This procedure covers the replacement of the oil level sensor on the 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo engine, located on the oil pan assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Oil level sensor × 1 — 37820-5AA-003 or equivalent Honda OEM
• Oil level sensor O-ring/seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours)
2. Raise vehicle securely on lift or jack stands to access underside
3. Remove plastic engine undertray/splash shield if equipped using 10mm socket
4. Position oil drain pan beneath oil pan area near sensor location
5. Disconnect negative battery terminal to clear any stored codes

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the oil level sensor
   The oil level sensor is located on the passenger side of the oil pan, near the front. It has a two-pin electrical connector and is threaded directly into the oil pan. Do not confuse with the oil pressure switch which is located on the engine block above.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the oil level sensor electrical connector and carefully pull connector straight off the sensor. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage.
3. 3

   Remove old oil level sensor
   Using a 19mm socket or wrench, carefully loosen and remove the oil level sensor from the oil pan. Turn counterclockwise. Be prepared for approximately 4-8 ounces of oil to drain from the opening. Allow oil to drain completely into drain pan.
   ⚠Do not overtighten or apply excessive force during removal to avoid damaging oil pan threads
4. 4

   Clean sensor mounting area
   Wipe the sensor mounting area on the oil pan with a clean shop towel. Use a wire brush to carefully clean any debris or old sealant from the threads in the oil pan. Inspect threads for damage.
5. 5

   Prepare new sensor
   Remove new oil level sensor from packaging. Verify new O-ring or sealing washer is properly seated on the sensor threads. Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to the O-ring to aid installation.
6. 6

   Install new oil level sensor
   Thread the new oil level sensor into the oil pan by hand, turning clockwise. Ensure sensor threads in smoothly without resistance. Once hand-tight, use torque wrench to tighten to specification.
   Torque spec

   Oil Level Sensor15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector firmly onto the new oil level sensor until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently to verify secure connection.
8. 8

   Check and top off engine oil
   Lower vehicle temporarily to level ground. Remove oil filler cap and add approximately 0.25 quarts of Honda Genuine 0W-20 engine oil to compensate for oil lost during sensor replacement. Check oil level on dipstick and add more if needed to reach full mark.
9. 9

   Check for leaks
   Start engine and allow to idle for 2-3 minutes. Raise vehicle and carefully inspect oil level sensor area for any signs of oil leakage. If leaking, engine must be shut off immediately, sensor removed, and O-ring/installation verified.
10. 10

    Verify operation and clear codes
    Using a scan tool or by observing the instrument cluster, verify that no oil level warning lights are illuminated. Clear any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to oil level sensor. Reconnect negative battery terminal if disconnected.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall plastic engine undertray/splash shield using 10mm bolts
2. Lower vehicle from lift or jack stands
3. Verify oil level on dipstick once more with vehicle on level ground
4. Dispose of used oil properly at a recycling center

Verification

• Start engine and verify oil level warning light functions properly during bulb check and then turns off
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes and verify no oil level sensor codes are present
• Drive vehicle for 10-15 minutes and recheck for leaks at sensor location with engine at operating temperature
• Recheck oil level after test drive and top off if necessary

More procedures for this vehicle