maintenance
90K Service
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
4.0 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 90,000 mile scheduled maintenance service for 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including fluid changes, filter replacements, and component inspections per Honda maintenance schedule.
Warnings
⚠️Engine and exhaust components will be extremely hot. Allow engine to cool for at least 2 hours before beginning work.
⚠️Vehicle must be supported on jack stands; never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
⚠Honda Type 2 coolant is toxic and harmful to pets. Clean up all spills immediately.
⚠Brake fluid damages paint; cover fender areas and wipe spills immediately.
ℹ️This service requires approximately 8 quarts of transmission fluid for drain and refill; complete flush requires additional fluid and equipment.
Tools required
Socket set (8mm-19mm)Essential
Torque wrench (10-150 Nm range)Essential
Oil filter wrenchEssential
Oil drain pan (6+ quart capacity)Essential
Jack and jack standsEssential
Funnel setEssential
Spark plug socket (14mm or 16mm)Essential
Spark plug gap toolEssential
Coolant drain containerEssential
Transmission fluid pumpEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Engine oil filter × 1 — Use Honda OEM filter 15400-RTA-003 or equivalent
- Engine air filter × 1 — Use Honda OEM 17220-5AA-A00 or equivalent
- Cabin air filter × 1 — Use Honda OEM 80292-TBA-A11 or equivalent
- Spark plugs (Iridium) × 4 — NGK IZFR6K13 or equivalent, pre-gapped 0.043 inch
- Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Honda OEM 94109-14000
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 Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 6 qt
- Honda DW-1 ATF — 8 qt
- DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cool (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Gather all required fluids, filters, and parts before beginning
- Lift front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
- Remove engine cover by pulling upward on clips (no tools required)
- Verify replacement spark plugs are gapped to 0.043 inch (1.1mm) specification
Procedure
- 1Engine oil and filter changePosition drain pan under oil drain plug on bottom of oil pan. Remove drain plug using socket and allow oil to drain completely (approximately 10 minutes). Remove old crush washer and install new crush washer on drain plug. Reinstall drain plug and torque to specification. Relocate drain pan under oil filter (passenger side of engine). Remove oil filter using filter wrench, verify old o-ring came off with filter. Lightly oil new filter o-ring with fresh engine oil, hand-tighten new filter until gasket contacts, then turn an additional 3/4 turn. Refill with 4.0 quarts of Honda Genuine 0W-20 oil through filler cap on top of engine.
- 2Replace engine air filterLocate air filter housing on driver side of engine bay. Release four spring clips securing airbox cover. Lift cover and remove old air filter. Inspect housing for debris and clean if necessary. Install new air filter ensuring proper seating in housing. Replace cover and secure all four clips firmly.
- 3Replace cabin air filterOpen 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 right side of HVAC housing. Press release tab and pull cover out. Remove old cabin air filter noting airflow direction arrow. Insert new filter with airflow arrow pointing toward front of vehicle. Reinstall cover until tab clicks into place.
- 4Replace spark plugsLocate ignition coils on top of engine (four units). Disconnect electrical connector from each coil by pressing release tab. Remove single mounting bolt from each coil and pull coil straight up with slight twisting motion. Use compressed air to clean debris from spark plug wells if available. Remove spark plugs using spark plug socket, turning counterclockwise. Install new pre-gapped spark plugs hand-tight, then torque to 18 Nm (13 lb-ft). Reinstall ignition coils ensuring they seat fully, then install mounting bolts. Reconnect all electrical connectors.
- 5Drain and refill transmission fluidLocate transmission drain plug on bottom of transmission case (toward rear of engine). Position drain pan and remove drain plug using 3/8 inch ratchet (square recess). Allow ATF to drain completely (approximately 3-4 quarts will drain). Reinstall drain plug and torque to 39 Nm (29 lb-ft). Locate transmission fill plug on top side of transmission case near dipstick tube. Remove fill plug and use fluid pump to add approximately 3.5-4.0 quarts of Honda DW-1 ATF until fluid reaches bottom of fill hole with engine off and level. Reinstall fill plug.ℹ️This is a drain and refill only; complete ATF exchange requires multiple drain/refill cycles or flush equipment.
- 6Exchange engine coolantLocate radiator drain plug at bottom driver side corner of radiator. Place drain container underneath and open drain plug by turning counterclockwise. Remove radiator cap slowly to allow coolant to drain faster. Once drained, close drain plug and tighten securely. Fill cooling system with Honda Type 2 (Blue) coolant through radiator neck and coolant reservoir until full. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature with heater on full hot. Check coolant level and add as needed. Burp system by squeezing upper radiator hose while engine is running to remove air pockets.⚠Never open cooling system when hot; allow to cool completely before removing radiator cap.
- 7Brake fluid exchangeLocate brake fluid reservoir in rear driver side of engine bay. Using turkey baster or fluid extractor, remove old brake fluid from reservoir until nearly empty. Refill with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid to MAX line. This method exchanges approximately 60% of system fluid. For complete flush, perform brake bleeding procedure starting with passenger rear wheel, then driver rear, passenger front, and driver front, adding fresh fluid to reservoir as needed.⚠Do not allow brake fluid reservoir to run empty during bleeding or air will enter ABS system.
- 8Inspect drive belt and tensionerVisually inspect serpentine drive belt for cracks, glazing, fraying, or chunks missing from ribs. Check belt tension by pressing firmly on belt between pulleys; should have approximately 1/4 inch deflection. Inspect automatic tensioner for smooth operation and check for oil leaks from tensioner bearing. Replace belt if any damage is visible or if belt shows more than 4 years of service.
- 9Inspect suspension and steering componentsWith vehicle raised on jack stands, visually inspect all suspension components for damage, wear, or leaking fluids. Check ball joint boots for tears. Inspect tie rod ends and boots for damage. Check control arm bushings for cracking or separation. Grasp each front wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempt to rock wheel to check for play in wheel bearings. Document any concerns for future service.
- 10Rotate tires and inspect brakesRemove all four wheels using impact wrench or lug wrench. Inspect brake pads through caliper viewing window; pads should have minimum 3mm thickness. Check brake rotors for scoring, cracks, or excessive rust. Inspect tires for irregular wear, cuts, or bulges. Measure tread depth (minimum 4/32 inch recommended). Rotate tires in appropriate pattern for FWD (front to rear same side, rear cross to front). Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts in star pattern to specification.ℹ️If vehicle has directional tires, rotate front to rear on same side only.
Reassembly
- Reinstall engine cover by aligning clips and pressing down firmly until seated
- Lower vehicle from jack stands and torque wheel lug nuts in star pattern once vehicle is on ground
- Reset maintenance reminder light: Turn ignition to ON (engine off), press and hold SELECT/RESET button on instrument cluster until oil life indicator appears, hold button until indicator resets to 100%
- Double-check that all drain plugs are tight and no tools were left in engine bay
Verification
- Start engine and verify no oil leaks from drain plug or filter after 1-2 minutes of running
- Check engine oil level on dipstick with engine off and level; should be between MIN and MAX marks
- Verify transmission fluid level is correct at operating temperature
- Check coolant level in reservoir; should be between MIN and MAX marks when cold
- Verify brake pedal feels firm with no change in pedal height
- Test drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes, ensuring smooth operation, no warning lights, and no fluid leaks upon return
- Re-check all fluid levels after test drive and top off as needed
- Verify maintenance reminder light has been successfully reset to 100%