Honda HR-V Oil Filter Location & Change Guide

Locating Your Honda HR-V's Engine Oil Filter: A Comprehensive Guide

For many Honda HR-V owners, the desire to perform routine maintenance themselves is a common one. Changing the engine oil and filter is a fundamental task that can save you money and give you a better understanding of your vehicle. This guide is tailored primarily for owners of the 2017 EX 6-speed manual, a model commonly found in the US with the R18Z9 (1.8l 4-cylinder gas) engine. While minor variations might exist across different trims, drivetrains (including AWD), or transmission types (like CVT), the core principles of locating and replacing the oil filter remain largely consistent. Always consult your owner's manual for specific details pertaining to your exact model.

Essential Tools and Materials for an Oil Change

Before embarking on this task, ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies readily available. This will not only make the process smoother but also safer. Here's a comprehensive list:

• Engine Oil: Approximately 3.9 quarts (or 3.7 quarts if not changing the filter) of the correct grade. For many HR-Vs, 0W-20 is recommended, especially in temperate climates.
• Oil Filter: A compatible oil filter. While some may opt to skip filter changes every oil change, it's generally recommended for optimal engine protection. A common choice for this generation HR-V is the Mobil 1 M1-110A, though Honda's OEM filter is also a viable option.
• Crush Washer: A new crush washer for the drain plug is crucial to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks. These can typically be obtained from a dealership or auto parts store.
• Oil Drain Pan: A container of sufficient capacity to hold the old engine oil.
• Tools for Undercarriage:
• Philips screwdriver (for removing plastic undertray screws)
• Flathead screwdriver (for prying out plastic clips)
• Ratchet with a 17mm socket (for the drain plug)
• Oil filter wrench or strap (a strap type that works with a ratchet is often best due to the filter's recessed position)
• Funnel: For clean and efficient refilling of new oil.
• Protective Gear: Disposable nitrile gloves and paper towels for cleanup.
• Jacking Equipment (Optional but Recommended):
• Car jack
• Jack stands (at least two)
• Wheel chocks

Preparing Your HR-V for the Oil Change

A crucial first step is to bring the engine oil up to operating temperature. This is best achieved by driving the car for about 10 minutes. Warm oil flows more freely, allowing for a more complete drain. Once driven, park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Open the bonnet and locate the oil filler cap. Unscrewing it slightly can help break any vacuum, further aiding the oil's flow during drainage.

You'll also notice the bright orange dipstick, a welcome sight for those who prefer manual oil level checks. Keep this in mind for the refilling stage.

Safely Lifting Your HR-V

If you choose to jack up your vehicle for easier access, safety is paramount. Ensure the car is in gear (or Park for CVT), the parking brake is firmly engaged, and the wheels are chocked. The primary jacking points are typically metal tabs located behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels. Once the vehicle is raised to a comfortable working height, position jack stands securely under designated support points. While one jack stand under a jacking point on the lifted side might suffice, using a second stand under the subframe, just behind the engine, offers an extra layer of security.

Understanding Jacking Points

It's vital to use the correct jacking points to avoid damaging your vehicle. Refer to your owner's manual for the precise locations. Never place a jack stand on suspension components or the exhaust system.

Accessing the Drain Plug and Oil Filter

With the vehicle safely supported, you can now access the underside. The engine oil filter on most HR-V models, including the AWD variants, is typically located on the front of the engine, often towards the passenger side, partially obscured by the plastic undertray. This protective plastic panel, often referred to as an "aero thingy," is usually secured by a combination of screws and clips.

Using your Philips and flathead screwdrivers, carefully remove these fasteners to gain access to the drain plug and the oil filter. Remember that the engine oil, drain plug, and exhaust components may still be hot, so proceed with caution to avoid burns.

The Oil Filter's Precise Location

Once the undertray is removed, you'll be able to see the engine oil drain plug. The oil filter is usually situated nearby. On many Honda models, including the HR-V, the filter is a cylindrical canister that screws directly into the engine block. Its location can be somewhat recessed, making it a bit tricky to access with standard tools. This is where a specialized oil filter wrench or a strap wrench becomes invaluable. You might find the filter is angled, further complicating removal.

