The 2016 Honda Pilot uses a cartridge-style oil filter located on top of the engine

Your 2016 Honda Pilot's oil filter is not the spin-on canister type you might expect. Instead, Honda built a cartridge-style filter into the top of the engine block, under a removable cap. This design means you cannot straightforward unscrew an old filter and screw on a new one — you have to open the cap, remove the old cartridge, and install a new one inside.

The filter cap sits near the center-front of the engine, and you can see it if you pop the hood. It is a round, black plastic piece about three inches across. This location matters because it affects how you access the filter and what tools you need.

Understanding this design upfront saves you from buying the wrong part or trying a replacement method that will not work on your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Honda Pilot has a cartridge oil filter inside a cap on top of the engine, not a traditional spin-on filter underneath.
  • You will need the correct cartridge filter (Honda part number 15400-PLM-A02 or equivalent), a new crush washer, and a filter wrench or cap wrench to remove the cap.
  • The entire replacement takes about 15 to 20 minutes and does not require lifting the vehicle or getting underneath it.
  • Draining the old oil first prevents spilling oil across the engine bay when you open the filter cap.

What parts and tools you need before you start

Before you open the engine bay, gather the correct filter cartridge. The OEM Honda part is 15400-PLM-A02, though aftermarket equivalents from Fram, Mobil, and other brands fit the same housing. The part costs between $8 and $15 depending on the brand and where you buy it. You also need a new crush washer — a small metal ring that seals the cap back onto the engine. Honda includes this washer with OEM filters, but aftermarket filters may not, so check before you buy.

For tools, you need a wrench or socket to remove the filter cap. A 74 mm filter wrench (also called a cap wrench) is the correct size, though some people use a 3/8-inch drive socket set with a ratchet if they have one. You do not need a jack or lift — the filter sits on top of the engine where you can reach it from above.

Have an oil drain pan ready, old rags or paper towels, and a container for the old filter cartridge. If you are also changing the engine oil, drain that first so the system is empty before you open the filter cap.

Step-by-step replacement process

Start by letting the engine cool for at least 30 minutes after running. The oil and filter housing will be hot, and you can burn yourself on either one. Once cool, open the hood and locate the black plastic filter cap near the center-front of the engine.

Place your drain pan underneath the cap to catch any oil that spills when you open it. Use your filter wrench or socket to turn the cap counterclockwise and unscrew it by hand once it is loose enough to grip. The cap will come off with the old filter cartridge still inside it — do not pull the cartridge out yet.

Over the drain pan, remove the old cartridge from inside the cap by pulling it straight out. You will see a rubber seal and a spring inside the cap. Wipe the inside of the cap clean with a rag, removing any debris or old rubber pieces. Check that the rubber seal (called the O-ring) is still attached to the cap and not stuck to the engine block. If it is stuck to the block, peel it off gently.

Insert the new cartridge into the cap, making sure it sits all the way down and the rubber seal on top of the cartridge is centered. Place the new crush washer onto the threaded opening on the engine block, then screw the cap back on by hand until it is snug. Use your wrench to tighten it another three-quarter turn — do not over-tighten, as this can crack the plastic cap.

Common mistakes that cause leaks or damage

The most frequent error is forgetting the crush washer or reusing the old one. The crush washer is a one-time seal — once you remove it, it loses its ability to seal properly. If you reinstall the cap without a new washer, oil will leak from under the cap within a few days of driving. Always replace it, even if it looks fine.

Over-tightening the cap is the second common mistake. The plastic cap can crack if you use a wrench to tighten it more than about three-quarter turn after hand-tightening. A cracked cap means oil leaks and you have to buy a new cap assembly, which costs $30 to $50. Hand-tight plus a small wrench turn is enough.

Forgetting to clean the inside of the cap before installing the new filter can trap debris inside the housing. This debris can clog the new filter or damage the engine's oil passages. Wipe the cap interior every time, even if it looks clean.

When to replace your oil filter

Honda recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the engine oil. For a 2016 Pilot, that is typically every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first, if you use synthetic oil. If you use conventional oil, Honda suggests every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your driving conditions, as severe driving (towing, frequent short trips, dusty conditions) may require more frequent changes.

Some owners change the filter at every other oil change to save money, but this is not recommended by Honda. The filter traps contaminants, and a clogged filter reduces oil flow and can damage the engine over time. Replacing it at the recommended interval is cheap insurance against expensive engine repairs.

Where to buy the correct filter and washer

You can buy the cartridge filter and crush washer at any auto parts store — AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts all stock them. Online retailers like Amazon also carry them, though shipping may take several days. If you want the OEM Honda part, dealerships stock it, but it costs more than aftermarket equivalents.

When you buy, confirm the part number matches your vehicle year (2016) and engine size. The Pilot comes with either a 3.5-liter or 2.0-liter engine, and both use the same filter cartridge, so you do not need to specify which one you have.

Some auto parts stores offer free installation if you buy the filter from them. If you are not comfortable doing the replacement yourself, this is a low-cost option — the labor is usually free or under $20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any cartridge filter, or does it have to be Honda brand?

Any cartridge filter designed for the 2016 Pilot will work. Fram, Mobil, Bosch, and other major brands make equivalent filters that fit the same housing. The OEM Honda filter is not necessarily better — it is the same quality as most aftermarket options and costs more. Check that the part number or packaging says it fits a 2016 Honda Pilot before you buy.

What happens if I forget to replace the crush washer?

Oil will leak from under the filter cap within a few days of driving. The crush washer is a one-time seal that deforms when you tighten the cap, and reusing it does not work. You will have to remove the cap again, clean up the spilled oil, and install a new washer. Always buy a new one with your filter.

Do I have to drain the oil before changing the filter?

You do not have to, but it is a good idea. If you open the filter cap without draining the oil first, some oil will spill into the engine bay. Draining the oil first means the system is empty, so opening the cap is cleaner and faster. If you are only changing the filter and not the oil, you can skip draining, but have your drain pan ready for spills.

How tight should the filter cap be when I screw it back on?

Hand-tight plus about three-quarter turn with a wrench is correct. You should feel resistance, but do not force it. The plastic cap can crack if you over-tighten, and a cracked cap is expensive to replace. If you are unsure, err on the side of looser — a slightly loose cap is easier to fix than a cracked one.