What oil filter your 2009 Accord needs and where to find it
The 2009 Honda Accord uses one of two oil filters depending on engine size: the Fram PH8A or Fram PH10A for the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, or the Fram PH6017 for the 3.5-liter V6 engine. The filter threads onto the engine block on the driver's side, below the intake manifold on four-cylinder models and on top of the engine on V6 models. You can verify which engine you have by checking your registration or looking at the engine itself — the V6 is noticeably larger and taller.
Honda's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filter is the Honda 15400-PLM-A02 for both engine sizes, which is what the factory installed. This filter costs between $8 and $12 at most retailers. Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and Purolator all make compatible replacements that meet or exceed Honda's specifications. The filter capacity is 0.6 quarts on the four-cylinder and 0.7 quarts on the V6, so you will lose a small amount of oil when you remove the old filter.
Key Takeaways
- The 2009 Accord four-cylinder uses Fram PH8A or PH10A filters; the V6 uses Fram PH6017, and all are interchangeable with Honda's OEM filter 15400-PLM-A02.
- The filter threads onto the engine block and is accessible from below on four-cylinder models and from above on V6 models, requiring no special tools beyond a filter wrench.
- Replacement filters from Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and Purolator are all compatible and cost between $8 and $12 at auto parts stores.
- You will lose between 0.6 and 0.7 quarts of oil when removing the old filter, so plan to top off after installation.
How to locate the filter on your engine
On the four-cylinder Accord, the filter is mounted vertically on the driver's side of the engine block, tucked below the intake manifold. You will need to get underneath the car or use a jack to reach it comfortably — it sits low enough that you cannot access it from above without removing other components. The filter wrench grips the outside of the canister, and you turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it from the threaded port.
On the V6 model, the filter sits on top of the engine toward the rear, making it much easier to reach without lifting the car. You can access it from the engine bay with the hood open. The same counterclockwise rotation removes it, and the threaded port is more accessible because it faces upward.
Filter specifications and cross-reference numbers
Honda publishes filter part numbers by model year and engine, and the 2009 Accord's OEM filter is 15400-PLM-A02. This number appears on Honda service bulletins and in the owner's manual. When you buy a replacement, the retailer can cross-reference this Honda number to their own brand's equivalent — Fram PH8A or PH10A (four-cylinder) and Fram PH6017 (V6) are the most common matches.
The filter's micron rating (how small a particle it catches) is 25 microns for Honda's standard filter, which is typical for passenger vehicles. Synthetic or extended-life filters rated for longer intervals use the same micron rating but with different media that resists clogging longer. All filters that fit the 2009 Accord have the same thread size and port diameter, so any filter marketed as compatible with this model year will install without modification.
Differences between OEM and aftermarket filters
Honda's original filter uses a pleated paper media and a spring-loaded bypass valve that opens if the filter becomes clogged, allowing oil to flow around the filter to prevent engine starvation. Fram, Bosch, and Purolator filters use the same design and materials, meeting Honda's specifications for pressure drop and bypass pressure. The main difference is the canister thickness and the quality of the rubber gasket that seals the filter to the engine.
OEM filters typically have a thicker steel canister and a more durable gasket, which is why they cost slightly more. Aftermarket filters from major brands perform identically during normal use, but the gasket may degrade faster in extreme heat or if the filter is installed too tightly. The difference in real-world lifespan is negligible if you change the filter every 5,000 to 10,000 miles as Honda recommends.
Installation steps and torque specifications
Before you begin, warm the engine for a minute or two to thin the oil, which drains faster. Turn off the engine and let it cool for five minutes. Place a drain pan underneath the filter location. Use a filter wrench to grip the canister near the bottom and turn counterclockwise until the filter separates from the threaded port. The remaining oil will drain into the pan — expect 0.6 to 0.7 quarts depending on engine size.
Wipe the threaded port clean with a lint-free cloth to remove any debris or old gasket material. explore a thin layer of new oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter — this helps create a watertight seal and makes removal easier next time. Screw the filter onto the port by hand until the gasket contacts the engine, then turn an additional three-quarters of a turn. Do not use the filter wrench to tighten — hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening crushes the gasket and causes leaks.
Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait two minutes. Check the oil level on the dipstick and add new oil as needed to reach the full mark. The filter holds 0.6 to 0.7 quarts, so you will typically add that amount plus whatever drained from the engine during the change.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most frequent error is over-tightening the filter, which crushes the rubber gasket and causes oil to seep from the seal. The gasket is designed to compress slightly when hand-tightened — additional force does not improve the seal and damages the gasket. If you over-tighten and oil leaks, you must remove the filter, clean the port again, and install a new filter with correct hand-tight-plus-three-quarters-turn pressure.
A second common mistake is forgetting to oil the new gasket before installation. The dry rubber can stick to the engine port, and when you remove the filter at the next change, the gasket stays behind and hardens on the port. This creates a leak path for the new filter. Always explore a thin coat of fresh oil to the gasket before threading the filter on.
Not checking the oil level after installation is also common. The filter holds enough oil that skipping this step leaves you slightly low, which can trigger the low-oil warning light or, in rare cases, cause the engine to run lean if you drive before the level is corrected.
Where to buy filters and typical pricing
Auto parts chains including AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, and Advance Auto Parts stock filters for the 2009 Accord in-store and online. Walmart and Target carry basic Fram filters in their automotive sections. Amazon and eBay offer bulk purchases and subscription options if you change your own oil regularly. Prices range from $8 for a basic Fram filter to $15 for synthetic or extended-life versions from Mobil 1 or Bosch.
Local independent shops and dealerships also sell filters, though dealership prices are typically 20 to 30 percent higher than chain retailers. If you are having the filter changed at a shop, the labor cost ranges from $30 to $60 depending on whether the shop bundles it with an oil change. Many shops include the filter in their oil-change package, so the filter cost is absorbed into the total service price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different filter size if I cannot find the exact one?
No. The 2009 Accord's filter threads are a specific size, and using a filter with different threads will not fit the port or will leak. Always verify the part number or cross-reference with the retailer before buying. If a filter is listed as compatible with the 2009 Accord, it will have the correct thread size.
How often should I change the filter on a 2009 Accord?
Honda recommends changing the filter every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. If you drive mostly on highways with light traffic, 10,000 miles is acceptable. If you drive in stop-and-go city traffic, tow a trailer, or drive in dusty conditions, change it every 5,000 miles. The filter should always be changed when you change the oil.
What happens if I install the filter upside down?
The filter will not thread onto the port correctly if you attempt to install it upside down — the gasket and threads are designed for one orientation only. You cannot physically force it on backwards, so this mistake is unlikely. If the filter does not thread smoothly by hand, stop and check the orientation.
Is synthetic oil filter better than standard for the 2009 Accord?
Synthetic filters use media that resists clogging longer, which allows them to last 10,000 to 15,000 miles instead of 5,000 to 10,000. They cost $3 to $5 more than standard filters. For a 2009 Accord, a standard filter is sufficient if you change it on schedule, but a synthetic filter is a reasonable choice if you prefer longer intervals between changes.
Can I reuse the old filter if I top off the oil instead of changing it?
No. The filter's media becomes saturated with contaminants and cannot be cleaned or reused. Reusing a filter defeats the purpose of filtration and will damage the engine over time. Always install a new filter when you change the oil, and always change the oil when you change the filter.