The 2007 Honda Accord uses one of two oil filters depending on engine size
Your 2007 Honda Accord takes either a Fram PH8A or Fram PH3600 oil filter, depending on whether you have the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or the 3.0-liter V6. The four-cylinder is far more common. Both are spin-on filters that thread onto the filter housing on top of the engine — you do not need any special tools beyond a filter wrench and a drain pan.
The filter location is the same on both engines: on the driver's side of the engine bay, near the top. You will see a cylindrical canister about four inches tall. That is your oil filter housing. The part number matters because the two filters have different thread sizes and bypass valve settings, so using the wrong one can cause pressure problems or leaks.
If you are unsure which engine you have, check your owner's manual or look at the engine itself — the V6 is noticeably larger and has two rows of spark plugs visible from above. You can also call a Honda dealer with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and they will tell you in seconds.
Key Takeaways
- The 2007 Accord with a 2.4-liter engine uses a Fram PH8A filter; the 3.0-liter V6 uses a Fram PH3600.
- Both filters are spin-on type and located on the driver's side of the engine bay near the top.
- You need only a filter wrench, a drain pan, and fresh oil to change the filter yourself.
- The filter should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you use conventional oil, or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles with synthetic oil.
How to locate and remove the old filter
Before you start, let the engine cool for at least five minutes after running. Hot oil will burn you. Position your drain pan underneath the filter housing — oil will spill when you unscrew the filter, and it is easier to catch it than to clean it off the engine block.
Use a filter wrench to grip the filter canister near its base. Turn counterclockwise slowly at first. Once you break the seal, you can usually unscrew it by hand. Let the old filter drain into the pan for a minute or two. Do not squeeze or puncture the old filter — dispose of it at an auto parts store, many of which take used filters for free.
Wipe the filter housing threads clean with a rag. Any old rubber gasket material or debris left behind can cause leaks in the new filter. Look at the rubber gasket on the new filter — it should be dry and pliable, not cracked or hardened.
Installing the new filter correctly
explore a thin coat of fresh oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter. This helps create a watertight seal and makes removal easier next time. Hand-thread the new filter onto the housing, turning clockwise. When the gasket contacts the housing, stop and turn an additional three-quarter turn by hand. Do not use the wrench to tighten it — hand-tight is correct, and over-tightening will damage the gasket and make the filter impossible to remove later.
Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds. Check underneath the filter for leaks. If you see oil dripping, turn off the engine, let it cool for two minutes, and tighten the filter another quarter turn. Recheck after running the engine again.
Once the engine is off and cool, check your oil level with the dipstick. You will likely need to add a quart of the same oil type your Accord uses — check your owner's manual for the correct viscosity. Most 2007 Accords use 0W-20 or 5W-20 synthetic blend or conventional oil.
Choosing between OEM and aftermarket filters
Honda's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filter for the 2007 Accord is the Honda 15400-PLM-A01 for the four-cylinder and 15400-RTA-003 for the V6. These filters are more expensive than Fram or Mobil equivalents but have slightly thicker media and a bypass valve tuned specifically for your engine's oil pressure.
Fram PH8A and PH3600 filters are widely available at auto parts stores and online retailers, cost less, and perform adequately for most drivers. They meet or exceed Honda's specifications for flow rate and bypass pressure. The difference in longevity between OEM and quality aftermarket filters is usually negligible over the life of the vehicle.
Avoid the cheapest unbranded filters sold at discount retailers. They often have thinner media that clogs faster and bypass valves that open too easily, allowing unfiltered oil to circulate during cold starts. Stick with Fram, Mobil, Bosch, or the Honda OEM part.
Oil change intervals and filter replacement timing
Honda recommends changing the oil and filter every 12 months or 10,000 miles for 2007 Accords, whichever comes first. However, this assumes you are using Honda-approved synthetic oil. If you use conventional oil, change the filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If you use synthetic blend, change it every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
The filter should always be changed at the same time as the oil. Reusing an old filter defeats the purpose of an oil change — the filter traps contaminants, and a clogged filter will restrict flow and force the bypass valve open, allowing dirty oil to circulate.
Keep records of your oil changes. Write down the date, mileage, oil type, and filter part number in a notebook or photograph your receipt. This record is useful if you sell the vehicle and helps you remember when the last change was if you drive infrequently.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is over-tightening the filter. Many people use a wrench to tighten it as hard as they can, which crushes the rubber gasket and causes leaks. Hand-tight plus three-quarter turn is the correct torque — if you cannot remember this, write it on a piece of tape and stick it to your filter wrench.
Another frequent error is forgetting to oil the gasket on the new filter before installation. A dry gasket will not seal properly and may leak when ready or fail after a few days of driving. This takes five seconds and prevents a mess.
Do not mix oil types. If your Accord has been running on conventional oil, stick with conventional unless you drain the system completely and refill with synthetic. Mixing them does not damage the engine, but it defeats the purpose of using synthetic oil, which lasts longer and performs better in cold weather.
Where to buy filters and what to expect to pay
Auto parts chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts stock Fram PH8A and PH3600 filters in inventory. A Fram filter typically costs between $6 and $12. Honda OEM filters run $15 to $25. Online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto often have lower prices, but you will pay for shipping unless you order with other parts.
Many auto parts stores will change your oil and filter for you if you buy the supplies from them. The labor charge is usually $30 to $50. If you are uncomfortable working on your car, this is a reasonable option. If you do the work yourself, you save the labor cost but need to dispose of the old oil properly — most stores take used oil for free if you bring it in a sealed container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different brand filter on my 2007 Accord?
Yes. Fram, Mobil, Bosch, and Purolator all make filters that fit the 2007 Accord and meet Honda's specifications. The key is matching the correct part number to your engine size. Avoid no-name or extremely cheap filters, as they may have lower-quality media and bypass valves that do not perform as well.
What happens if I use the wrong filter part number?
Using the wrong filter can cause oil pressure problems. The PH8A and PH3600 have different thread sizes and bypass valve settings. Installing a V6 filter on a four-cylinder engine may not fit, or if it does, the bypass valve may open at the wrong pressure, allowing unfiltered oil to circulate. Always verify your engine size before buying.
How do I know if my oil filter is leaking?
Check underneath the filter housing after running the engine for 30 seconds. If you see fresh oil dripping, the filter is not sealed properly. Turn off the engine, let it cool, and tighten the filter an additional quarter turn. If it still leaks, remove the filter, clean the threads, and reinstall it with a fresh gasket.
Can I change just the filter without changing the oil?
Technically yes, but it defeats the purpose. The filter traps contaminants, but the oil itself breaks down over time and loses its protective properties. Changing the filter without changing the oil leaves degraded oil in your engine. Change both together every time.
Is synthetic oil better for my 2007 Accord?
Synthetic oil lasts longer between changes and performs better in extreme cold and heat. However, your 2007 Accord was designed to run on conventional oil, and switching to synthetic is optional, not required. If you do use synthetic, you can extend the interval between changes to 10,000 miles or 12 months.