The oil filter location and part number for your 2012 Odyssey

Your 2012 Honda Odyssey uses a cartridge-style oil filter that sits on top of the engine, under a black plastic cap. The part number is 15400-PLM-A02, which is Honda's original equipment filter. You can find this same filter sold under other brand names — Fram, Mobil, and Bosch all make compatible versions — but the Honda part number stays the same across all retailers.

The filter cartridge itself is a small cylindrical element about 3 inches tall that you remove and replace as a whole. Unlike older spin-on filters that screw onto the engine, this design means you won't need a filter wrench, just a socket or wrench to remove the cap that holds it in place.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2012 Odyssey's oil filter is a cartridge type located on top of the engine under a black plastic cap, with part number 15400-PLM-A02.
  • You will need a 74mm socket or filter cap wrench to remove the cap, a new filter cartridge, and a new rubber O-ring seal that comes with most replacement filters.
  • The filter change takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you have the engine warm and the correct tools on hand.
  • When you reinstall the cap, hand-tighten it first, then use your wrench to snug it an additional three-quarters of a turn — over-tightening can crack the plastic cap.

What you need before you start

Gather a 74mm socket (or a filter cap wrench designed for Honda cartridge filters), a new filter cartridge, and a container to catch old oil. Most replacement filter kits include a new rubber O-ring seal; if yours does not, pick up a replacement O-ring separately — the old one hardens over time and will not seal properly on the new filter.

You will also want an oil drain pan or shallow container under the filter cap when you remove it, because a small amount of oil will spill. A rag or paper towels help with cleanup. If you are replacing the oil at the same time, you will need the correct oil type and amount for your Odyssey — check your owner's manual or the inside of the driver's door jamb for the specification.

Removing the old filter cartridge

Start with the engine warm but not hot — run it for a minute or two, then turn it off and wait five minutes. Warm oil flows more easily, but you do not want to burn yourself. Locate the black plastic cap on top of the engine; it is roughly in the center, toward the back.

Position your drain pan underneath, then use your 74mm socket or filter cap wrench to turn the cap counterclockwise. It will come off in your hand. Inside, you will see the cylindrical filter cartridge standing upright. Lift it straight out — a small amount of oil may drip from the bottom. Set the old filter aside and inspect the rubber O-ring that was sitting on top of it. If it is stuck to the cap, remove it and discard it.

Installing the new filter and O-ring

Before you install the new filter, take the new O-ring that came with your replacement cartridge and coat it lightly with fresh oil. This helps it seat properly and prevents it from tearing during installation. Slide the new filter cartridge into the opening, making sure it sits flat on the bottom of the housing.

Place the new O-ring on top of the filter cartridge, then thread the plastic cap back on by hand first. Once it is hand-tight, use your socket or wrench to turn it an additional three-quarters of a turn — no more. The plastic cap can crack if you over-tighten it, and a loose cap will leak oil. If you are unsure, hand-tight plus a small quarter-turn is safer than going too far.

Checking your work

Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds, watching the area around the filter cap for any drips. The oil pressure light on your dashboard will stay on for a few seconds while the new filter fills with oil — this is normal. Turn off the engine and wait a minute, then check the oil level with your dipstick. If you replaced only the filter, the level should be the same as before; if you also drained and refilled the oil, top it up to the full mark.

Run the engine again briefly and recheck for leaks around the cap. If you see drips, turn off the engine, let it cool for five minutes, and tighten the cap another quarter-turn. Do not over-correct — a quarter-turn at a time is the right approach.

When to replace your filter

Honda recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For a 2012 Odyssey with regular driving, that is typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on your driving conditions and the oil type you use. If you drive mostly on highways, you may go longer between changes; if you do a lot of short trips or towing, you may need to change it sooner. Check your owner's manual for the specific interval that applies to your situation.

Some drivers change the filter at every other oil change to save money, but this is not recommended by Honda. The filter traps contaminants that build up over time, and skipping changes allows those particles to circulate through the engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different brand filter instead of the Honda part number?

Yes. Fram, Mobil, Bosch, and other major brands make cartridge filters that fit the 2012 Odyssey and meet the same performance standards. The key is matching the cartridge size and O-ring diameter, not the brand name. If you are buying a replacement, confirm with the retailer that it fits a 2012 Honda Odyssey cartridge filter housing.

What if oil leaks from the cap after I install it?

The most common cause is an O-ring that is not seated properly or is damaged. Turn off the engine, let it cool, remove the cap, and check that the O-ring is sitting flat and not twisted. If it looks damaged, replace it. Reinstall the cap and tighten it three-quarters of a turn. If leaking continues, the plastic cap itself may be cracked — this is rare but can happen if the cap was over-tightened in the past.

Do I need to reset anything after changing the filter?

No. The 2012 Odyssey does not have an oil filter change reminder that needs to be reset. If your vehicle has an oil change reminder light, that is separate from the filter and is reset during an oil change, not a filter-only change. Check your owner's manual for the reset procedure if you changed both oil and filter.

How tight should the cap be when I reinstall it?

Hand-tight plus three-quarters of a turn with a wrench is the correct tightness. This is snug enough to seal but not so tight that you risk cracking the plastic cap. If you are unsure whether you have gone far enough, start with a quarter-turn and check for leaks after running the engine — you can always tighten it a bit more, but you cannot undo over-tightening without removing the cap.