Might be in the market for a 5th-gen Prelude Type-SH very soon. What are some common problems to be aware of? Found this list on Consumer Guide's website:


Dashboard lights: The malfunction indicator light comes on because the transmission-control module is damaged by electrical spikes from the ignition switch. (1997)

Dashboard lights: The active torque transfer system (ATTS) light may come on and the system will shut down. A revised control unit is available to replace the original one. (1997)

Manual transmission: Because of a manufacturing defect in the shift fork, the transmission may grind going into fifth gear. (1997)

Oil leak: Sudden oil loss and resultant severe engine damage could be the result of front balance shaft oil plug popping out. (1997)

Seatbelts/safety: The button on the seatbelt that prevents the male half of the buckle breaks, and the buckle slides down to the floor. (1997-98)

Transmission problems: Failure of manual and automatic transmissions may be covered under extended warranty up to 7/100,000. (2000-03)

Vehicle noise: The rear corners of the headliner rub against the rear window causing a rattle, especially on rough roads. (1997)

Vehicle noise: Rattles or buzzing from under the car may result from the heat shield being too close to the active torque transfer system (ATTS). (1997)


What specifically are some complaints and problem areas with the BB6 chassis? I'm coming from the DC2 (Integra GS-R) so I want to see what I might be in for. I don't plan on really modifying it as heavily as I did my Integra. Perhaps just the JDM intake and HIDs.

Thanks in advance.

 

Manual transmission: Because of a manufacturing defect in the shift fork, the transmission may grind going into fifth gear. (1997) this is true.The auto is nutorious for failing, also, 5th gens are known to burn some oil between changes.

 

LOL all those problems had (1997) next to them. So don't get a 97 and you're set.

I think it matters more on how the car was driven, who drove it, how they took care of it etc etc. Avoid dealers, imo. Private sellers are more honest. And you can get to know them as a person and judge their driving.

I've been happy with both my Preludes. Minimal amount of money spent fixing them. Avoid the automatic.

 

I will never drive an automatic tranny ever again.

Based on what I read, this thing should be as reliable as my Integra was. I'm pretty good to my cars so it should be relatively problem-free?

BTW what are some gripes/annoyances about the car? (small backseat doesn't count)

 

I would personally stay away from the Type-SH and get a base model 5spd if you plan on modifying the suspension at all. The ATTS makes the suspension a little different and there are more parts availible for the base models. Plus I think SHs run into some problems if they are lowered too far. I think it has to do with the ball joint LCA to radius rod connection vs. the bushing that every other Honda has. That and the SH requires special alignment proceedures that your average wrench monkey will not be aware of and thus screw up your alignment. My .02.

My only gripes are the lack of low end grunt/heavy weight and that the lude doesn't have the vast choices of upgrades that the Civic/Teg platform enjoys.

My 5th gen has been very reliable. She's got 119k on her now and has been driven HARD Lots of autocrosses & a few open track days.

 

My main gripe is the 5th gen is less raw than the 4th gen was. I dunno how to describe it, it just feels more sedated.

BUT I do love it more than anything else in the world.

 

I don't plan on modifying the suspension so that's why I'm going for the SH.

In terms of "less raw", yeah, many reviews I read said that they toned it down a bit. That's fine, since my GS-R was rather raw and it kinda got to me sometimes.

 

Bump. C'mon, there's more Lude owners here...

 

the tip mode in the auto is bad. ive read on hpoa about this for the 5th gens. and also a friend with a 01 lude is having this issue. flushed out the tranny, a little better but still having issues.

 

Yeah, read about that...but I'm interested in only the manual tranny BB6.

 

I know many many lude owners who have faded headlights (housing).

Um...I burn alot of oil. Gas mileage sucks. I have ALOT of problems with my tranny as well as my clutch, but I believe it's not all preludes but mine in particular. Nothing much else I can think of. I still love it though

 

this is my second 5th gen.. and only because the first was stolen. neither have given me problems and this one feels like it never will. only gripe is the obvious heavy weight.. the bb6 weighs as much as most luxury sedans (exaggerated.. ?) other than that and the lack of alot of aftermarket parts.. you wont run into alot of problems if you don't drop your car. some people have tranny problems and cv boot stuff.. but not that many considering the number of ludes out there. just get a 99+ and enjoy

 

Prelude is also ridiculously solid compared to other FWD cars, so the weight thing doesn't bother me a bit.

Plus I'm kinda fat so I'm used to the weight difference LOL.

 

I would have to agree with the rest of you guys, the only downfall is the weight and the low scarcity of aftermarket parts. Other than that, if you set up your suspension right, this thing can out handle many cars...and i mean mannny.

 

all those problems with 97 next to them are manuafacturer recalls... if u got a 97 you'd be fine . typically the person who had it before you already had the car fixed anyway.

 

My friend keeps insisting that his Del Sol with coilovers and tires will outhandle mine. I need to put him in his place in the Spring.

 

ya, those del sols may be small but they are heavy.

 

if you search the forums, btw 2-3k an h22a blogs. Mine seems to lack major power between those rpms. The car hesitates until 3k when it starts to pull normally.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RudeLude95 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My friend keeps insisting that his Del Sol with coilovers and tires will outhandle mine. I need to put him in his place in the Spring.</TD></TR></TABLE>
LOL! does he even know how the ATTS works? if u both have coilover setups u will destroy him.

Distributor gasket. its under $2 from honda and takes about 10 mins to change. they leak a lot on H22s.
thats the only problem Ive had with my prelude except stupid **** the previous owner caused.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Fobstylez &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">btw 2-3k an h22a blogs. Mine seems to lack major power between those rpms. The car hesitates until 3k when it starts to pull normally.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I agree with the lack of low end power, might be cause the car is too heavy.