most models.

Att:

Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) on SH models.

Airbags:

Dual front airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium audio systems with CD player, cassette deck, and AM/FM radio were common options. Bose sound systems were available on higher trims.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Power Features:

Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, optional power sunroof.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific conditions.

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 7 years, whichever comes first. Highly critical replacement interval.

Engine Oil Type:

API Certified SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for exact viscosity based on temperature range)

Coolant Type:

Honda All Season Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid

Common Wear Items:

Clutch wear (manual transmission), ball joints and bushings, tie rod ends, wheel bearings, exhaust system components, power steering rack leaks.

Engine Specific:

VTEC solenoid issues, occasional oil leaks from valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket, rear main seal leaks on high-mileage vehicles.

Transmission Specific:

Slipping or rough shifting in automatic transmissions, bearing noise in manual transmissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Honda Reputation:

Known for reliable engines, precise engineering, and driver-focused platforms.

Fifth Generation Debut:

Introduced for the 1997 model year, featuring a significant redesign with a sportier, more aerodynamic profile and advanced technologies.

Sh Model Introduction:

The 'Super Handling' (SH) model, featuring ATTS, was introduced in 1997 as a performance variant.

Production End Year:

2001

Manufacturing Location:

Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The Honda Prelude was a perennial contender on Car and Driver's '10 Best' list during its production run, recognized for its sporting prowess and engineering.