engine
Oil Level Sensor
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master 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
- Ensure engine is completely cold to touch
- Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Gather all tools and parts before beginning
Procedure
- 1Lift and secure vehicleLift 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.
- 2Remove engine splash shieldRemove 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 specCover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 3Locate the oil level sensorIdentify 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.
- 4Position drain panPlace 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.
- 5Disconnect electrical connectorPress 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.
- 6Remove oil level sensorUsing 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.
- 7Clean mounting areaClean 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.
- 8Prepare new sensorInspect 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.
- 9Install new oil level sensorThread 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 specOil Level Sensor15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 10Reconnect electrical connectorPush 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.
- 11Reinstall engine splash shieldPosition the engine splash shield back into place and secure with all retaining clips and bolts. Ensure all fasteners are properly seated.Torque specCover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 12Lower vehicle and add oilRemove 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
- Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly latched
- Verify engine splash shield is completely installed with all fasteners tight
- 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