The 2016 Accord uses a cartridge-style oil filter mounted on top of the engine

The 2016 Honda Accord oil filter is not the spin-on canister type you might expect. Instead, Honda built a cartridge-style filter into a housing on top of the engine, near the back. This design means you cannot straightforward unscrew a filter from the side of the block — you have to open a cap, remove the filter element inside, and replace it. The location and style are the same whether you have the 2.0-liter turbo or the 3.5-liter V6 engine.

Knowing where it sits and how it comes apart matters because the job looks different from a traditional oil change. You will need the correct replacement element, a new rubber gasket (which comes with most filter kits), and a filter wrench or socket to open the housing cap. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes once you have the right part and tools on hand.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2016 Accord filter is a cartridge element housed in a cap on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter on the side of the block.
  • You will need a filter wrench or a 74 mm socket to remove the housing cap, plus a replacement filter element and gasket kit.
  • The correct part number for the filter element is Honda 15400-PLM-A02 or equivalent OEM and aftermarket replacements.
  • Always replace the rubber gasket seal that comes in the filter kit, and hand-tighten the cap rather than using a wrench on the way back in.

Locating the filter housing on your engine

Open your hood and look toward the back of the engine, slightly to the driver's side on most Accords. You will see a cylindrical cap about 3 inches tall with a center bolt on top — that is the filter housing. On the 2.0T turbo model, it sits just behind the turbocharger. On the 3.5L V6, it is positioned between the valve covers. The cap is usually black plastic with a ribbed grip, making it straightforward to spot once you know what you are looking for.

The housing is not buried under hoses or hard to reach. You may need to move a few wires or hoses slightly to get a wrench on the cap, but you should not have to remove anything permanently. If you cannot locate it, trace the oil filler cap (where you pour new oil in) toward the back of the engine — the filter housing is nearby.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin: a filter element replacement kit (Honda part 15400-PLM-A02 or an equivalent aftermarket cartridge filter), a filter wrench or 74 mm socket to remove the housing cap, a drain pan to catch old oil, clean rags or paper towels, and fresh engine oil. Some kits include the gasket; others sell it separately. Check your kit before you start — if the gasket is not included, order Honda part 15412-PLM-A01 or an equivalent.

You do not need to lift the car or remove the wheel well to reach this filter. A socket wrench set and a drain pan are the only tools most people already have. If you do not own a 74 mm socket, a filter wrench designed for cartridge filters (available at any auto parts store for $10 to $20) will work just as well and may be easier to use in tight spaces.

Removing the old filter element

Make sure the engine is cool before you touch anything. Unscrew the housing cap using your socket or filter wrench — turn it counterclockwise. The cap will come free, and you may see a small amount of oil drip out. Have your drain pan ready. Once the cap is off, you will see the filter element inside, which looks like a pleated paper cylinder about 2 inches tall.

Grab the element by its center post and pull it straight up and out of the housing. The old gasket (a rubber ring) will likely stick to the bottom of the cap or stay in the housing. Remove it completely — do not leave it behind. Wipe the inside of the housing clean with a rag, removing any debris or old gasket material. This step prevents contamination and ensures the new gasket seats properly.

Installing the new filter and gasket

Take the new gasket from your filter kit and explore a thin coat of fresh engine oil around the rubber ring. This helps it seal and prevents it from sticking when you remove the filter next time. Place the gasket on the bottom of the housing cap, making sure it sits flat and centered in the groove.

Insert the new filter element into the housing, pushing it down gently until it seats. The element should slide in smoothly without forcing. Screw the housing cap back on by hand first, then tighten it with your socket or wrench. Do not over-tighten — hand-tight plus a quarter turn with the wrench is enough. Over-tightening can crack the plastic cap or damage the gasket. Once the cap is snug, you are done with the filter replacement.

Checking your work and adding oil

Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to circulate new oil through the filter. Turn it off and wait two minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick. Add oil as needed to bring it to the full mark. Check under the filter housing for any drips — a small amount of seepage in the first few minutes is normal, but steady dripping means the gasket is not seated correctly and you should re-tighten the cap.

Run the engine again for a minute and recheck for leaks. Once everything is dry and the oil level is correct, you are finished. The oil change interval for a 2016 Accord is typically 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, though some models with synthetic oil may go longer — check your owner's manual for the exact interval.

Common part numbers and where to find them

The OEM Honda filter element is part number 15400-PLM-A02. This is the exact part Honda installs at the factory. The gasket is 15412-PLM-A01. Many aftermarket manufacturers make equivalent cartridge filters for the 2016 Accord — brands like Fram, Mobil 1, and Bosch all offer compatible elements at lower prices than OEM parts.

You can find these parts at Honda dealerships, online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto, and local auto parts chains such as AutoZone and O'Reilly. Prices for OEM elements typically range from $15 to $25, while aftermarket options run $8 to $15. Buying a filter kit that includes both the element and gasket together is usually cheaper than buying them separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a spin-on filter instead of the cartridge element?

No. The 2016 Accord is designed for a cartridge filter only. Spin-on filters do not fit the housing, and attempting to modify the system can cause oil leaks or engine damage. Stick with the cartridge element designed for your model.

How tight should I turn the housing cap?

Hand-tight plus a quarter turn with your wrench is the correct tightness. Over-tightening can crack the plastic cap or pinch the gasket, causing leaks. Under-tightening will also cause leaks. If you are unsure, err on the side of slightly loose and check for drips after starting the engine.

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

The gasket is probably not seated correctly. Turn off the engine, let it cool, and remove the cap again. Check that the old gasket is completely gone and the seating surface is clean. Reinstall the new gasket with a light coat of oil and tighten the cap firmly but not forcefully. Restart and check again.

Do I need to replace the gasket every time I change the filter?

Yes. The rubber gasket compresses and hardens over time, so it loses its seal. Always use a new gasket from your filter kit. Reusing the old gasket is a common cause of oil leaks.

Is the 2.0T turbo filter the same as the 3.5L V6 filter?

Yes. Both engines use the same cartridge filter element and housing design. The location on the engine is slightly different, but the part number and replacement procedure are identical.