1.5L I4 TurboFWDCVTgasturbo
4 active safety recalls on this vehicle — view recalls
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maintenance

100K Service

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
5.0 h
Tools
12
Steps
10
Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

Complete 100,000-mile major service including engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, spark plugs, air filter, cabin filter, brake fluid flush, and comprehensive inspection for the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo.

Warnings

⚠️Engine and coolant system must be completely cold before starting. Hot coolant can cause severe burns.
⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight.
The turbocharger and exhaust manifold retain heat for extended periods. Allow at least 2 hours of cool-down time before working near these components.
Transmission fluid level must be checked at operating temperature (150-160°F) with vehicle running for accurate measurement.
ℹ️This vehicle uses a sealed transmission. Fluid exchange requires specific Honda procedure and temperature monitoring.

Tools required

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Fluids

  • Honda Genuine 0W-20 Engine Oil — 4 qt
  • Honda DW-1 ATF — 8 qt
  • Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 6 qt
  • DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 2 hours after last operation)
  2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  3. Gather all tools, parts, and fluids before beginning
  4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands under manufacturer-specified lift points
  5. Remove front wheels to access brake components for inspection
  6. Open hood and locate engine oil dipstick, transmission dipstick (near firewall), coolant reservoir, and brake fluid reservoir

Procedure

  1. 1
    Drain engine oil and replace filter
    Position drain pan under oil drain plug on passenger side of oil pan. Remove drain plug and allow oil to drain completely (approximately 10 minutes). Remove old crush washer from drain plug and install new washer. While oil drains, locate oil filter on front of engine below exhaust manifold. Use filter wrench to remove old filter (expect residual oil spillage). Lubricate new filter gasket with clean engine oil, install new filter hand-tight plus 3/4 turn. Clean drain plug threads and oil pan surface. Install drain plug with new crush washer.
  2. 2
    Replace engine air filter
    Locate air box on driver side of engine bay. Release four clips securing upper air box housing (two at front, two at rear). Lift upper housing and disconnect any vacuum lines if present. Remove old air filter and inspect air box for debris. Clean interior with shop towel if needed. Install new air filter ensuring proper seating in lower housing. Reconnect vacuum lines and secure upper housing.
  3. 3
    Replace cabin air filter
    Open glove box and remove contents. Press inward on both sides of glove box to release stoppers and lower fully. Locate cabin air filter cover on left side of HVAC housing. Press tabs on both sides of cover and pull forward to remove. Slide old cabin filter out noting airflow direction arrow. Install new filter with arrow pointing toward rear of vehicle. Reinstall cover until tabs click into place. Return glove box to normal position.
  4. 4
    Replace spark plugs
    Locate ignition coils on top of valve cover. Disconnect electrical connector from each coil by pressing release tab. Remove bolt securing each coil to valve cover. Gently twist and pull each coil from spark plug well. Inspect wells for oil accumulation (indicates valve cover gasket leak). Use compressed air to clean debris from spark plug wells. Remove old spark plugs using 14mm spark plug socket with extension. Check gap on new plugs (should be 0.028-0.031 inches). Apply small amount of anti-seize to plug threads (avoid getting on electrode). Install new plugs hand-tight, then torque to 18 Nm (13 lb-ft) using torque wrench. Apply dielectric grease to inside of coil boots. Reinstall coils and secure.
    Do not drop anything into spark plug wells. Foreign objects can cause catastrophic engine damage.
  5. 5
    Drain and refill transmission fluid
    Locate transmission drain plug on bottom of transmission case (passenger side, toward rear). Position large drain pan underneath. Remove drain plug and allow ATF to drain completely (approximately 3-4 quarts will drain). Inspect drained fluid for metal particles or burning smell. Clean drain plug threads and install with new sealing washer if available. Locate transmission fill plug on side of transmission case (may require removing splash shield for access). Use fluid pump to add 3-4 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF through dipstick tube. Start engine and allow to idle while cycling through all gear positions (5 seconds each). Check fluid level with engine running at operating temperature. Add fluid as needed to reach proper level on dipstick between upper and lower marks.
    Only use Honda DW-1 ATF. Use of incorrect fluid will cause transmission damage and void warranty.