Visual Aid: Imagine looking at the engine from underneath. The drain plug is typically at the lowest point of the oil pan. The oil filter is usually screwed into the side or bottom of the engine block, relatively close to the oil pan.

The Oil Draining and Filter Replacement Process

Position your oil drain pan directly beneath the oil drain plug. Be mindful that when you remove the plug, the oil will likely shoot out at an angle for the first few seconds due to the plug's position. Use your 17mm socket and ratchet to loosen and remove the drain plug. Allow the old oil to drain completely until it's reduced to a slow drip.

Once the oil flow has significantly slowed, you can move on to the oil filter. Attempt to unscrew it by hand. If it's too tight, use your oil filter wrench. Be prepared for some residual oil to spill out as the filter is removed, so have your drain pan positioned accordingly. Some owners like to lower the car at this stage to ensure a level surface for the final draining and refilling.

Tip for a Cleaner Change: Before reinstalling the drain plug, it's a good practice to clean the area around the drain plug and the filter housing. Ensure the old filter's gasket is not stuck to the engine block.

Refilling the New Oil Filter

A common practice that helps prevent a dry start is to pre-fill the new oil filter with fresh oil. Carefully pour the recommended oil into the new filter, filling it about two-thirds to three-quarters full. Also, lightly coat the rubber gasket on the new filter with a thin layer of fresh oil. This lubrication helps create a better seal and prevents the gasket from sticking during the next oil change.

Screw the new filter onto the engine block by hand. Tighten it until the gasket makes contact with the engine, then give it an additional three-quarters to one full turn. Do not overtighten the oil filter with a wrench, as this can damage the gasket or the filter itself.

Reinstalling the Drain Plug

Before reinstalling the drain plug, fit the new crush washer onto it. Thread the drain plug back into the oil pan by hand to avoid cross-threading. Once snug, use your socket and ratchet to tighten it. While exact torque specifications can be found in service manuals, a common method is to tighten it until the crush washer is slightly compressed, providing a secure seal. Avoid over-tightening, which can strip the threads in the oil pan – a costly repair.

Refilling the Engine with New Oil

With the drain plug secured and the new filter in place, it's time to refill the engine with fresh oil. Remove the oil filler cap and insert your funnel. Add approximately 3 quarts of the new oil. Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds to allow the oil to circulate and fill the new filter. Turn off the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.

Now, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and then pull it out again to check the oil level. Add more oil incrementally, checking the level after each addition, until it reaches the upper end of the 'acceptable level' zone on the dipstick. It's important not to overfill, as this can cause engine damage. It's generally better to be slightly below the maximum mark than above it.

Final Checks and Reassembly

Before lowering the vehicle completely, get back underneath and inspect the drain plug and oil filter area for any signs of leaks. If everything appears dry and secure, you can carefully lower your HR-V.

Reinstall the plastic undertray you removed earlier, ensuring all screws and clips are properly secured. Once reassembled, start the engine again and let it run for a few minutes. While it's running, check once more for any leaks around the drain plug and filter. Finally, turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and perform a final dipstick check to confirm the oil level is correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Where exactly is the oil filter on a 2018 AWD HR-V?
On most AWD HR-V models, including the 2018, the oil filter is located on the front of the engine, typically towards the passenger side, often behind a plastic undertray.

Q2: Do I need to jack up the car to change the oil filter?
While it's possible for very slender individuals to access it without lifting, jacking up the vehicle provides significantly better access and makes the job much easier and safer.

Q3: What type of oil filter wrench is best for the HR-V?
Due to the filter's potentially recessed and angled position, a strap-style oil filter wrench that attaches to a ratchet is often more effective than cap-style wrenches, as it can conform to the filter's shape and avoid interference from surrounding engine components.

Q4: How tight should I make the new oil filter?
Hand-tight is the general rule. Once the rubber gasket makes contact with the engine block, tighten it an additional three-quarters to one full turn by hand. Over-tightening can cause damage.

Q5: Can I use a different oil grade than 0W-20?
It's always best to adhere to the oil grade specified in your owner's manual. Using the incorrect oil grade can affect engine performance and longevity. For the R18Z9 engine, 0W-20 is typically recommended for most climates.

Performing your own oil and filter changes is a rewarding experience that keeps your HR-V in top condition. With the right tools and a careful approach, you can confidently tackle this essential maintenance task.

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