weight of oil

[drahthaar1]

I just purchased a 1996 honda passport and I noticed that the dealer put in 5w-20. There isn't an owner's manual so I was wondering if this is right or do I need to change to oil.

[Ramblin Fever]

You didn't mention what climate your in?

I live in the Rockies, and put in 10W-30 year round; have the 3.2L V6.

I would imagine the 5W-20 would be fine for winter use; but I wouldn't use it in the summer months - especially if you get over 80 degrees.

[Ramblin Fever]

Just read that your in Spokane, Washington. I think you'd be fine with 5W-20 in the winter; if you plan on summer drives to a hotter climate, i.e. over 85 degrees with highway driving, I'd definitely move up to 10w-30.

How many miles your rig got?

[iskiuskiweski]

We have hot summers and cold winters here, I have been going with 5w-30 in the winter and 10w-30 in summer. It seems to do very well for me.

[Cat Fuzz]

I use 5w-30 year round and I'm also in Spokane. I see no reason to switch oils all the time.

[rodeo02]

You wont hurt anything running 5w-20 in your 1996 3.2L. Honda & Ford pretty much recommend this wt. across the board now. I guess its a fuel economy thing. 5w-20's are actually partially 'synthetic'. They need to be to make the grade. IIRC, the 1993-1997 3.2's do real well on quality 5w-30 (and good filters). I've experimented with a few viscosity ranges on my 2002, but stick with either 5w-30 or 10w-30 now.
G/luck
Joel

[iskiuskiweski]

Here in the mid-west, the temp fluctuates quite a bit, winter sometimes below 0F, and summer somettime above 100F. This is why I personaly make the change with the seasons. But like Rodeo02 said, choose right for your climate and a good quality filter.