Quick answer: Complete Oil Change Guide on a 2017–2022 Honda CR-V is rated Easy and takes about 45 minutes. You'll need 7 tools for this job, and parts cost about $40. 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 Synthetic) |
— |
$30.00 |
|
| Oil Filter |
15400-PLM-A02 |
$10.00 |
|
| Drain plug crush washer |
— |
— |
|
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
Park on level ground. Drain plug torque: 30 N·m (22 ft-lb). Check your dipstick for a fuel smell and do NOT overfill — overfilling worsens dilution.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I make it a point to take the fuel-dilution warning seriously on the 5th gen — smell the dipstick every change. If the level is rising or it reeks of fuel, that's a dealer visit, not an extra quart drained. Short trips make it worse.
2
Lift and Secure the Vehicle
Raise the front of the CR-V and support with jack stands. Ensure it's level for an accurate dipstick reading. Chock the rear wheels. The 5th-gen CR-V's undertray needs partial removal to access the drain plug and spin-on filter.
3
Drain the Old Oil
Position the drain pan. Remove the drain plug (30 N·m (22 ft-lb) on reinstall, new crush washer). Let the 3.7 quarts drain fully. Note the oil level: if it was overfull, dilution is likely. Let it drain 10-15 minutes.
4
Replace the Oil Filter
Unscrew the old spin-on filter (Honda 15400-PLM-A02 class). Position the drain pan — oil will spill. Clean the mounting surface. Oil the new filter's gasket. Install hand-tight plus a quarter turn. Do not over-tighten.
5
Reinstall the Drain Plug
Reinstall the drain plug with a NEW crush washer. Torque to 30 N·m (22 ft-lb). Don't strip the aluminum pan. Wipe clean. Reinstall the undertray. Verify the plug and filter are secure. Don't overfill — the 3.7 qt capacity is with filter.
6
Add New Oil and Verify
Lower to level ground. Add 3.7 quarts of 0W-20 (with filter). Do NOT overfill — the 5th-gen 1.5T is sensitive to overfilling due to fuel dilution. Check the dipstick — it should be at (not above) the upper mark. Start the engine, run 30 seconds, shut off, wait 2 minutes, recheck. Check for leaks. Reset the Maintenance Minder. Going forward, check your oil level regularly — if it's rising between changes or smells of fuel, the dilution issue needs dealer attention (Honda TSB/software update). Consider more frequent changes if you do mostly short trips.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
I know at, not above, the upper mark — overfilling a dilution-prone 1.5T just feeds the problem. Pour the 3.7 quarts, check, and walk away. More is not better here.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Not allowing the engine to cool before starting the oil change
- • Over-tightening the oil filter during installation
- • Failing to properly dispose of used oil
- • Not checking the oil level after completing the change
- • Using the wrong type or amount of oil for the vehicle
