Help a potential buyer out. I'm making a decision tomorrow, the car runs well shifts great, but i found this on http://www.consumerguide.com which scares the hell outta me:

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)


Im most concerned about the engine problem. When i checked the dipstick, the motor was currently low on oil. Anyone hear about or experience this? Thanks for the help.

 

I bought my 97 base about 8 months ago and have experienced some of those problems. I definitely burn oil, about two and a half quarts between changes. I also experience the rattle on bad roads although its not constant. With that being said, i wouldnt trade the lude for anything! Trust me you will enjoy the car, the benefits far outweigh the little problems.

 

I have a 97 Prelude Base with the stickshift so none of the auto trans issues nor the ATTS (SH Model) problems effect me. The car has 157k on it and still running really stout.
I listed the only problems I have heard of for the base preludes with a stick shift (in my opinion, this is the only model worth buying)


5th gear has a small grind at high rpm engagement
Sunroof drain leaks into the trunk slightly
Vinyl roof panel creaks and moans (NOT A PROBLEM... I rather have the vinyl any day over the cloth that gets dirty at first touch!!!)
Headlight top brackets easily break

I would like some feedback from other lude owners about my opinion about saying that the 97-01 Prelude Base Manual is on of Honda's finest accomplishments.

Cheers,
B

 

The oil seal popping out can happen, but there's no way to make the car run w/o adding 3 or 4 qts before driving. That will only get you so far. It happend to me, but I didn't have any damage. I just noticed that there was a pool of oil under my car, and figured I should look into it.

 

I have a 97 Type SH and have seen some of those problems.

1. The Ignition switch has a recall. Go to a dealer and run the VIN and see if the recall has been done, if not they will do it for you and solve that problem.

2. Balance shaft plug. Known problem, and their is a retaining bracket you can get from Honda to retrofit over the plug to prevent this.

I haven't seen the ATTS problem yet or the rattle issues.

My car does burn quite a bit of oil ~1 qt per 1000 miles. This is after a full valve job and a hone + installation of standard size type S pistons. I have to keep on top of checking the oil every week and topping it off. One of these days I will pull the block and have it sleeved to hopefully resolve the oil burning issue.

Overall, it is a very fun car to drive and an unusual/somewhat less common car than the typical Civic/Integra.

 

Oh..mine had the 5th gear grind too. I had the tranny puled along with my clutch and the synchros replaced on a few of the gears. GM Syncromesh and the new Honda MTF may also help you with that issue.

 

Thanks for all the help! I forgot to mention the prelude has 115k on it and IS a type SH.

Is the Balance shaft plug a difficult job? Excuse my ignorance but I have no idea what it is. IS it an easy fix? If it breaks would the oil come out of onto the street? b/c as of now, no leaks.

At what RPM does 5th gear grind? i put it into fith at about 45-60mph no grind.

Do you all believe i should hold out for a 98+? Guy wants a decision at 12:30pm today, any more help is GREATLY appreciated!




Modified by noood at 6:24 AM 7/17/2007

 

Price? Has the timing belt been changed?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by M@ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Price? Has the timing belt been changed?</TD></TR></TABLE>

No idea about the belt. Knocked the price down to $5,500.

 

I've had my SH for about 4 years now. Only had to do a few things on the car. Timing belt, brakes , Clutch (fly wheel too) and an axle shaft. The car has about 108k on it. Surprisingly it is in very good condition. When I first bought the car the ATTS light came on at times and when I had the spare on (tire size difference I suspect). Out of all the cars I've owned this has got to be the most reliable and fun car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by noood &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

No idea about the belt. Knocked the price down to $5,500.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Good price

I have 147xxx miles on mine right now and it still running like a champ!

 

Definitely a good price. Find out if the timing belt and water pump have been changed and maybe price that out at some local shops, unless you have the tools and/or experience to do it yourself. Of those problems, I've really only noticed the rattle on rough roads, and on the interstate at high speeds. Good luck!

 

Had to pass on it unfortunately. The guy wanted me to have cash or it was going to auction tonight (dealer trade, i happen to know the detailer who told me about it). Unfortunately i'd have to pull the money outta of a loan which woulda taken to long.

Kinda bummed but I appreciate everyones help. Thanks again for all the comments.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by noood &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

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

</TD></TR></TABLE>
Mine is a 98 base, and I have theses problems. The car has 170k on it. The problems arent bad or too annoying. I think they give the car more of a personality.

 

I have a 97 SH with 151K and it runs like a champ.

I do have issues with a 3rd gear grind and oil leakage.

3rd gear grinds at high RPMS.

Oil leakage- add 1 qt every 1K

Other than that my car runs strong after all the normal maintainance.

Good luck

 

Honda Manual transmission fluid fixed the grind problem for me. Not too pricey either!

 

have all these issues except the seatbelt problem. just bought honda mtf, gonna do a flush tommorrow. its still worth it, all the problems are minor, never had a serious issue. just gotta take care of it. you wont get left broken down with a lude

 

1. The Ignition switch has a recall. Go to a dealer and run the VIN and see if the recall has been done, if not they will do it for you and solve that problem.

Well ive never heard of this recall but when i turn off my car, a green key flashes in my dash about 5 times and then disapears. idk what this is but it does it every time i turn the car off. is this something to do with the ignition recall ?