1994 Honda Prelude Oil Type & Capacity
The 1994 Honda Prelude oil type depends on the engine: the 4WS, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the 4WS, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the S, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.8 quarts qt with filter); the S, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.8 quarts qt with filter); the Si, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the Si, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts qt with filter); the VTEC takes 5W-30 (4.8 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 4WS, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- 4WS, Standard: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- S, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.8 quarts with filter
- S, Standard: 5W-30, 4.8 quarts with filter
- Si, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Si, Standard: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- VTEC: 5W-30, 4.8 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4WS, Automatic — 2.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| 4WS, Standard — 2.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| S, Automatic — 2.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.80 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| S, Standard — 2.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.80 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| Si, Automatic — 2.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| Si, Standard — 2.3L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.50 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| VTEC — 2.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 4.80 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Prelude
🛞 1994 Honda Prelude Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1994 Honda Prelude Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1994 Honda Prelude Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1994 Honda Prelude Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
3.92 quarts (3.7 L) — 50/50 mixture of HONDA Antifreeze/Coolant and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1994 Honda Prelude take?
It depends on the engine: 4WS, Automatic uses 5W-30; 4WS, Standard uses 5W-30; S, Automatic uses 5W-30; S, Standard uses 5W-30; Si, Automatic uses 5W-30; Si, Standard uses 5W-30; VTEC uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 1994 Honda Prelude?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 4WS, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; 4WS, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; S, Automatic holds 4.8 quarts with filter; S, Standard holds 4.8 quarts with filter; Si, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Si, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; VTEC holds 4.8 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1994 Honda Prelude?
Most 1994 Honda Prelude owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Honda recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1994 Honda Prelude?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1994 Honda Prelude. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.