Complete removal and reinstallation of the 1.5L turbocharged engine from a 2018-2024 Honda Accord, including disconnection of all electrical, fuel, cooling, and exhaust systems.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Honda 0W-20 and OEM filter
• Engine coolant × 2 — Honda Type 2 Blue
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — 94109-14000
• Exhaust manifold gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Exhaust manifold nuts (if corroded) × 8 — Use OEM specification
• Engine mount hardware (inspect and replace as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Anti-seize compound × 1 — High-temperature nickel-based
• Transmission fluid (if contaminated) × 1 — Honda DW-1 ATF

Fluids

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 4 qt
• Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 6 qt
• Honda DW-1 ATF — 8 qt

Preparation

1. Position vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal, then positive terminal. Wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on front clips
4. Relieve fuel system pressure: Remove fuel pump relay from underhood fuse box, start engine and let it stall, crank for 3 seconds to ensure depressurization
5. Raise vehicle on lift or support securely on jack stands at all four corners
6. Remove front wheels and plastic engine splash shield
7. Drain engine oil and coolant into separate containers
8. Remove hood: Mark hinge positions with paint pen, disconnect washer fluid hose, remove four hinge bolts with assistant supporting hood
9. Remove air intake system from turbocharger inlet to airbox, including mass airflow sensor connector
10. Remove front bumper cover for radiator and condenser access (8 clips, 6 bolts)

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect cooling system components
   Disconnect upper and lower radiator hoses from engine using hose clamp pliers. Disconnect heater hoses at firewall connections. Remove radiator fan assembly (3 bolts). Unbolt and reposition AC condenser forward without disconnecting refrigerant lines. Remove radiator by lifting straight up after disconnecting transmission cooler lines (if CVT equipped).
2. 2

   Remove accessory drive components
   Remove serpentine belt by rotating tensioner clockwise. Disconnect AC compressor electrical connector, unbolt compressor and secure to frame without disconnecting refrigerant lines. Disconnect alternator electrical connections (battery cable and field connector), then remove alternator. If equipped, unbolt power steering pump and secure aside.
   Torque spec

   AC Compressor Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Alternator Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

   Power Steering Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect fuel and electrical systems
   Disconnect fuel supply line at fuel rail using quick-disconnect tool. Cap open fuel line to prevent contamination. Disconnect main engine harness connector at passenger side of firewall (large gray connector). Disconnect additional connectors: throttle body, injector harness, ignition coils, oxygen sensors, knock sensor, oil pressure sensor, VTC actuator, and turbocharger wastegate actuator. Label all connectors for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove exhaust system from manifold
   Spray exhaust manifold nuts with penetrating oil and allow to soak. Support front exhaust pipe with jack. Working from hot side (cylinder 4) toward cold side (cylinder 1), remove eight exhaust manifold nuts. Separate exhaust pipe from manifold and turbocharger outlet, lower and secure away from work area. Remove exhaust manifold heat shields.
   ⚠Exhaust studs are prone to breaking. Apply penetrating oil 24 hours before removal if possible. Work slowly and alternate between nuts.
   Torque spec

   Exhaust Manifold Nuts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect turbocharger and intake connections
   Disconnect turbocharger oil feed line at block (banjo bolt). Disconnect oil return line at oil pan. Disconnect turbocharger coolant supply and return lines. Remove charge air cooler piping from turbocharger outlet to throttle body. Disconnect PCV hoses and vacuum lines from intake manifold.
6. 6

   Separate transmission from engine
   Support transmission with transmission jack positioned under transmission pan. Remove starter motor (two bolts on driver side of bellhousing). Disconnect shift cable from transmission. Remove all transmission-to-engine bolts: two upper bolts accessible from engine bay, remaining bolts from underneath (total of 8 bolts for CVT). For CVT: ensure torque converter is secured to transmission with safety wire through dust cover access hole before separation.
   ⚠️Transmission must be properly supported before removing mounting bolts. Ensure transmission jack is centered and secure.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)

   Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove engine mounts
   Install engine support bar across fender edges or use hoist with lifting chain attached to engine lift points. Remove passenger side engine mount: unbolt mount from frame, then unbolt from engine block. Remove driver side mount in same sequence. Remove rear engine mount (transmission mount) from subframe. Remove front engine mount and torque rod assembly.
   ⚠️Engine must be fully supported by hoist before removing final mount. Verify lifting chain is secure and balanced.
   Torque spec

   Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)

   Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Extract engine from vehicle
   Double-check all connections are disconnected: fuel, coolant, vacuum, electrical, exhaust, and transmission. Slowly raise engine with hoist while guiding away from transmission. Tilt engine slightly nose-up to clear transmission input shaft and radiator support. Once clear of subframe, rotate engine as needed and lift out of engine bay. Lower engine onto engine stand and secure.
   ⚠️Have assistant guide engine during extraction. Watch clearances at firewall, fenders, and radiator support. Stop immediately if resistance is felt.
9. 9

