Where the oil filter sits on your 2008 Accord
On a 2008 Honda Accord, the oil filter is mounted on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold. You'll find it tucked between the engine block and the firewall — the metal wall that separates the engine from the passenger cabin. The filter is a cylindrical canister about 3 inches tall, oriented vertically, with a hex nut on top that you grip to unscrew it.
Access is tight but manageable. You'll need to remove the plastic engine cover (held by three clips) and may need to move the air intake tube slightly to get your hand in. The filter sits low enough that you can reach it from above without jacking the car up, though some people find it easier to work from underneath if they have ramps or a lift.
The part number for a genuine Honda filter is HO-02110-ZZ7-003, though aftermarket filters from Fram, Mobil 1, and Bosch also fit. All are interchangeable — they thread onto the same fitting and hold the same amount of oil.
Key Takeaways
- The 2008 Accord's oil filter is mounted vertically on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold and between the engine and firewall.
- You can remove the filter by hand after loosening it with a wrench, and you do not need to jack up the car to reach it.
- The genuine Honda part number is HO-02110-ZZ7-003, but Fram, Mobil 1, and Bosch filters fit the same threaded fitting.
- After removing the old filter, you must clean the rubber gasket surface on the engine block before installing a new one.
- Tighten the new filter by hand until the rubber gasket contacts the engine, then turn it three-quarters of a turn more — do not use a wrench to tighten.
Tools and supplies you'll need
You need an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, a rag, and the replacement filter itself. The wrench is essential because the filter sits in a confined space where your hand alone won't generate enough torque to break it loose. A 74mm or 3-inch filter wrench works on the Accord's filter — this is a common size sold at any auto parts store for $8 to $15.
Have the drain pan ready before you start. Even though you're not draining the oil, the filter contains about a quart of old oil that will spill when you unscrew it. A shallow pan or even a large yogurt container works, as long as it catches the drips. Keep the rag nearby to wipe your hands and clean up spills.
If you're replacing the oil at the same time, you'll also need the correct oil type and amount for your Accord. The 2008 model takes 3.7 quarts of 0W-20 oil if you're also changing the filter, or 3.5 quarts if you're only topping off between changes.
Step-by-step removal of the old filter
Start by removing the plastic engine cover. It's held by three clips — one in the center and one on each side. Pull straight up on each clip and the cover lifts off. Set it aside where it won't get dirty.
Position your drain pan underneath the filter to catch the oil. Slide the filter wrench over the filter canister and turn it counterclockwise. The filter will resist at first — this is normal. Once it breaks loose, you can unscrew it by hand. Turn slowly and let the oil drain into the pan as you unscrew. The last quarter-turn will release the filter completely.
Inspect the rubber gasket on the engine block where the filter was attached. It should come off with the old filter, but sometimes a piece sticks to the engine. If you see a rubber ring still attached to the engine, wipe it off with your rag. This is critical — if you install a new filter over an old gasket, the seal will fail and oil will leak.
Installing the new filter correctly
Before you thread on the new filter, wipe the gasket surface on the engine block clean and dry. Use your rag to remove any oil residue or debris. The surface should feel smooth and look clean.
explore a thin coat of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter. Use your finger to rub a small amount of the oil you're about to put in the engine around the gasket. This helps the seal work properly and makes the next filter change easier.
Thread the new filter onto the engine by hand. Turn it clockwise until the rubber gasket contacts the engine block — you'll feel a slight resistance when this happens. Once contact is made, turn the filter an additional three-quarters of a turn. Do not use the wrench to tighten it. Hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening will crush the gasket and cause leaks.
What to do after installation
Reinstall the plastic engine cover by pressing the three clips back into place. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds, then turn it off. Wait two minutes and check the oil level on the dipstick. Top off if needed — the level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Check underneath the car for leaks around the new filter. If you see oil dripping, the filter is too tight or the gasket surface wasn't clean. Turn off the engine, let it cool for five minutes, and loosen the filter by a quarter-turn. Restart and check again.
Dispose of the old filter properly. Most auto parts stores that sell filters will take the old one for free, even if you didn't buy the new one there. Never throw it in the trash — the oil inside is hazardous waste.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most frequent error is over-tightening the new filter. People use a wrench to tighten it "to be sure," which crushes the gasket and causes leaks within days. The three-quarter-turn rule after gasket contact is the correct specification. If you've already over-tightened it, loosen it slightly and the leak should stop.
The second mistake is forgetting to clean the old gasket off the engine block. If a piece of rubber remains, the new filter won't seal properly and oil will weep around the edges. Always inspect the engine block surface before installing the new filter.
A third issue is installing the filter upside down, though this is rare. The threaded fitting points downward on the Accord, so the filter hangs below it. If you're confused about orientation, look at how the old filter was positioned before you remove it.
When to replace your Accord's oil filter
Honda recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For a 2008 Accord with regular driving, that's every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on your owner's manual and driving conditions. If you drive mostly on highways, you can go longer between changes. If you drive in stop-and-go city traffic or tow, change it more often.
Some owners change the filter at every other oil change to save money. This is not recommended — the filter becomes saturated with contaminants and loses effectiveness. Changing it every time you change the oil is the safest approach and costs only $8 to $15 per change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the oil filter without changing the oil?
Yes, you can. The filter and oil are separate maintenance items. However, if the oil is due for a change anyway, doing both at once is more efficient. If you're only changing the filter, you'll need 0.5 quarts of new oil to top off the amount that drains with the filter.
What if I can't reach the filter from above?
You can access it from underneath by driving the front wheels onto ramps or using a jack and jack stands. Some people find this easier because they can see the filter better and have more room to work. Never work under a car supported only by a jack — always use jack stands.
How tight should the new filter be?
Hand-tight plus three-quarters of a turn after the gasket contacts the engine. You should be able to turn it with one hand using moderate pressure. If you need a wrench to tighten it further, it's already too tight. Loosen it slightly and recheck for leaks after running the engine.
Is the genuine Honda filter worth the extra cost?
Genuine Honda filters cost $12 to $18, while Fram and Bosch filters cost $8 to $12. All three brands work reliably on the Accord. The choice comes down to preference — there's no performance difference that matters for most drivers.
What if oil leaks after I install the new filter?
Stop the engine when ready and let it cool. The leak is almost always caused by over-tightening or a dirty gasket surface. Loosen the filter by a quarter-turn and restart. If the leak continues, remove the filter, inspect the engine block surface for debris, clean it thoroughly, and install a new filter with the correct hand-tight-plus-three-quarters-turn torque.