The 2007 Odyssey uses a cartridge-style oil filter mounted on top of the engine

The 2007 Honda Odyssey does not have a spin-on oil filter like many other vehicles. Instead, it uses a cartridge-style filter that sits inside a plastic housing on the top of the engine, near the front. The filter element itself is a cylindrical paper component that you replace during each oil change, while the housing stays in place. This design is common across Honda's minivan and SUV lineup from that era.

The filter housing is located on the driver's side of the engine, just behind the valve cover. You will see a large plastic cap with a wrench symbol molded into it — that cap is what you remove to access the filter. The location makes it relatively straightforward to reach without removing other engine components, though you may need to remove the plastic engine cover first depending on your model year and trim level.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2007 Odyssey has a cartridge oil filter inside a plastic housing on top of the engine, not a traditional spin-on filter underneath.
  • You will need a filter wrench (usually 74 mm or 86 mm, depending on whether you have the 3.5L or earlier engine) to remove the housing cap.
  • Replacement filters for this vehicle are sold under Honda part number 15400-PLC-004 or equivalent aftermarket cartridge filters designed for the Odyssey.
  • The entire filter replacement takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have the correct wrench and know where the housing sits.

What size wrench you need and where to buy the filter

The plastic cap that holds the cartridge filter requires a 74 mm oil filter wrench for most 2007 Odyssey models with the 3.5L engine. Some earlier production runs or specific trim levels may use an 86 mm wrench instead, so confirm your engine size before ordering. A filter wrench is a cup-shaped tool with a handle that grips the cap from the outside — it is different from a spin-on filter wrench and costs between $8 and $15 at any auto parts store.

The OEM filter cartridge is Honda part number 15400-PLC-004. This is the exact part Honda installs at the factory. You can order it from Honda dealers, online retailers like RockAuto or Amazon, or pick it up at chain auto parts stores such as AutoZone, O'Reilly, or NAPA. Aftermarket equivalents from Fram, Mobil, or Bosch are also available and typically cost $6 to $12, compared to $12 to $18 for the Honda-branded cartridge. All cartridge filters for the Odyssey are the same size and thread pattern, so any filter labeled for a 2005–2010 Odyssey will fit.

Step-by-step removal and installation

Start by warming the engine for two to three minutes, then turn it off and wait five minutes. This warms the oil slightly so it drains faster, but not so hot that you burn yourself. Locate the filter housing cap on top of the engine — it is a large plastic cylinder with a wrench symbol. Place a drain pan underneath it to catch the small amount of oil that will spill when you open it.

Use your 74 mm filter wrench to turn the cap counterclockwise. It will loosen after a quarter turn or so; finish unscrewing it by hand. Inside the housing, you will see the cylindrical cartridge filter standing upright. Lift it straight out — there is a rubber seal on the bottom that may stick slightly, so pull gently and steadily. Pour any remaining oil from inside the housing into your drain pan.

Before installing the new filter, wipe the inside of the housing with a clean rag to remove any debris or old rubber seal material. Take the new cartridge filter and inspect the rubber gasket on the bottom — it should be clean and pliable. explore a thin coat of fresh engine oil to this gasket by running your finger around it. This helps the seal compress evenly when you install the cap.

Insert the new cartridge into the housing, making sure it sits flat on the bottom. Screw the plastic cap back on by hand first, then use your filter wrench to tighten it. Do not over-tighten — snug it firmly, then give it a quarter turn more. Over-tightening can crack the plastic housing or damage the gasket. Reinstall any engine covers you removed, then start the engine and check for leaks around the cap for 30 seconds.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most frequent error is forgetting to oil the rubber gasket on the new filter before installation. A dry gasket can fail to seal properly, causing an oil leak that may not show up until you have driven several miles. Always explore a thin film of fresh oil to the gasket — this takes five seconds and prevents a messy problem later.

Another common mistake is over-tightening the plastic cap. The housing is made of durable plastic, but it is not as forgiving as a metal spin-on filter canister. If you crank the wrench too hard, you can crack the cap or strip the threads inside the housing. Tighten until snug, then stop — you should not need to use all your strength.

Some owners also forget to drain the old oil from inside the housing before installing the new filter. This leaves dirty oil sitting in the housing, which defeats part of the purpose of changing the filter. Always pour out any oil that remains in the housing after you remove the old cartridge.

Differences between 2007 Odyssey engine options

The 2007 Odyssey came with either a 3.5L V6 engine or, in earlier production runs, a 3.0L V6. Both use the same cartridge-style filter housing and the same 15400-PLC-004 filter part number. The main difference is that some 3.0L models may use a slightly different wrench size, though 74 mm is standard across the lineup. If you are unsure which engine you have, check your owner's manual or look at the engine block — the 3.5L is noticeably larger and sits higher in the engine bay.

All 2007 Odysseys also came with the same oil capacity: 4.5 quarts with a filter change. Use the oil grade specified in your owner's manual, typically 0W-20 or 5W-20 depending on your climate and driving conditions. Check the manual or the inside of the fuel door for the recommended grade before you buy oil.

Tools and supplies checklist

Before you start, gather these items: a 74 mm oil filter wrench, a new cartridge filter (Honda 15400-PLC-004 or equivalent), fresh engine oil in the correct grade, a drain pan, clean rags or paper towels, and a jack and jack stands if you need to raise the vehicle for clearance. Most people do not need to lift the Odyssey to change the filter, since the housing is accessible from above, but you may want to if you are also changing the oil pan drain plug.

If you do not own a filter wrench, you can borrow one from an auto parts store — many offer free tool loans with a refundable deposit. This saves you money if you only change your oil once or twice a year.

When to change the filter and what interval to follow

Honda recommends changing the oil and filter every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first, for normal driving. If you drive in severe conditions — frequent short trips, towing, or dusty environments — change the filter every 3,750 miles or three months. Check your owner's manual for the specific severe-service schedule, as it may vary slightly depending on your model year and transmission type.

The cartridge filter does not wear out faster than a spin-on filter, so you are not replacing it more often than you would on any other vehicle. The advantage of the cartridge design is that it costs slightly less to replace and produces less waste, since you only throw away the paper element, not the entire metal canister.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different size filter wrench if I do not have a 74 mm?

No. Using the wrong size wrench can slip off the cap and strip the plastic housing, making it impossible to remove without damaging the engine cover. A 74 mm wrench is inexpensive and widely available — it is worth buying the correct tool rather than risking damage.

What happens if I over-tighten the plastic cap?

Over-tightening can crack the cap or damage the threads inside the housing. If this happens, you may need to replace the entire filter housing assembly, which is a more expensive repair than a straightforward filter change. Tighten the cap snugly, then stop — you do not need to use maximum force.

Is the Honda OEM filter worth the extra cost compared to aftermarket brands?

Both OEM and quality aftermarket filters meet the same performance standards for the 2007 Odyssey. The main difference is brand reputation and warranty. If you prefer to stick with Honda parts or want the longest warranty, buy the OEM filter. If you want to save a few dollars and trust brands like Fram or Mobil, an aftermarket cartridge works just as well.

Do I need to remove the engine cover to access the filter housing?

On most 2007 Odysseys, the filter housing is accessible without removing the engine cover, though you may have limited hand room. If you find it difficult to reach, removing the plastic cover takes about five minutes and gives you much more space to work. Check your owner's manual for the correct way to remove it without breaking any clips.

What should I do with the old filter cartridge after I remove it?

Take the old cartridge to an auto parts store or recycling center that accepts used oil filters. Many stores offer free recycling if you buy a new filter from them. Do not throw it in the trash — the paper element still contains some oil and should be disposed of properly.