   Inspect and prepare engine for reinstallation
   With engine removed, inspect: rear main seal, oil pan gasket, timing chain cover for leaks, motor mounts for wear or cracking. Replace clutch or torque converter seal if applicable. Clean mating surfaces on transmission bellhousing and engine block. If engine was removed for repair, complete all necessary repairs before reinstallation. Install new exhaust manifold gasket.
10. 10

    Install engine into vehicle
    Attach lifting chain to engine at factory lift points. Raise engine and tilt nose-up approximately 15 degrees. Guide engine into engine bay, clearing radiator support and fenders. Align engine with transmission, ensuring torque converter pilot or input shaft alignment. Slowly lower engine while aligning transmission bolt holes. Install at least two transmission-to-engine bolts hand-tight before releasing hoist tension.
    ⚠Do not force engine onto transmission. If alignment is difficult, raise engine slightly and reposition. Forcing can damage torque converter, input shaft, or pilot bearing.
11. 11

    Install transmission bolts and starter
    Install all eight transmission-to-engine bolts. Torque in star pattern to specification. Install starter motor and torque bolts. Reconnect shift cable and adjust if necessary. Remove transmission jack once engine is fully secured.
    Torque spec

    Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install engine mounts
    Install front engine mount and torque rod assembly. Install driver side mount: bolt to block first, then to frame. Install passenger side mount in same sequence. Install rear transmission mount to subframe. Ensure all mounts are torqued to specification in correct sequence: block side first, then frame side.
    Torque spec

    Engine Mount-to-Block Bolts65 Nm (48 lb-ft)

    Engine Mount-to-Frame Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect turbocharger and exhaust
    Install exhaust manifold with new gasket if not already attached to engine. Apply anti-seize to exhaust stud threads. Torque exhaust manifold nuts working from hot side (cylinder 4) to cold side (cylinder 1) in sequence. Connect turbocharger oil feed line, oil return line, and coolant lines. Install new crush washers on banjo bolts. Connect exhaust pipe to manifold with new gasket.
    Torque spec

    Exhaust Manifold Nuts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install accessory components
    Install power steering pump if removed. Install alternator and torque mounting bolts, then connect electrical connections. Install AC compressor and torque bolts, reconnect electrical connector. Install serpentine belt following routing diagram on belt routing decal. Verify belt is properly seated on all pulleys.
    Torque spec

    Power Steering Pump Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

    Alternator Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    AC Compressor Bolts25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reconnect all electrical and fuel systems
    Reconnect all electrical connectors using labels and photos as reference: main engine harness, throttle body, injectors, ignition coils, sensors, turbocharger actuators. Reconnect fuel supply line at fuel rail, ensuring positive click on quick-disconnect. Connect all vacuum lines and PCV hoses to intake manifold. Install charge air cooler piping from turbocharger to throttle body.
16. 16

    Install cooling system components
    Install radiator and connect transmission cooler lines. Install AC condenser to radiator support. Install radiator fan assembly and torque bolts. Connect upper and lower radiator hoses with new clamps. Connect heater hoses at firewall. Install front bumper cover.
17. 17

    Fill fluids and final connections
    Install new oil drain plug crush washer and torque drain plug. Fill engine with 4 quarts Honda 0W-20 oil. Fill cooling system with Honda Type 2 coolant using refill funnel, burp system by running engine to operating temperature with heater on high. Check transmission fluid level and top off if needed. Reconnect battery terminals (positive first, then negative). Install air intake system. Install engine cover and reinstall hood with assistant, aligning to marks made during removal.
    Torque spec

    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reverse disassembly procedure following steps 10-17
2. Always replace single-use fasteners, gaskets, and crush washers
3. Apply anti-seize to exhaust hardware only as specified
4. Torque all fasteners in proper sequence using calibrated torque wrench
5. Route all wiring harnesses in original positions to avoid contact with hot or moving components
6. Ensure all quick-disconnect fuel fittings click securely into place

Verification

• Visually inspect for any disconnected hoses, wires, or loose fasteners
• Check that all fluid levels are correct: engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid
• With engine off, turn key to ON position and verify no warning lights beyond normal (check engine, oil pressure should illuminate then extinguish)
• Start engine and immediately check for fluid leaks at oil pan, oil filter, coolant hoses, transmission bellhousing
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify cooling fans activate
• Check for exhaust leaks at manifold and turbocharger connections
• Verify AC compressor clutch engages when AC is activated
• Test drive vehicle to verify normal operation, smooth acceleration, proper boost from turbocharger
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and top off as needed
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes and clear adaptation values if necessary

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