Quick answer: Oil and Filter Change Tutorial on a 2016–2021 Honda Civic is rated Moderate and takes about 1 hour. You'll need 9 tools for this job, and parts cost about $42. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Engine Oil (0W-20 Full Synthetic) |
— |
$30.00 |
|
| Oil Filter (OEM Honda) |
— |
$10.00 |
|
| Drain Plug Washer |
94109-14000 |
$2.00 |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Prepare the Vehicle
0W-20 full synthetic, 3.7 quarts with filter (3.5L). You'll need: 0W-20, Honda filter 15400-PLM-A02, new crush washer. Drain plug: 30 N·m (22 ft-lb). Watch for oil dilution (Honda TSB 18-124) — check the dipstick for fuel smell and do NOT overfill.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
In my experience, sniff the dipstick before you drain — if it smells like a gas station, that's the 1.5T's dilution issue, not normal. Don't overfill past the mark; extra oil just gives the fuel more room to hide.
2
Lift and Secure the Vehicle
Raise the front and support with jack stands, keeping it level. Chock the rear wheels. The 10th-gen's undertray needs partial removal — the Civic is low, so use ramps or good jack placement. Locate the drain plug and spin-on filter.
3
Drain the Old Oil
Remove the drain plug and drain the 3.7 quarts for 10-15 minutes (30 N·m / 22 ft-lb on reinstall, new crush washer). Smell the old oil — fuel smell or a high level means the 10th-gen dilution issue (TSB 18-124).
4
Replace the Oil Filter
Unscrew the old spin-on filter (15400-PLM-A02 class). Position the drain pan. Clean the mounting surface. Oil the new filter's gasket. Install hand-tight plus a quarter turn.
5
Reinstall the Drain Plug
Reinstall the drain plug with a NEW crush washer. Torque to 30 N·m (22 ft-lb). Don't over-tighten. Wipe clean. Reinstall the undertray. Given the dilution concern, be precise with the 3.7 qt — overfilling compounds the problem.
6
Add New Oil and Verify
Lower to level ground and add 3.7 qt of 0W-20 — do NOT overfill; dipstick at the upper mark. Start, run 30 seconds, shut off, wait 2 minutes, recheck. Check for leaks; reset the Maintenance Minder.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Over-tightening the drain plug
- • Using incorrect oil type or quantity
- • Failing to replace the drain plug washer
