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

Oil Level Sensor

for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris HacklemanMaster Technician · 20+ years · Jeff MooreMaster Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Easy
Time
48 min
Tools
9
Steps
12
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.

This procedure replaces the oil level sensor on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo engine, located on the oil pan.

Warnings

Perform this job with the engine cold to avoid burns from hot oil and components
Some oil will drain when the sensor is removed; have a drain pan ready
ℹ️The oil level sensor is a diagnostic component; a faulty sensor may cause low oil level warnings even when oil is adequate

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Oil drain panEssential
Torque wrench (10-30 Nm range)Essential
Vehicle jack and jack standsEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool
Shop towelsEssential
Nitrile gloves
Safety glasses

Parts

  • Oil level sensor × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
  • Oil level sensor O-ring or gasket × 1 — Often included with sensor

Fluids

  • Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 0.5 qt

Preparation

  1. Ensure engine is completely cold to touch
  2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
  3. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
  4. Gather all tools and parts before beginning

Procedure

  1. 1
    Lift and secure vehicle
    Lift the front of the vehicle using a floor jack at the designated front jacking point. Secure with jack stands placed at the manufacturer-specified support points. Ensure the vehicle is stable before working underneath.
  2. 2
    Remove engine splash shield
    Remove the plastic engine splash shield/undertray to access the oil pan. Remove the retaining clips and bolts securing the shield. Set aside hardware in a container for reinstallation.
    Torque spec
    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
  3. 3
    Locate the oil level sensor
    Identify the oil level sensor on the passenger side of the oil pan, near the bottom. It will have an electrical connector and is threaded into the oil pan with a single mounting point. Clean the area around the sensor with a shop towel to prevent debris from entering the oil pan.
  4. 4
    Position drain pan
    Place an oil drain pan directly beneath the oil level sensor. Expect approximately 0.25-0.5 quarts of oil to drain when the sensor is removed, depending on current oil level.
  5. 5
    Disconnect electrical connector
    Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and carefully pull the connector away from the oil level sensor. Ensure the connector is moved away from the work area to prevent oil contamination.
  6. 6
    Remove oil level sensor
    Using a 10mm socket, carefully loosen and remove the oil level sensor from the oil pan. Turn counterclockwise to remove. Allow oil to drain into the pan. Once oil flow stops, completely remove the sensor and inspect the O-ring or sealing washer.
  7. 7
    Clean mounting area
    Clean the sensor mounting hole in the oil pan thoroughly with a clean shop towel. Ensure no old gasket material or debris remains on the sealing surface. Inspect the threads in the oil pan for damage.
  8. 8
    Prepare new sensor
    Inspect the new oil level sensor and ensure the O-ring or gasket is properly seated in the groove on the sensor body. If a separate gasket is provided, install it onto the sensor. Do not use old gaskets or O-rings.
  9. 9
    Install new oil level sensor
    Thread the new oil level sensor into the oil pan by hand until it seats against the gasket surface. Ensure it threads smoothly without cross-threading. Once hand-tight, use a 10mm socket and torque wrench to tighten to specification.
    Torque spec
    Oil Level Sensor15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the oil level sensor until it clicks into place. Verify the locking tab is fully engaged and the connector is secure.
  11. 11
    Reinstall engine splash shield
    Position the engine splash shield back into place and secure with all retaining clips and bolts. Ensure all fasteners are properly seated.
    Torque spec
    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Lower vehicle and add oil
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Add Honda Genuine 0W-20 engine oil as needed to compensate for the oil lost during sensor replacement, approximately 0.5 quarts. Check oil level with dipstick and adjust to proper level.

Reassembly

  1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly latched
  2. Verify engine splash shield is completely installed with all fasteners tight
  3. Double-check that the oil level is correct on the dipstick before starting the engine

Verification

  • Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes while monitoring for oil leaks around the sensor
  • Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes, then recheck oil level and add if necessary
  • Use a Honda diagnostic scanner or monitor the instrument cluster to verify the oil level warning light does not illuminate inappropriately
  • Visually inspect the sensor installation area from underneath the vehicle to confirm no oil leaks are present
  • Test drive the vehicle and verify no oil level warning messages appear on the dashboard
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🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years. Spot an error? Use the Help link above — a human reads every report.
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