🔧 Accord - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Replacement

This job drains the old engine oil, replaces the oil filter, and refills your Accord with fresh oil. Clean oil protects the turbocharged 1.5L engine, helps control heat, and keeps internal parts properly lubricated.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 45-75 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, stable surface and never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands; they are fixed supports that hold the vehicle safely after lifting.
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be hot enough to burn you. Let the engine cool until it is warm, not hot.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off belts, exhaust parts, and the driveway. Wipe spills right away.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this oil change.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 17mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 3/8-inch torque wrench
• Oil filter wrench 65mm 14-flute
• Floor jack rated 2-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Oil drain pan 8-quart minimum
• Funnel
• Plastic trim clip remover
• Flat-blade screwdriver 1/4-inch
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil 0W-20 full synthetic - Qty: 3.7 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Engine oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Accord on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine run for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster than cold oil.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap by hand. This helps the oil drain smoothly.
• Have a drain pan ready before loosening the drain plug.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and Secure the Front

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum at the front center jacking point to raise your Accord.
• Place the jack stands rated 2-ton minimum under the front side support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands and give the car a light shake to confirm it is stable.
• Never crawl under a jack-only vehicle.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Engine Cover Access Panel

• Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves.
• Use the plastic trim clip remover to release the lower cover clips if equipped.
• Use the flat-blade screwdriver 1/4-inch to turn any slotted fasteners on the access panel.
• Set the clips and panel aside where they will not get dirty or lost.

Step 3: Drain the Old Engine Oil

• Place the oil drain pan 8-quart minimum under the oil drain plug.
• Use the 17mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to loosen the drain plug counterclockwise.
• Remove the drain plug by hand once loose, keeping pressure inward until the last thread releases.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to occasional drips.
• Move your hand away quickly.

Step 4: Replace the Drain Plug Washer

• Use your hand or the flat-blade screwdriver 1/4-inch to remove the old crush washer from the drain plug.
• A crush washer is a soft sealing washer that compresses once to prevent leaks.
• Install the new engine oil drain plug crush washer on the drain plug.
• Wipe the drain plug and oil pan sealing area with shop towels.

Step 5: Reinstall the Drain Plug

• Thread the drain plug into the oil pan by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 17mm socket and 3/8-inch torque wrench to tighten the drain plug.
• Torque to 40 Nm (30 ft-lbs).
• Hand-starting prevents thread damage.

Step 6: Remove the Old Oil Filter

• Move the oil drain pan 8-quart minimum under the oil filter area.
• Use the oil filter wrench 65mm 14-flute and 3/8-inch ratchet to loosen the oil filter counterclockwise.
• Unscrew the filter by hand once loose.
• Check that the old rubber filter gasket came off with the filter.
• A gasket is the rubber seal that prevents oil from leaking around the filter.

Step 7: Install the New Oil Filter

• Dip a gloved finger in fresh 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil and lightly coat the new filter gasket.
• Thread the new engine oil filter on by hand until the gasket touches the engine.
• Tighten the oil filter by hand an additional 3/4 turn after gasket contact.
• If using the oil filter wrench 65mm 14-flute and 3/8-inch torque wrench, torque to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs).
• Do not overtighten the filter.

Step 8: Refill the Engine Oil

• Lower your Accord enough to make it level, or keep it safely supported if the drain pan is still underneath.
• Place the funnel into the oil filler opening on top of the engine.
• Pour in about 3.5 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil.
• Reinstall the oil filler cap by hand.

Step 9: Start the Engine and Check for Leaks

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Use safety glasses and inspect under the engine for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
• Shut the engine off and wait 3-5 minutes so oil can settle into the oil pan.
• Use shop towels to wipe the dipstick, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to check the level.
• Add oil through the funnel until the dipstick reads near the full mark. Total refill is about 3.7 quarts with filter.

Step 10: Reinstall the Lower Engine Cover

• Use the plastic trim clip remover to position the clips if needed.
• Use the flat-blade screwdriver 1/4-inch to secure any slotted fasteners.
• Confirm the panel is flat and secure before driving.

Step 11: Lower the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to raise the front slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands rated 2-ton minimum.
• Lower your Accord slowly to the ground.
• Remove the wheel chocks.

Step 12: Reset the Maintenance Minder

• Turn the ignition to ON without starting the engine.
• Use the steering wheel controls to open Home > Maintenance > Oil Life.
• Press and hold the selector/ENTER button until the reset screen appears.
• Select All Due Items or Oil Life, then confirm the reset to 100%.
• If your screen layout differs, use Settings > Vehicle > Maintenance Info > Reset Items.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine again and confirm the oil pressure warning light goes out within a few seconds.
• Check underneath one more time for leaks after a short 5-minute drive.
• Recheck the dipstick level with the vehicle parked level and the engine off for 3-5 minutes.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts used oil.
• Write down the mileage and date of the oil change.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$65 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$75 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.3-0.6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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