1996 Honda Prelude Oil Type & Capacity
The 1996 Honda Prelude oil type depends on the engine: the S, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.1 quarts with filter); the S, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.1 quarts with filter); the Si, Automatic takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts with filter); the Si, Standard takes 5W-30 (4.5 quarts with filter); the VTEC takes 5W-30 (5.1 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- S, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.1 quarts with filter
- S, Standard: 5W-30, 5.1 quarts with filter
- Si, Automatic: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- Si, Standard: 5W-30, 4.5 quarts with filter
- VTEC: 5W-30, 5.1 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S, Automatic — 2.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 5.10 QTS. | 3.70 QTS. | — |
| S, Standard — 2.2L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 20Deg.F) | 5.10 QTS. | 3.70 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) | 5.10 QTS. | 3.70 QTS. | — |
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More specs & repair guides for your Prelude
1996 Honda Prelude factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
0.9 quarts (3.4 L) — 50/50 mixture of HONDA Antifreeze/Coolant and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1996 Honda Prelude take?
It depends on the engine: S, Automatic uses 5W-30; S, Standard uses 5W-30; Si, Automatic uses 5W-30; Si, Standard uses 5W-30; VTEC uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 1996 Honda Prelude take?
Capacity depends on the engine: S, Automatic holds 5.1 quarts with filter; S, Standard holds 5.1 quarts with filter; Si, Automatic holds 4.5 quarts with filter; Si, Standard holds 4.5 quarts with filter; VTEC holds 5.1 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1996 Honda Prelude?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1996 Honda Prelude. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.