engine
Oil Pan Replacement
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
4.5 h
Tools
10
Steps
15
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the oil pan on the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo engine, including draining oil, removing subframe components for access, and installing a new oil pan gasket.
Warnings
⚠️Engine oil and components can be extremely hot. Allow engine to cool completely before beginning work.
⚠Properly support the engine before removing subframe mounting bolts. Failure to do so can cause engine to shift or fall.
⚠The oil pan gasket must be installed correctly without twisting or folding to prevent oil leaks.
ℹ️Oil pan bolt tightening sequence must be followed to ensure proper gasket sealing.
Tools required
Floor jack and jack standsEssential
Metric socket set (8mm-19mm)Essential
Torque wrench (10-50 Nm range)Essential
Oil drain pan (6+ quart capacity)Essential
Engine support fixture or hoistEssential
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Parts
- Oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Engine oil 0W-20 × 1 — Honda Genuine 0W-20
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 — 4 qt
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch
- Disconnect negative battery terminal
- Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands at all four corners
- Remove engine under cover and splash shields
- Install engine support fixture from above or support engine with hoist to prevent movement
Procedure
- 1Drain engine oilPlace drain pan under oil pan. Remove oil drain plug and allow oil to drain completely. Inspect drain plug threads for damage. Discard old crush washer.
- 2Remove exhaust componentsDisconnect oxygen sensor connectors. Remove exhaust manifold heat shield if equipped. Unbolt exhaust downpipe from turbocharger and remove or lower exhaust to gain clearance for oil pan removal.
- 3Remove front subframe mounting boltsSupport the front subframe with a transmission jack. Remove the front subframe mounting bolts on both sides. Lower the subframe approximately 2-3 inches to provide clearance for oil pan removal. Do not fully remove subframe.⚠Ensure engine is properly supported from above before lowering subframe to prevent engine movement.Torque specMounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
- 4Disconnect oil level sensorLocate and disconnect the electrical connector for the oil level sensor on the oil pan. Remove sensor mounting bolt if necessary for pan removal.Torque specSensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 5Remove oil pan boltsRemove all oil pan bolts in a crisscross pattern starting from the outer edges working inward. There are typically 16-18 bolts securing the oil pan. Keep bolts organized for reinstallation.
- 6Separate and remove oil panCarefully pry the oil pan away from the engine block using a plastic pry tool at designated pry points. Do not damage the engine block mating surface. Lower the oil pan and remove from vehicle. Oil may still drain when pan is removed.⚠Do not use metal tools that could gouge the aluminum engine block sealing surface.
- 7Inspect oil pump pickup tubeWith oil pan removed, inspect the oil pump pickup tube screen for debris or damage. If pickup tube removal is necessary, unbolt it from the oil pump housing. Clean screen thoroughly if reusing.Torque specOil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 8Clean mating surfacesThoroughly clean all gasket material from both the oil pan and engine block mating surfaces using a plastic scraper. Remove all residue with brake cleaner. Ensure surfaces are completely clean and dry. Inspect for damage or warping.⚠Any debris or old gasket material left on mating surfaces will cause oil leaks.
- 9Install new oil pan gasketPosition the new oil pan gasket onto the oil pan, ensuring all bolt holes align correctly. The gasket should sit flat without any twisting or folding. Some gaskets have adhesive backing; others may require a thin bead of RTV at the engine block corners where gasket meets timing cover.ℹ️Follow gasket manufacturer instructions regarding RTV application if specified.
- 10Install oil panCarefully lift the oil pan with gasket into position, aligning it with the engine block. Start all oil pan bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Do not tighten any bolts until all are started.
- 11Torque oil pan bolts in sequenceTighten oil pan bolts in a crisscross pattern starting from the center and working outward. Torque all bolts to specification in multiple passes: first to 6 Nm, then final torque to specification. This ensures even gasket compression.⚠Over-tightening oil pan bolts can warp the pan or crack the aluminum. Use a calibrated torque wrench.Torque specOil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 12Reinstall oil level sensorReconnect the oil level sensor electrical connector. If sensor was removed, install with new seal and torque mounting bolt to specification.Torque specSensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
- 13Raise and secure subframeRaise the front subframe back to its original position, aligning all mounting points. Install and torque subframe mounting bolts to specification on both sides.Torque specMounting Bolts45 Nm (33 lb-ft)
- 14Reinstall exhaust componentsReconnect exhaust downpipe to turbocharger using new gasket if required. Reinstall heat shields. Reconnect oxygen sensor electrical connectors.
- 15Install drain plug and fill with oilInstall oil drain plug with new crush washer and torque to specification. Reinstall engine under covers. Lower vehicle. Fill engine with 4.0 quarts of Honda Genuine 0W-20 oil through oil fill cap.ℹ️Always use a new crush washer on the drain plug to prevent leaks.Torque specOil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Reinstall all components in reverse order of removal
- Ensure all electrical connectors are properly seated and secured
- Verify all fasteners are tightened to proper specifications
- Double-check that engine support fixture is removed before starting engine
Verification
- Reconnect battery negative terminal
- Start engine and allow to idle for 2-3 minutes while monitoring for leaks around oil pan
- Check oil level on dipstick and add oil if necessary to reach full mark
- Turn off engine, wait 5 minutes, then recheck oil level and inspect underneath for any oil leaks
- Road test vehicle and recheck for leaks after reaching operating temperature
- Perform final inspection after 24 hours of normal driving