  6. 6
    Drain and refill engine coolant
    Remove radiator cap slowly to release any residual pressure. Locate radiator drain plug on bottom passenger side of radiator (may require reaching behind lower fascia). Place drain pan underneath and open drain plug. If drain plug is stuck, disconnect lower radiator hose at radiator instead. Allow coolant to drain completely. Close drain plug or reconnect hose. Fill cooling system through radiator neck with pre-mixed Honda Type 2 coolant (50/50 mixture with distilled water) until full. Install radiator cap. Fill coolant reservoir to MAX line. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature with heater on MAX. Monitor coolant level and add as needed. Check for leaks around drain plug and hoses. After engine cools, verify coolant level is at MAX line in reservoir.
    ⚠️Never open cooling system when engine is hot. System is pressurized and can spray scalding coolant.
  7. 7
    Flush and replace brake fluid
    Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with fresh DOT 3 fluid. Starting with right rear wheel, locate brake bleeder screw behind caliper. Attach clear tubing to bleeder screw with other end submerged in container of clean brake fluid. Have assistant pump brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open bleeder screw 1/2 turn until fluid flows, then close before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until fluid runs clear (old fluid is dark amber, new is light yellow). Maintain master cylinder level throughout process. Repeat procedure for left rear, right front, then left front wheels. Top off master cylinder to MAX line when complete.
    Do not allow brake fluid reservoir to run empty during bleeding or air will enter system requiring complete re-bleed.
    ℹ️Brake fluid damages paint. Immediately rinse any spills with water.
  8. 8
    Inspect brake system components
    With wheels removed, inspect brake pads through caliper window. Minimum pad thickness is 2mm; replace if at or below 3mm. Check rotors for scoring, grooves, or heat cracks. Measure rotor thickness with micrometer if available (minimum thickness stamped on rotor hat). Inspect brake hoses for cracks, bulging, or fluid leakage. Check caliper slide pins for smooth movement. Verify brake pad wear sensors (if equipped) are intact. Document measurements for future reference.
  9. 9
    Inspect suspension and steering components
    With vehicle raised, visually inspect all suspension components. Check ball joint boots for tears or grease leakage. Inspect tie rod ends for play by grasping tire at 3 and 9 o'clock positions and attempting to rock. Check control arm bushings for cracking or excessive wear. Inspect CV axle boots for tears or grease spray. Check shock absorbers for oil leakage. Rock vehicle to check for loose components or unusual noises.
  10. 10
    Perform final inspections and fluid top-off
    Inspect drive belt for cracks, fraying, or glazing (replace if 6+ years old or shows damage). Check battery terminals for corrosion and ensure tight connections. Inspect all fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid) and top off as needed. Check tire pressures and adjust to specification on door jamb sticker (typically 32-35 PSI). Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns indicating alignment issues. Fill engine with 4 quarts of Honda Genuine 0W-20 oil through filler cap. Install oil filler cap. Start engine and verify no leaks from drain plug or filter. Allow engine to idle for 2 minutes, then shut off. Wait 3 minutes and check oil level on dipstick; add oil if needed to reach upper mark.

Reassembly

  1. Reinstall front wheels and torque lug nuts in star pattern to specification
  2. Lower vehicle from jack stands and perform final torque check on lug nuts with vehicle weight on ground
  3. Reset maintenance reminder system: Turn ignition to ON position (engine off), press and hold SELECT/RESET button on steering wheel until oil life displays, press and hold SELECT/RESET again until oil life begins blinking, release and press SELECT/RESET once more to reset to 100%

Verification

  • Start engine and verify oil pressure light extinguishes within 2 seconds
  • Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify cooling fans cycle on/off properly
  • Check under vehicle for any fluid leaks from drain plugs, filters, or hoses
  • Test drive vehicle for 5-10 minutes, cycling through all transmission gears and reaching operating temperature
  • Verify smooth transmission shifts with no slipping or harsh engagement
  • Re-check all fluid levels after test drive with engine at operating temperature
  • Verify brake pedal feels firm with no sponginess indicating trapped air
  • Confirm no warning lights are illuminated on dashboard
  • Document service in vehicle maintenance log including date, mileage, and all fluids/parts replaced
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More procedures for this vehicle

🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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