🔧 RDX - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

You’ll drain the old oil, replace the oil filter, then refill with fresh 0W-20. This protects your engine from wear and keeps the oil life monitor accurate.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and support the RDX with jack stands, not just a jack.
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be hot—let the engine cool 15-30 minutes if it was just driven.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the serpentine belt and exhaust to avoid smoke and smells.
• ⚠️ Do not crawl under the RDX unless the wheels are chocked and it’s stable.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum, pair)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity)
• Funnel
• Shop rags
• Ratchet
• 17mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Torque wrench (10-100 Nm range)
• Phillips screwdriver
• Trim clip removal tool
• Oil filter wrench (adjustable band type) (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap (this helps the oil drain).
• Raise the front of the RDX with a floor jack and support it with jack stands at the proper lift points.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Position the drain pan under the engine area.
• Use a 10mm socket and ratchet to remove the splash shield bolts.
• Use a trim clip removal tool and/or Phillips screwdriver to remove any push clips.
• Set the shield and fasteners aside in a safe spot.

Step 2: Drain the old engine oil

• Locate the oil drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan.
• Use a 17mm socket and ratchet to loosen the drain plug, turning counterclockwise.
• Finish removing the plug by hand and quickly move your hand away as oil starts flowing into the drain pan.
• Let it drain for 10-15 minutes until it becomes a slow drip.

Step 3: Install a new crush washer and reinstall the drain plug

• Remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and install the new one.
• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench with a 17mm socket to tighten the drain plug: Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).
• Wipe the area clean with shop rags.

Step 4: Remove the old oil filter

• Move the drain pan
• Use an oil filter wrench (adjustable band type) to loosen the filter counterclockwise.
• Unscrew the filter by hand and keep it upright as you lower it into the drain pan.
• Check the engine’s filter mounting surface to ensure the old rubber gasket isn’t stuck there.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Put a light film of fresh oil on the new filter’s rubber gasket (use a gloved finger).
• Screw the new filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the base.
• Tighten by hand an additional 3/4 turn (no tools). Hand-tight is usually correct here.

Step 6: Reinstall the splash shield

• Reinstall the shield using the 10mm socket, ratchet, trim clip removal tool, and Phillips screwdriver as needed.
• Snug the fasteners evenly—do not over-tighten plastic clips.

Step 7: Refill with new engine oil

• Lower the RDX back to the ground using the floor jack.
• Place a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Pour in 4.5 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.

Step 8: Start, check for leaks, and verify the oil level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Turn the engine off and wait 3-5 minutes for oil to settle.
• Use the dipstick to check the level, wiping it with shop rags first, then reinsert and recheck.
• Add oil as needed to reach the upper mark (usually a few ounces at a time).
• Inspect for leaks around the drain plug and oil filter.

Step 9: Reset the oil life (Maintenance Minder)

• Method A (instrument display): Turn ignition to ON (engine off). Use the SEL/RESET knob/buttons to display Oil Life. Press and hold SEL/RESET until it blinks, then press and hold again to reset to 100%.
• Method B (if your display has a settings menu): With ignition ON, go to Settings > Vehicle > Maintenance Info > Reset and confirm.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck for drips after a short 5-minute drive and another quick look underneath.
• Confirm the oil level is still near the upper dipstick mark after the drive.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts waste oil.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $55-$90 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.