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2nd Gen Chassis Codes: AB • BA | Model Years: 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987
This page provides the complete 1983–1987 Honda Prelude radio wiring diagram for the 2nd generation Prelude (chassis codes AB and BA). Use this guide when installing an aftermarket head unit or troubleshooting your factory stereo in a 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, or 1987 Honda Prelude.
The 2nd generation Prelude moved to a larger, more refined body and became popular as an affordable sporty coupe. The audio system was upgraded compared to the 1st gen, with some trims offering a factory cassette deck and a more capable speaker layout. Honda’s connector became more standardized during this generation, and some harness adapter availability improved. Front door speakers appeared on higher trims, and a rear speaker location was added on some configurations. No factory amplifier was used on any 2nd gen Prelude trim.
🔗 In This Guide
1983–1987 Honda Prelude Stereo Wiring Diagram
Use the wiring table below for your 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987 Honda Prelude stereo wire color codes, speaker wiring, and harness pinout.
| Wire Function | Wire Color & Location |
|---|---|
| Battery Constant Power Wire (12V+) | Blue/White |
| Accessory Switched Power Wire (12V+) | Yellow/Red |
| Ground Wire | Black |
| Illumination Wire | Red/Black |
| Dimmer Wire | N/A |
| Antenna Trigger Wire | N/A |
| Amplifier Trigger Wire | N/A |
| Factory Amplifier Location | N/A |
| Rear View Camera Video Positive (+) | N/A |
| Rear View Camera Video Negative (–) | N/A |
| Dash Center Speaker Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Dash Center Speaker Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
| Front Left Tweeter Positive (+) | N/A |
| Front Left Tweeter Negative (–) | N/A |
| Front Right Tweeter Positive (+) | N/A |
| Front Right Tweeter Negative (–) | N/A |
| Front Left Speaker Positive (+) | Blue/Green |
| Front Left Speaker Negative (–) | Gray/Black |
| Front Right Speaker Positive (+) | Red/Green |
| Front Right Speaker Negative (–) | Brown/Black |
| Rear Left Tweeter Positive (+) | N/A |
| Rear Left Tweeter Negative (–) | N/A |
| Rear Right Tweeter Positive (+) | N/A |
| Rear Right Tweeter Negative (–) | N/A |
| Rear Left Speaker Positive (+) | Blue/Yellow |
| Rear Left Speaker Negative (–) | Gray/White |
| Rear Right Speaker Positive (+) | Red/Yellow |
| Rear Right Speaker Negative (–) | Brown/White |
| Subwoofer Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Subwoofer Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
1983–1987 Honda Prelude Speaker Sizes and Locations
Use the speaker table below for your 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987 Honda Prelude speaker sizes and locations.
| Speakers | Speaker Size & Location |
|---|---|
| Front Tweeter Speaker Size | N/A |
| Front Tweeter Speaker Location | N/A |
| Front Speaker Size | 5 1/4″ Speakers |
| Front Speaker Location | Front Doors |
| Rear Tweeter Speaker Size | N/A |
| Rear Tweeter Speaker Location | N/A |
| Rear Speaker Size | 6 1/2″ Speakers |
| Rear Speaker Location | Rear Deck |
| Subwoofer Speaker Size | N/A |
| Subwoofer Speaker Location | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What wiring harness adapter fits a 1983–1987 Honda Prelude?
The 2nd generation Prelude uses an early Honda proprietary radio connector that is more standardized than the 1st gen but still not compatible with the connectors used in 1990s Honda models. Limited harness adapter availability means many owners splice directly into the factory wiring. If a harness adapter is found for this application, verify it against the actual connector on your vehicle before purchasing, as connector revisions occurred between 1983 and 1987.
Does the 1983–1987 Honda Prelude have factory door speakers?
Higher trim 2nd generation Preludes included front door speaker locations, typically mounting a 5 1/4″ Speaker in each front door. Base trims continued to use dashboard-mounted speakers as the primary audio output. A rear speaker location was added behind the rear seats in the hatch area on some configurations. Confirm the speaker locations present in your specific trim before planning an audio upgrade.
Can I install a double-DIN head unit in a 1983–1987 Honda Prelude?
The 2nd generation Prelude has a single-DIN factory radio opening. Installing a Double-DIN Head Unit requires custom dashboard fabrication or a dedicated conversion kit. Given the compact and stylized dashboard design of the 2nd gen Prelude, most owners choose a single-DIN unit — optionally with a flip-out screen — to maintain the original dashboard profile while gaining modern functionality.
Why does my 1983–1987 Honda Prelude radio have electrical interference noise?
Engine noise (alternator whine) in the 2nd gen Prelude audio system is typically caused by a poor ground connection on the head unit or a shared ground path with other vehicle accessories. Run a dedicated ground wire from the Head Unit chassis directly to a clean, bare-metal chassis bolt near the radio rather than relying on the factory ground circuit. Installing an inline noise filter on the power wire is a secondary measure if the dedicated ground alone does not resolve the issue.
Add Wiring Information
If you have verified 1983–1987 Honda Prelude radio wiring data — wire colors, pin locations, harness adapter tips, or speaker sizes — please share it in the comments below. Community-submitted data is reviewed and added to the table above to help other 2nd Gen owners. If you have a question about your Honda Prelude stereo installation, post it below and our community will work to find an answer.
📻 Jump to Another Generation
2nd Gen (1983–1987)
3rd Gen (1988–1991)
4th Gen (1992–1996)
5th Gen (1997–2001)