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5th Gen Chassis Codes: BB5 • BB6 • BB7 • BB8 | Model Years: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001
This page provides the complete 1997–2001 Honda Prelude radio wiring diagram for the 5th generation Prelude (chassis codes BB5, BB6, BB7, and BB8). Use this guide when installing an aftermarket head unit or troubleshooting your factory stereo in a 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, or 2001 Honda Prelude.
The 5th and final generation Prelude was a refined, driver-focused sports coupe that introduced Honda’s Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) on the Type SH trim — a torque-vectoring front differential unique in the compact car segment. The audio system used Honda’s fully standardized 10-pin and 6-pin connector with excellent harness adapter availability. Base and Type SH trims shared the same basic audio architecture with front door speakers and rear panel speakers. The Prelude was discontinued after the 2001 model year and was never replaced, making 5th gen examples increasingly sought-after by collectors.
🔗 In This Guide
1997–2001 Honda Prelude Stereo Wiring Diagram
Use the wiring table below for your 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 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 |
 (Simple Radio Install, Keep Steering Wheel Controls and Use Factory Amplifier) |
|
| 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 |
1997–2001 Honda Prelude Speaker Sizes and Locations
Use the speaker table below for your 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001 Honda Prelude speaker sizes and locations.
| Speakers | Speaker Size & Location |
|---|---|
| Front Tweeter Speaker Size | 1″ Tweeters |
| Front Tweeter Speaker Location | Dash Corners |
| 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″ x 9″ 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 1997–2001 Honda Prelude?
The 5th generation Prelude uses a Honda 10-pin and 6-pin radio connector. Metra 70-1721 Wire Harness Adapter and Scosche HA08B Wire Harness Adapter are the standard adapters and are widely available. The BB5–BB8 connector is identical to those used in the 5th gen Accord and other late-1990s Honda models, giving excellent parts availability. As the final Prelude generation and an increasingly collectible sports car, preserving the original factory wiring with a harness adapter (rather than cutting) is strongly recommended.
Does the 1997–2001 Honda Prelude Type SH have a different audio system?
No. The Type SH’s ATTS torque-vectoring system is a chassis and drivetrain feature unrelated to the audio system. The Type SH uses the same radio connector, speaker configuration, and Head Unit as the base trim Prelude. The audio installation process is identical between Type SH and standard 5th gen Preludes. There is no factory Amplifier or premium audio system on any Type SH configuration.
What size are the factory speakers in a 1997–2001 Honda Prelude?
The 5th generation Prelude uses 6 1/2″ Speakers in the front door panels. Rear speakers are located in the rear side panels behind the rear seats and typically use a 6×9-inch speaker size. The 6″ x 9″ Speakers rear panel location is one of the easiest audio upgrade points on the 5th gen Prelude due to the size of the opening relative to the available aftermarket 6″ x 9″ Speakers selection. Upgrading both front doors and the rear panels provides a significant and cost-effective improvement over the factory audio output.
Does the 1997–2001 Honda Prelude have an anti-theft radio code?
Yes. The 5th generation Prelude includes Honda’s radio anti-theft code system. The code is required after any power interruption to the radio. Retrieve the code from the owner’s manual, the sticker on the back of the factory Radio unit (requires removal), or from a Honda dealer using the radio’s serial number. When installing an aftermarket head unit, the anti-theft system is bypassed automatically since the aftermarket unit does not use Honda’s code system.
Is the 1997–2001 Honda Prelude a collector car, and does that affect audio modifications?
The 5th gen Prelude is widely considered a future classic and values have risen consistently since its discontinuation in 2001. Keeping the factory audio system intact — or at minimum preserving the factory wiring with a harness adapter — is advisable for maintaining vehicle value. Many collectors prefer to store the original factory head unit and reinstall it before selling. If adding aftermarket audio, reversible installations using harness adapters and DIN-removal-compatible dash kits are strongly preferred over any modification that requires cutting or permanently altering the factory wiring or dashboard.
Add Wiring Information
If you have verified 1997–2001 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 5th 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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5th Gen (1997–2001)