The 2015 CR-V uses a cartridge-style oil filter mounted on top of the engine

Your 2015 Honda CR-V's oil filter is not a spin-on canister like you might find on other vehicles. Instead, it's a cartridge filter housed in a plastic cap on the top of the engine. The filter element itself sits inside this cap, and you replace the whole cartridge rather than just unscrewing a can. This design is common on Honda engines and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to change once you have the right tools and a new filter on hand.

The filter cap is located toward the front-left side of the engine bay when you're facing the vehicle. On the 2015 CR-V, it's positioned above and slightly to the left of where the engine oil dipstick sits. You'll see a black plastic cap with a center bolt — that's what you're looking for. The cap itself comes off with a filter wrench, and the cartridge inside pulls straight out.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2015 CR-V has a cartridge-style filter in a cap on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter underneath.
  • You will need a filter wrench sized for Honda cartridge filters (usually 74 mm or 86 mm, depending on which engine your CR-V has) to remove the cap without stripping it.
  • The correct replacement filter part number is Honda 15400-PLM-A02 for most 2015 CR-V models, but confirm this matches your specific engine before ordering.
  • Changing the filter takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires only the filter wrench, a new filter, and a drain pan to catch any spilled oil.

What filter part number your 2015 CR-V needs

Honda part number 15400-PLM-A02 is the standard cartridge filter for the 2015 CR-V with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which is the engine in nearly all 2015 CR-V models sold in North America. This filter is available from Honda dealerships, auto parts retailers like AutoZone and O'Reilly, and online sellers. The filter typically costs between $8 and $15 depending on where you buy it.

Before you order, confirm your engine size by checking your owner's manual or the vehicle information label on the driver's side door jamb. If your CR-V has a different engine configuration (which is rare for 2015 models in the US market), the part number may differ. When in doubt, call a Honda dealership parts department with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and they will tell you the exact filter you need.

Tools and materials you'll need

You need a filter wrench sized for Honda cartridge filters. The most common size for 2015 CR-V models is 74 mm, though some sources list 86 mm. A universal cartridge filter wrench that adjusts to fit both sizes is a safe choice if you're unsure. You can find these wrenches at any auto parts store for $10 to $20, or online. Do not attempt to remove the filter cap by hand — the cap is tight by design and you will strip the plastic threads if you try to force it without a wrench.

You'll also need a drain pan to catch any oil that spills when you remove the cap, a new filter cartridge, and optionally a small amount of fresh oil to top off the engine after the change. Some people use a rag or paper towels to wipe the cap and surrounding area before opening it, which keeps dirt out of the engine. Have everything ready before you start so you're not hunting for tools mid-job.

Step-by-step removal and replacement

Step 1: Warm the engine and locate the filter cap. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to a minute, then turn it off. This warms the oil slightly, making it flow more easily. Wait two minutes for the engine to cool just enough to touch safely. Open the hood and locate the black plastic filter cap on top of the engine toward the front-left side. Place your drain pan underneath it to catch drips.

Step 2: Remove the filter cap. Position your filter wrench over the cap and turn it counterclockwise. The cap will come off with some resistance — this is normal. Once it's loose enough to turn by hand, unscrew it the rest of the way and set it aside on a clean surface. A small amount of oil will drip out; this is expected.

Step 3: Remove the old filter cartridge. Inside the cap, you'll see the cylindrical filter element. Grab it and pull it straight up and out of the cap. It will come free easily. Dispose of the old filter according to your local regulations — many auto parts stores accept used filters for recycling.

Step 4: Clean the cap and install the new filter. Wipe the inside of the cap with a clean rag to remove any debris or old oil residue. Take your new filter cartridge and insert it into the cap, pushing it down until it seats fully. The filter should fit snugly but not require force.

Step 5: Reinstall the cap. Thread the cap back onto the engine by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Once it's hand-tight, use your filter wrench to tighten it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not over-tighten — you only need it snug enough that it won't leak. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait a minute. Check the cap for leaks. If oil is dripping, tighten it slightly more.

Checking your oil level after the filter change

After you've replaced the filter and run the engine briefly, check your oil level using the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again to read the level. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the stick. If it's low, add a small amount of the same oil grade your CR-V uses (check your owner's manual for the correct grade — typically 0W-20 for 2015 models) and recheck.

The filter change itself does not require adding oil unless you've also drained the oil pan. If you're only changing the filter, you typically won't need to add any oil. However, it's good practice to check the level anyway, since a low reading might indicate a leak elsewhere in the engine.

When to change your CR-V's oil filter

Honda recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the engine oil. For 2015 CR-V models, Honda's maintenance schedule calls for an oil and filter change every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. If you drive in severe conditions — frequent short trips, towing, or dusty environments — Honda suggests changing the filter every 5,000 miles instead.

Many owners change their filter more often than Honda's schedule requires, and this does no harm. If you're doing an oil change yourself, changing the filter at the same time takes only a few extra minutes and ensures you're not reusing a filter that's already caught thousands of miles of contaminants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the filter without changing the oil?

Yes, you can change just the filter if you want to. However, Honda's maintenance schedule treats the filter and oil as a pair, so most owners change both together. If you're changing only the filter between full oil changes, make sure your oil level is still good and the oil itself hasn't exceeded its service interval.

What happens if I over-tighten the filter cap?

Over-tightening can crack the plastic cap or strip the threads, making it difficult or impossible to remove next time. Tighten the cap until it's snug, then add only three-quarter of a turn more with the wrench. If you've already over-tightened it and it won't come off, stop and take the vehicle to a Honda dealership rather than risk breaking the cap.

Where do I dispose of the old filter?

Most auto parts stores accept used oil filters for recycling at no charge, even if you didn't buy the replacement filter from them. Call ahead to confirm. Some municipalities also have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off used filters. Never throw a used filter in the trash.

Is the filter wrench size the same for all 2015 CR-Vs?

The 74 mm wrench fits the vast majority of 2015 CR-V models. If you're unsure, buy an adjustable cartridge filter wrench that fits multiple sizes, or call a Honda dealership parts department with your VIN to confirm the exact size before you buy.

Do I need to replace the rubber seal on the filter cap?

The rubber O-ring seal on the filter cap typically lasts for many filter changes. You don't need to replace it every time. However, if you notice oil leaking from the cap after installation, or if the seal looks cracked or hardened, you can buy a replacement O-ring from Honda or an auto parts store and swap it out before reinstalling the cap.