Quick answer: Engine Oil and Filter Change on a 2003–2008 Honda Pilot is rated Easy and takes about 30-45 minutes. You'll need 8 tools for this job, and parts cost about $41. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
Oil spec
3.5L V6: J35A4 (2003-2004): 5.1 qt / J35A6 (2005-2008): 4.5 qt
Capacity 5.1 (2003-2004) / 4.5 (2005-2008) qt with filter Viscosity 5W-20
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| 5W-20 engine oil (5 quarts; use 5.1 qt for 2003-2004, 4.5 qt for 2005-2008) |
— |
$25.00 |
|
| Oil filter 15400-PLM-A02 |
15400-PLM-A02 |
$15.00 |
|
| Drain plug crush washer 94109-14000 |
94109-14000 |
$1.00 |
|
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 Pilot and supplies
Park your 2003-2008 Honda Pilot on a level surface and engage the parking brake. The first-generation Pilot uses the 3.5L J35 V6 specifying 5W-20: 2003-2004 (J35A4) take 5.1 quarts with a filter, 2005-2008 (J35A6) take 4.5 quarts. Gather 5 quarts of 5W-20 oil, a Honda filter (15400-PLM-A02), a new crush washer, and tools including a 17mm wrench. The TRQ video demonstrates on a 2007 Pilot EX-L 3.5L AWD.
2
Lift the front securely
Chock the rear wheels. The Pilot is a heavy SUV with good ground clearance, but lifting provides comfortable working room. As shown in the TRQ video, ensure the vehicle is stable before crawling underneath. Never rely on the jack alone.
3
Remove the drain plug
Position a drain pan under the oil pan. Locate the 17mm drain plug. Using a 17mm wrench, turn counterclockwise to loosen. The TRQ video lists a flat blade screwdriver, 17mm wrench, oil filter wrench, and torque wrench among the required tools. Allow the 5W-20 oil to drain completely for 10-15 minutes. The J35 V6 holds 5.1 quarts on 2003-2004 models and 4.5 quarts on 2005-2008 models.
4
Remove the old oil filter
Move the drain pan under the oil filter location on the side of the engine block. Use an oil filter wrench to break the filter loose counterclockwise, then spin off by hand. The video notes that replacing the engine oil filter is essential for a healthy vehicle. Drain residual oil from the filter into the pan. Clean the mounting surface with a rag.
5
Install the new oil filter
Apply fresh 5W-20 oil to the new filter's rubber gasket. Thread the Honda filter (15400-PLM-A02 or equivalent) onto the mounting stud by hand. Once the gasket makes contact with the engine surface, tighten an additional 3/4 turn by hand. Do not use the filter wrench for installation; hand-tightening prevents over-compression and eases future removal.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
Don't learn this the expensive way like I did: I install the filter by hand — the wrench is for removal only, and hand-tightening eases the next change.
6
Reinstall the drain plug
Clean the drain plug threads and install a new aluminum crush washer (94109-14000). Start the plug by hand to avoid cross-threading. Using a torque wrench, tighten the 17mm drain plug to 29 ft-lbs (39 Nm), the Honda factory specification for the J35 engine. Proper torque is critical on the aluminum oil pan to prevent both leaks and thread damage.
7
Refill with fresh oil
Lower the Pilot off the jack stands onto level ground. Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap on the valve cover. Insert a funnel and pour in 5.1 quarts of 5W-20 on 2003-2004 models or 4.5 quarts on 2005-2008 models. The first-gen Pilot's J35 V6 specifically calls for 5W-20 (not 5W-30). Pour slowly and check for spills. Reinstall the filler cap tightly.
8
Check level and inspect for leaks
Start the engine and let it idle for 60 seconds to fill the new filter and build oil pressure. Turn off and wait 2 minutes. Pull the dipstick, wipe, reinsert, and verify the level is at the upper mark. Look underneath for any leaks at the drain plug or filter. Reset the maintenance required light by holding the trip button. Recycle used oil at an approved facility.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Using 5W-30 instead of the specified 5W-20; the J35A6/J35A9 V6 requires 5W-20 for proper VTEC operation.
- • Not replacing the drain plug washer, leading to slow oil seepage on these high-mileage SUVs.
- • Overtightening the filter with a wrench instead of hand-tightening, making the next change very difficult.
- • Forgetting to check the oil level after the first start, as the large V6 filter holds significant oil.
