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3rd Gen Chassis Codes: BA4 • BA5 • BA7 • BA8 | Model Years: 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991
This page provides the complete 1988–1991 Honda Prelude radio wiring diagram for the 3rd generation Prelude (chassis codes BA4, BA5, BA7, and BA8). Use this guide when installing an aftermarket head unit or troubleshooting your factory stereo in a 1988, 1989, 1990, or 1991 Honda Prelude.
The 3rd generation Prelude introduced a more aerodynamic body and gained four-wheel steering on the Si 4WS trim — one of the most technologically advanced features available on a mainstream coupe of the era. The audio system was updated with Honda’s more standardized connector and improved speaker placement. EX and Si trims offered upgraded factory cassette decks and additional speaker locations compared to the base S trim. No factory amplifier was used on any 3rd gen Prelude configuration, keeping audio installation simple.
🔗 In This Guide
1988–1991 Honda Prelude Stereo Wiring Diagram
Use the wiring table below for your 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991 Honda Prelude stereo wire color codes, speaker wiring, and harness pinout.
| Wire Function | Wire Color & Location |
|---|---|
| Battery Constant Power Wire (12V+) | White/Yellow |
| Accessory Switched Power Wire (12V+) | White/Red |
| Ground Wire | Black |
 (Simple Radio Install, Keep Steering Wheel Controls and Use Factory Amplifier) |
|
| Illumination Wire | 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 (–) | Brpwn/White |
| Subwoofer Positive Wire (+) | N/A |
| Subwoofer Negative Wire (–) | N/A |
1988–1991 Honda Prelude Speaker Sizes and Locations
Use the speaker table below for your 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991 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 | 6 1/2″ 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 (Base Trim) or 6″ x 9″ Speakers (Premium ETS Trim) |
| Rear Speaker Location | Rear Deck |
| Subwoofer Speaker Size | N/A |
| Subwoofer Speaker Location | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What wiring harness adapter fits a 1988–1991 Honda Prelude?
The 3rd generation Prelude uses a Honda 10-pin radio connector. Metra 70-1721 Wire Harness Adapter is among the available adapters for this application, though fitment should be verified against the actual connector on your vehicle as some early BA4 models may use a slightly different connector than later BA7/BA8 units. A harness adapter allows installation without cutting the factory wiring, which is recommended for preserving originality on an increasingly collectible sports coupe.
Does the 1988–1991 Honda Prelude Si 4WS have a different audio system?
No. The Si 4WS trim’s four-wheel steering system is entirely separate from the audio system and has no effect on radio wiring or speaker configuration. The 4WS Prelude uses the same audio connector and speaker layout as the standard Si trim. The audio upgrade process is identical between 4WS and non-4WS 3rd gen Preludes.
What size are the front door speakers in a 1988–1991 Honda Prelude?
The 3rd generation Prelude uses 6 1/2″ Speakers in the front door panels on EX and Si trims. The base S trim may use a smaller 5 1/4″ Speakers or dashboard-mounted speakers depending on the configuration. Rear speakers on the 3rd gen Prelude are located in the rear side panels behind the rear seats, typically using a 4″ x 6″ Speakers or 5 1/4″ Speakers size in that position.
How do I install a single-DIN head unit in a 1988–1991 Honda Prelude?
The 3rd generation Prelude has a single-DIN factory radio opening. A single-DIN aftermarket head unit installs cleanly using the Metra 70-1721 Wire Harness Adapter and a compatible single-DIN dash kit trim ring for the Prelude. The center console trim surrounding the radio is removed by releasing several clips and screws, after which the radio is secured by two bolts on each side of the mounting bracket.
Can I add a subwoofer to a 1988–1991 Honda Prelude?
Yes, though the 3rd gen Prelude’s small cabin and limited cargo area behind the rear seats make placement a challenge. Most owners mount a compact sealed subwoofer enclosure in the hatch cargo area or fabricate a custom enclosure that fits under the rear cargo floor. Connecting the subwoofer amplifier to the Aftermarket Head Unit’s subwoofer preamp output gives the cleanest signal, while high-level inputs from the rear speaker wires are an alternative if using a head unit without a Subwoofer output.
Add Wiring Information
If you have verified 1988–1991 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 3rd 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.
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2nd Gen (1983–1987)
3rd Gen (1988–1991)
4th Gen (1992–1996)
5th Gen (1997–2001)