Do Honda Del Sol have power steering?

Yes. Honda Del Sol models generally came with power-assisted steering as standard, using hydraulic power steering, with manual steering not offered in the U.S. market.

The Honda Del Sol, produced from the early 1990s through the late 1990s, was sold primarily in North America, Europe, and other regions as a compact sports car with a removable roof. In these markets, steering was typically assisted by a hydraulic pump connected to a rack-and-pinion setup. While enthusiasts sometimes discuss aftermarket alterations, factory configurations for the U.S. lineup did not include a manual-steering option, and most Del Sols shipped with power steering across trim levels such as S and Si (and related regional variants).

Steering systems across the Del Sol lineup

Below is a quick breakdown of how steering was typically equipped across common Del Sol models.

• United States market (1992–1998): Power steering with hydraulic assist was standard on the main trims (S and Si). There was no documented factory manual-steering option for these models.


• Global markets: The Del Sol generally used the same hydraulic power-assisted steering system, with rack-and-pinion steering common across trim levels.


• Aftermarket/modifications: Some owners may modify their cars to remove or bypass power steering, but such changes are non-factory and not representative of the original configuration.

In practice, buyers and owners can expect power steering to be part of a standard Del Sol setup, and it’s a feature you can verify on a specific car by checking the service/owner’s manual, VIN/build sheet, or by inspecting the engine bay for the power-steering pump and reservoir.

How to verify power steering on your Del Sol

If you’re trying to confirm whether a particular Del Sol has power steering, use these checks.

• Inspect the engine bay for a power-steering pump with hoses leading to the steering rack and a reservoir labeled "Power Steering Fluid."


• Turn the steering wheel with the engine running; the steering should feel light and require less effort than when the engine is off (power assist active).


• Look for a belt-driven pump connected to the crank pulley; a missing or loose belt may indicate an issue with the power-steering system.


• Consult the car’s build sheet, door sticker, or service records to confirm whether power steering was specified for that exact VIN.

If you encounter hard steering, groaning noises, or fluid leaks, those are common symptoms of a failing power-steering system that may require inspection or service.

Maintenance tips for the power-steering system

Keeping the Del Sol’s steering system in good condition helps ensure precise handling and a comfortable driving experience.

• Regularly check power-steering fluid level and top up with the correct Honda-spec fluid if needed.


• Inspect hoses and the reservoir for leaks and replace seals or hoses as required.


• Listen for unusual pump noise; a failing pump may need rebuilding or replacement, and prolonged issues can stress the belt and other components.


• Ensure the drive belt is in good condition and properly tensioned to prevent slippage and reduced assist.

Addressing these maintenance tasks helps preserve the Del Sol’s responsive steering and overall driving feel.

Summary

For most Honda Del Sol models from the 1992–1998 era, power steering was a standard feature, driven by a hydraulic power-steering system connected to a rack-and-pinion setup. While aftermarket removals exist, factory configurations in the primary markets did not offer a manual-steering option. If you’re examining a Del Sol or maintaining one, verify the presence of the power-steering pump, reservoir, and belt, and consult the vehicle’s records to confirm the exact steering configuration for that car.

How do I know if my car has power steering?

You can know if your car has power steering by checking for a power steering fluid reservoir and pump in the engine bay, looking for a "power steering" warning light on the dashboard, or by the feeling of the steering wheel at low speeds. 
Check your engine bay 

• Look for a reservoir: Hydraulic power steering systems have a power steering fluid reservoir. If you find a separate tank with a cap marked "power steering fluid," your car likely has hydraulic power steering. 
• Look for a pump and belt: With the engine off, check for a pump connected to the engine by a belt. If it has a belt-driven pump, it is a hydraulic system. If it lacks a belt-driven pump, it may have an electric power steering system. 

This video demonstrates how to check if your power steering is working by looking for the power steering pump and fluid reservoir: 1mAMSOIL INC.YouTube · Oct 1, 2024
Check your dashboard 

• Look for a warning light: Some modern cars have a power steering warning light on the dashboard that illuminates when the engine is on and the system is working correctly. If the light stays on or comes on while driving, it may indicate a problem with the system. 

Test the steering wheel 

• Engine off: The steering wheel should be stiff and hard to turn when the engine is off. 
• Engine on: When you start the engine, the steering should become light and easy to turn, especially at low speeds and while parking. 
• Listen for noises: If you hear whining or grinding noises when you turn the wheel, it may be an issue with the power steering system. 

You can watch this video to see how the steering wheel feels when the engine is on versus off: 26sGet DrivingYouTube · Nov 15, 2023

What is the difference between 1997 Honda Del Sol Si and VTEC?

The sporty Si model has a 127-horsepower SOHC VTEC engine and a beefier suspension than the S. In addition to more horsepower, Si's have aluminum wheels, power door locks and power mirrors. The top-of-the-line del Sol VTEC offers a whopping 160-horsepower engine and antilock brakes.

What motor comes in a Honda Del Sol?

The Honda del Sol was available with several engines depending on the trim and year, with the most common being the D16Y7 (1.6L SOHC) for the base "S" model and the D16Z6 (1.6L SOHC VTEC) for the "Si" model (1993-1995). The most powerful engine was the B16A3 (1.6L DOHC VTEC), which was in the top-trim "VTEC" model (1994-1995). 
Here's a breakdown of the engines:
Base "S" Model 

• D15B7: 1993-1995: (1.5L SOHC)
• D16Y7: 1996-1997: (1.6L SOHC)

"Si" Model 

• D16Z6: 1993-1995: (1.6L SOHC VTEC)
• D16Y8: 1996-1997: (1.6L SOHC VTEC)

"VTEC" Model 

• B16A3: 1994-1995: (1.6L DOHC VTEC) 

How rare are Honda Del Sols?

With less than 75,000 units manufactured for the U.S. market, the Honda Del Sol is not a rare car, but can be considered uncommon.