Tune-Up - Minor

This procedure covers a minor tune-up for the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L Turbo, including spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, engine oil and filter change, and basic inspection of ignition coils and engine air intake system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Spark plugs (NGK or Denso iridium) × 4 — NGK DILKAR8H8 or equivalent
• Engine air filter × 1 — Honda 17220-5AA-A00 or equivalent
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Honda 15400-RTA-003 or equivalent
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Honda 94109-14000

Fluids

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure engine is completely cool (wait minimum 2 hours after last operation)
3. Gather all tools, parts, and fluids before beginning
4. Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands if performing oil change simultaneously
5. Open hood and locate engine cover (black plastic cover with Honda emblem)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine cover and air intake components
   Remove the plastic engine cover by pulling upward on the front edge to release the rubber grommets. Disconnect the air intake tube from the throttle body by loosening the hose clamp. Remove air box clips and lift the air box lid to access the engine air filter.
   Torque spec

   Air Box Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Replace engine air filter
   Remove the old air filter from the air box. Inspect the air box for debris and clean if necessary. Install the new air filter ensuring proper seating with the arrow pointing in the direction of airflow. Reinstall air box lid and secure clips.
   Torque spec

   Air Box Clips5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove ignition coils
   Disconnect the electrical connector from each ignition coil by pressing the release tab and pulling straight up. Remove the 10mm bolt securing each coil-on-plug unit. Carefully pull each coil straight up with a twisting motion to remove. Inspect coil boots for cracks, oil contamination, or damage.
   ⚠Do not pull on ignition coil wires. Grasp the coil body firmly when removing to prevent damage to internal components.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove old spark plugs
   Use compressed air or a clean rag to remove any debris from around the spark plug wells to prevent contamination. Using a 14mm spark plug socket with extension, carefully remove each spark plug by turning counterclockwise. Keep plugs in order if inspecting wear patterns.
   ℹ️Inspect old spark plugs for unusual wear, oil fouling, or incorrect gap which may indicate engine issues requiring further diagnosis.
5. 5

   Install new spark plugs
   Verify new spark plugs are pre-gapped to 0.028-0.032 inches (0.7-0.8mm). Apply a small amount of anti-seize compound to threads if desired (use sparingly). Install each spark plug by hand until finger-tight, then torque to 18 Nm (13 lb-ft) using torque wrench. Do not overtighten.
   ⚠Cross-threading spark plugs in aluminum heads can cause catastrophic damage. Always start threading by hand and ensure smooth engagement before using tools.
6. 6

   Reinstall ignition coils
   Apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the inside of each coil boot if desired. Carefully push each ignition coil down into the spark plug well ensuring proper seating. Install and torque the 10mm mounting bolt to specification. Reconnect electrical connectors until they click into place.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Drain engine oil
   Position drain pan under oil drain plug located on passenger side of oil pan. Using a 17mm socket, loosen drain plug slowly. Once loose, quickly remove by hand while keeping upward pressure to prevent oil spillage. Allow oil to drain completely (approximately 5 minutes). Remove and discard old crush washer from drain plug.
   ⚠Engine oil may still be warm even after extended cooling period. Wear appropriate gloves to prevent skin contact with hot oil.
   Torque spec

   Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Replace oil drain plug
   Clean drain plug threads and oil pan sealing surface with a clean rag. Install NEW crush washer on drain plug (never reuse). Thread drain plug by hand to ensure proper engagement, then torque to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft) using torque wrench.
   ℹ️Always use a new crush washer on the drain plug. Reusing washers will result in oil leaks.
   Torque spec

   Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Replace oil filter
   Locate oil filter on the front lower passenger side of engine. Position drain pan beneath filter. Using oil filter wrench, turn filter counterclockwise to remove. Clean the filter mounting surface on engine block. Apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the rubber gasket of the new filter. Install new filter by hand, tightening 3/4 turn after gasket contacts mounting surface.
   ℹ️Do not use oil filter wrench to install new filter. Hand-tightening only prevents gasket damage and allows for proper removal at next service.
10. 10

    Refill engine oil
    Lower vehicle if raised. Remove oil filler cap located on top of valve cover. Using funnel, add 3.5 quarts of Honda Genuine 0W-20 engine oil initially. Wait 2 minutes for oil to settle, then check dipstick. Add remaining oil in small increments until level reaches the upper mark on dipstick. Total capacity is approximately 4.0 quarts with filter change.
    ⚠Do not overfill engine oil. Overfilling can cause oil aeration, increased crankcase pressure, and potential catalyst damage.
11. 11

    Reinstall air intake and engine cover
    Reconnect air intake tube to throttle body and tighten hose clamp securely. Reinstall engine cover by aligning rubber grommets with mounting posts and pressing down firmly until seated. Verify all electrical connectors are properly secured.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors on ignition coils are fully seated and locked
2. Confirm engine cover is properly installed on all mounting grommets
3. Double-check oil drain plug and filter are secure with no visible leaks
4. Ensure air intake system is completely reassembled and all clamps are tight

Verification

• Start engine and verify immediate oil pressure (oil pressure warning light should extinguish within 2-3 seconds)
• Check for oil leaks around drain plug and oil filter while engine is running
• Listen for smooth engine operation with no misfires or unusual noises from ignition system
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no check engine light illumination
• After first drive, re-check oil level on dipstick and top off if necessary
• Reset maintenance reminder in instrument cluster if equipped (Settings > Vehicle > Maintenance Info)

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