What oil filter your 2011 Accord uses and where to find it
The 2011 Honda Accord uses a cartridge-style oil filter that sits inside a plastic housing on top of the engine. This is different from the spin-on filters you might see on other cars — instead of a metal canister that screws on, you remove a cap, pull out the filter element, and replace it with a new one.
The filter housing is located on the driver's side of the engine, near the back. On the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (which is what most 2011 Accords have), it's straightforward to spot once you open the hood. If your Accord has the 3.5-liter V6, the housing is in a similar location but slightly harder to reach.
The part number for the filter element itself is 15400-PLM-A01 or 15400-PLM-A02, depending on your specific engine. Both are genuine Honda filters and cost between $8 and $15. You can find them at any auto parts store, Honda dealerships, or online retailers. The housing cap itself rarely needs replacement unless it cracks, which is uncommon.
Key Takeaways
- Your 2011 Accord has a cartridge filter inside a plastic housing on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter that screws onto the block.
- The filter element part number is 15400-PLM-A01 or 15400-PLM-A02, and costs $8 to $15 from most auto parts retailers.
- You will need an oil filter wrench (a socket-style tool that fits over the housing cap) to remove the old filter without spilling oil everywhere.
- The whole job takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you have the right tools and a new filter on hand.
Tools and supplies you need before you start
Gather these items before you open the hood. You will need an oil filter socket — this is a hollow socket that fits over the housing cap and connects to a ratchet. For the 2011 Accord, the socket size is 74 mm. You can buy one for $8 to $15, or rent one from an auto parts store for a few dollars if you only plan to do this once.
You also need a drain pan (any container that holds at least 4 quarts), fresh oil that matches your owner's manual (usually 0W-20 or 5W-20 for the 2011 Accord), a new filter element, and a rag or paper towels. A jack and jack stands are not necessary for this job — you can reach the filter from above without lifting the car.
Some people use an oil filter wrench instead of a socket, which looks like a strap or band that tightens around the cap. Both work, but the socket is faster and less likely to slip. Do not attempt to remove the cap by hand — the socket or wrench is not optional.
Step-by-step: removing the old filter
Start with a cold engine. If you just drove the car, wait at least five minutes so the oil cools enough to handle safely. Open the hood and locate the filter housing — it is the black plastic cylinder on top of the engine, with a large cap on top.
Place your drain pan underneath the housing. Fit your 74 mm oil filter socket over the cap and attach it to a ratchet. Turn counterclockwise slowly at first — oil will begin to drip as soon as you crack the cap open. Once the cap is loose enough to turn by hand, unscrew it the rest of the way and set it aside on a clean surface.
Pull the old filter element straight up and out of the housing. It will be wet with oil, so hold it over the drain pan. Wipe the inside of the housing with a clean rag to remove any debris or old rubber seal material. This step matters — a small piece of old seal left behind can prevent the new filter from sealing properly.
Installing the new filter and reassembling
Take the new filter element and check that it comes with a rubber seal ring already attached to the top. If not, your filter kit should include one separately. Slide the new filter into the housing, pushing it straight down until it seats at the bottom. You should feel a slight resistance as the seal compresses.
Screw the cap back on by hand first, turning clockwise until the seal on the cap contacts the housing. Then use your ratchet and socket to tighten it another three-quarters of a turn. Do not over-tighten — the seal will compress and hold the cap in place. If you crank it too hard, you risk cracking the plastic housing.
Close the hood and start the engine. Let it run for about 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait two minutes. Check the oil level on the dipstick — you may need to add a small amount of fresh oil to bring it to the full mark. This is normal because some oil stays in the filter itself.
Common mistakes that cause leaks or damage
The most frequent error is forgetting to wipe the inside of the housing before installing the new filter. A speck of old rubber seal left behind will prevent the new seal from making a tight fit, and oil will leak from the cap. Take the 30 seconds to wipe it clean — it is the difference between a dry engine and an oil-covered one.
The second mistake is over-tightening the cap. The plastic housing can crack if you use the ratchet too aggressively. Hand-tighten first, then use the ratchet for just three-quarters of a turn. If you hear a cracking sound or feel sudden resistance, stop when ready — you have gone too far.
A third issue is installing the filter upside down or not pushing it down far enough. The filter element should slide all the way to the bottom of the housing and sit flush. If it is only halfway in, the seal will not compress properly and you will have a leak. Push down firmly until you feel it stop.
When to replace your filter and what interval to follow
Honda recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For a 2011 Accord, that interval is typically every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. If you drive in severe conditions — frequent short trips, towing, or dusty environments — Honda suggests every 5,000 miles instead.
Check your owner's manual for the exact interval that applies to your driving habits. The manual will also confirm the correct oil type and capacity, which you need to know when you refill after the filter change. Keeping to the recommended schedule helps prevent engine sludge and extends the life of your engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the filter without changing the oil?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. The filter and oil work together — old oil can clog a new filter, and a new filter in old oil does not improve engine protection much. Most people change both at the same time for about $40 to $60 in parts and 30 minutes of work.
What should I do with the old filter?
The old filter contains used oil and should not go in the trash. Take it to an auto parts store — most accept used filters for free. Some recycling centers also take them. Never pour the oil from the filter down a drain or into the ground.
Is the 74 mm socket the only size that fits?
Yes, for the 2011 Accord. If you buy the wrong size, it will not fit over the cap. Confirm the size before you purchase — most auto parts stores will look it up for you if you give them your year, make, and model.
What if oil leaks from the cap after I install the new filter?
Stop the engine and let it cool. Remove the cap and check that the rubber seal on the new filter is seated properly and not twisted. Wipe the inside of the housing again and reinstall the filter, making sure it is pushed all the way down. Tighten the cap by hand, then use the ratchet for three-quarters of a turn only.
Do I need to prime the new filter with oil before installing it?
No. Unlike spin-on filters, cartridge filters do not need to be filled with oil beforehand. straightforward install the dry filter element and reassemble. The oil will flow through it once the engine starts.