DIY Oil Change for a Honda Accord
Regular engine oil changes are a vital part your Honda Accord's maintenance schedule. Engine oil picks up metal particles as it lubricates the engine, causing the oil to lose its lubricating effect. The oil filter takes out most of these particles, but the oil eventually becomes clogged and must be replaced. A few tools and a little mechanical knowledge is all you need to perform an oil change yourself.
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Things You'll Need
- Oil drain pan
- Socket set or wrench
- Rags
- Oil filter wrench
- Replacement filter
- Replacement oil
Instructions
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1
Start the car and allow it to run for several minutes to reach operating temperature. This will make the oil drain quicker and more completely. Turn off the engine.
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2
Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap.
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3
Place the drain pan underneath the oil pan drain plug. The oil pan is attached to the engine, just to the rear of the front wheels. Remove the plug by turning it counterclockwise. Oil will begin to leak from the plug just before it comes free. Wait until the oil fully drains from the pan, then clean the drain plug and around the drain plug hole. Replace and tighten the plug.
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4
Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise. The filter is attached to the bottom left of the engine, forward of the oil pan. Once loosened, use your hand to continue turning the filter counterclockwise until it comes free. The filter will be filled with oil and may drip on your hand as you remove it.
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5
Clean around the oil filter socket and ensure that no part of the old gasket is stuck to the engine surface. Use your fingertip or a rag to rub some of the old oil around the gasket of the new oil filter to lubricate it. Use your hand to screw the new filter onto the engine, and tighten it with the oil filter wrench.
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6
Place the funnel into the oil fill tube and add the required amount of oil. This will be from 4 to 6 qts. but will vary according to your specific year, model and engine size. Check the car's owner's manual for specific information.
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Replace the oil fill cap and start the engine. The oil pressure warning light might come on briefly. If it stays lit for more than a few seconds, immediately turn off the engine and check for problems.
Allow the vehicle to run for several minutes while you check for leaks beneath the car.
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8
Remove the oil dipstick and wipe it off. Replace it into the tube and remove it again. Ensure that the oil level reaches the full mark, indicated by two lines on the dipstick. If the oil falls within this level, it is full. If you need to add oil, open the oil fill cap and insert the funnel. Slowly add oil, checking the dipstick level frequently, to prevent overfilling.
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Tips & Warnings
Raise the vehicle and support it on jack stands to make accessing the undercarriage easier.
Use thread tape on the drain plug to prevent leaks.
Wear rubber gloves to make cleaning up easier.
Never operate the engine without oil. Operating the engine for even a few seconds can destroy it.
The oil flowing from the drain hole will be very hot.
