Your 2019 Civic's oil filter location and part number

The 2019 Honda Civic uses a cartridge-style oil filter mounted on top of the engine, not a spin-on canister underneath. This matters because you'll access it from above the engine bay rather than from below, and you'll need a filter wrench designed for cartridge filters, not the standard spin-on wrench you might already own.

The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part number is 15400-PLM-A02 for all 2019 Civic models, whether you have the 1.5L turbocharged or 2.0L naturally aspirated engine. Both engines use the same filter. If you're buying aftermarket, look for filters listed as compatible with 2019 Civic or search by that part number — most major brands make a direct equivalent.

The filter sits in a cylindrical housing on the driver's side of the engine, near the back. You'll see a large black plastic cap with a wrench symbol on top — that's what you'll turn to remove the old filter.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2019 Civic uses a cartridge filter accessed from the top of the engine, not a spin-on filter underneath.
  • The OEM part number is 15400-PLM-A02, and both the 1.5L turbo and 2.0L engines use the same filter.
  • You will need a cartridge filter wrench (usually 74mm or 86mm) to remove and install the filter safely without damaging the housing.
  • The filter housing is located on the driver's side of the engine near the back, under a black plastic cap with a wrench symbol.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open the engine bay: the correct cartridge filter wrench (74mm or 86mm — check your filter's specs), fresh oil of the grade specified in your owner's manual (usually 0W-20 or 0W-30), an oil drain pan, jack stands if you're draining from below, rags or paper towels, and a new rubber O-ring gasket that comes with most replacement filters.

If your replacement filter doesn't include a new O-ring, buy one separately — reusing the old one is a common cause of leaks. The O-ring costs a few dollars and takes thirty seconds to swap. Some people skip this step and regret it when oil starts seeping onto the engine block.

Do not use a regular adjustable wrench or pliers on the filter cap. The cartridge housing is plastic and will crack under side pressure. A proper cartridge filter wrench distributes force evenly and costs $15 to $25 — worth it to avoid a $200+ housing replacement.

Removing the old filter step by step

First, warm the engine by running it for a minute or two, then turn it off and wait five minutes. Warm oil flows faster and drains more completely. Open the hood and locate the black plastic filter cap on the driver's side of the engine.

Place your oil drain pan underneath the housing (oil will spill when you open it). Position your cartridge filter wrench on the cap and turn counterclockwise. The cap will come free — keep turning until the wrench clears the threads, then lift the cap straight up. The old filter cartridge will come out with it, still attached to the underside of the cap.

Unscrew the old filter from the cap by hand and set it aside. Look inside the housing — you'll see a rubber O-ring seal at the bottom. Remove this old O-ring and clean the sealing surface with a rag. Any debris left behind will cause the new filter to leak.

Installing the new filter and O-ring

Take the new filter and the new O-ring that came with it. Lightly coat the O-ring with fresh oil — this helps it seat properly and prevents it from twisting during installation. Slide the O-ring onto the bottom of the filter housing (the part that screws into the cap), making sure it sits evenly in the groove.

Screw the new filter onto the cap by hand until it's snug. Do not use a wrench — hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening crushes the O-ring and causes leaks. If you've never done this before, err on the side of loose; you can always tighten it a bit more if needed.

Lower the filter assembly back into the housing opening and align the cap threads with the housing threads. Screw the cap in by hand first to make sure the threads catch straight. Once hand-tight, use your cartridge filter wrench to turn clockwise until snug — again, snug is not the same as cranked down hard. A quarter turn past hand-tight is usually enough.

Refilling oil and checking for leaks

Close the hood and locate your oil filler cap on top of the engine (it has an oil can symbol). Remove it and pour in the amount of fresh oil specified in your owner's manual — usually 3.7 quarts for a full drain and filter change. Replace the cap.

Start the engine and let it idle for about 30 seconds. The oil pressure light on your dashboard should go out within a few seconds of starting. If it stays on longer than 10 seconds, turn the engine off when ready and wait a minute — the new filter needs time to fill with oil. Restart and check again.

Turn the engine off and wait five minutes for the oil to settle. Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it again and check the level. Add a small amount of oil if needed to reach the full mark. Look under the engine and around the filter housing for any drips. A small amount of oil residue is normal, but active dripping means the O-ring or cap isn't seated correctly — remove the cap and check both.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most frequent error is forgetting to replace the O-ring or reusing the old one. The old ring hardens over time and won't seal properly. This is why leaks often appear a few days after an oil change — the ring gradually loses contact as the engine heats and cools.

The second mistake is over-tightening the cap. People assume tighter means safer, but the plastic housing has a limited crush strength. Crank it too hard and you'll crack the housing, which requires removing the entire assembly and replacing it — a $200+ job for a part that costs $40.

A third mistake is forgetting to refill the oil. The filter holds about half a quart, so if you drain the pan and change the filter without adding oil back, you'll run the engine low. Check your level before and after every change.

When to change your Civic's oil filter

Honda recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For a 2019 Civic, that's typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. If you do frequent short trips, towing, or drive in dusty conditions, Honda suggests every 5,000 miles instead.

Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your driving situation. The manual is in your glove box or available free on Honda's website by entering your VIN. Some owners change the filter at every other oil change to save money, but this shortens the filter's ability to trap contaminants and isn't recommended by Honda.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The 2019 Civic is designed for a cartridge filter only. Spin-on filters don't fit the housing and won't work. You must use a cartridge-style filter with part number 15400-PLM-A02 or an equivalent aftermarket cartridge filter.

What size wrench do I need for the filter cap?

You need a cartridge filter wrench, not a standard wrench. The size is either 74mm or 86mm depending on your specific filter. Check the packaging of your replacement filter or call the parts store with your VIN — they'll tell you which size you need. Do not attempt to use pliers or an adjustable wrench.

How much oil does the 2019 Civic hold?

The 2019 Civic holds approximately 3.7 quarts with a filter change. Check your owner's manual for the exact amount, as it can vary slightly by engine type. Always verify the level with the dipstick after refilling rather than relying on the quart count alone.

Is it normal for a little oil to leak after I install the new filter?

A small amount of residual oil around the cap is normal for the first day or two. If you see active dripping or a steady leak, the O-ring isn't seated correctly. Remove the cap, check that the O-ring is in the groove and not twisted, and reinstall it. If leaking continues, the O-ring may be damaged and needs replacement.

Can I change the filter without draining the oil?

Yes. You can change just the filter without draining the pan. Oil will still spill from the housing when you open it, so use a drain pan anyway. This is a valid maintenance option if you're between full oil changes, though Honda recommends changing both together at the intervals listed in your manual.