Oil Pan Replacement

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the oil pan on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, including subframe lowering and gasket replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Oil pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — 94109-20000 or equivalent
• Engine oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil pan (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 Engine Oil — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely (at least 2 hours after operation)
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands at rated lift points
5. Remove engine splash shield and undertray fasteners
6. Install engine support bar across engine bay or attach engine hoist to lifting points

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain engine oil and remove filter
   Place drain pan under oil drain plug. Remove drain plug and allow oil to drain completely (approximately 10 minutes). Remove oil filter using filter wrench. Inspect drain plug threads and oil pan threads for damage.
   ⚠Used engine oil may contain contaminants. Wear gloves and dispose of oil properly at a recycling center.
2. 2

   Remove front exhaust pipe
   Disconnect oxygen sensor electrical connectors. Remove three bolts securing catalytic converter to turbocharger. Remove two bolts securing exhaust pipe to mid-pipe. Lower front exhaust section and support with wire or set aside.
   ⚠Exhaust components may still be warm. Allow additional cooling time if necessary.
3. 3

   Disconnect steering rack and lower control arms
   Remove steering rack mounting bolts but leave steering rack connected to column. Support steering rack with wire tied to body. Remove lower control arm to subframe bolts on both sides (do not remove ball joint connections).
4. 4

   Support and lower front subframe
   Position floor jack with wood block under center of front subframe. Remove rear subframe mounting bolts completely. Loosen front subframe mounting bolts but leave engaged by approximately 5 threads. Carefully lower jack to drop subframe approximately 2 inches. Verify clearance to oil pan.
   ⚠️Ensure engine support bar is secure before lowering subframe. Engine weight must be fully supported to prevent drivetrain damage.
5. 5

   Remove transmission mounting brace
   Locate transmission-to-oil pan mounting brace on passenger side. Remove bolts securing brace to transmission and oil pan. Set brace aside.
6. 6

   Remove oil pan bolts
   Remove all oil pan mounting bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (start from ends, work toward center). There are approximately 16-18 bolts around perimeter. Note locations of any different length bolts.
   ℹ️Oil pan bolts are different lengths. Take photos or mark locations to ensure correct reinstallation.
7. 7

   Remove oil pan
   Carefully pry oil pan away from block using plastic pry tool at designated pry points (cast tabs on pan). Tap gently with rubber mallet if needed. Maneuver oil pan down and out between subframe and engine block. Be careful not to damage oil pickup tube.
8. 8

   Inspect and remove oil pickup tube
   With oil pan removed, inspect oil pickup tube screen for debris or damage. Remove two bolts securing pickup tube to oil pump housing. Remove pickup tube with O-ring. Clean or replace as necessary.
   Torque spec

   Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Clean gasket surfaces
   Use plastic scraper to remove all old gasket material from engine block mating surface and oil pan mating surface. Clean surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner. Inspect for gouges, warping, or cracks. Ensure both surfaces are completely clean and dry.
   ⚠Do not use metal scrapers on aluminum surfaces. Scratches or gouges will cause oil leaks.
10. 10

    Install oil pickup tube
    Install new O-ring on oil pickup tube (lubricate with clean engine oil). Install pickup tube to oil pump housing and secure with two bolts. Torque bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Oil Pump Pickup Tube12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new oil pan gasket and pan
    Place new gasket on oil pan (gasket typically adheres to pan, not block). Carefully lift oil pan into position, aligning pickup tube and guiding pan between subframe and block. Start all oil pan bolts by hand, ensuring correct bolt lengths in correct locations.
    ℹ️Do not apply RTV sealant unless specifically required by gasket manufacturer. OEM Honda gaskets do not require additional sealant.
12. 12

    Torque oil pan bolts in sequence
    Torque oil pan bolts to specification in proper sequence: start at center and work outward in a spiral pattern. Make two passes - first to 6 Nm, then final torque to specification. Ensure even gasket compression.
    ⚠Oil pan bolts must be torqued in proper sequence to prevent gasket damage and oil leaks. Over-torquing can strip threads in aluminum oil pan.
    Torque spec

    Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall transmission brace and raise subframe
    Install transmission mounting brace and torque bolts to specification. Raise floor jack to lift subframe back into position. Install rear subframe mounting bolts and torque to specification. Torque front subframe mounting bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect suspension and steering components
    Reinstall lower control arm to subframe bolts and torque to specification. Reinstall steering rack mounting bolts and torque to specification. Remove engine support bar or hoist.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall exhaust and fill engine oil
    Reinstall front exhaust pipe with new gaskets. Torque catalytic converter to turbocharger bolts and exhaust pipe to mid-pipe bolts to specification. Reconnect oxygen sensor connectors. Install new oil filter and hand-tighten plus 3/4 turn. Install oil drain plug with new crush washer and torque to specification. Fill engine with 4.0 quarts Honda Genuine 0W-20 oil. Reinstall splash shields.
    Torque spec

    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery terminal
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Start engine and verify oil pressure light extinguishes within 5 seconds
4. Allow engine to idle for 3-5 minutes and check for leaks around oil pan gasket
5. Shut off engine, wait 5 minutes, and verify oil level on dipstick (should be between MIN and MAX marks)
6. Test drive vehicle and recheck for leaks after engine reaches operating temperature

Verification

• Inspect oil pan gasket area for any signs of oil seepage with engine at operating temperature
• Verify no oil drips on ground after overnight parking
• Check oil level remains stable after first 100 miles of driving
• Confirm no abnormal engine noises indicating low oil pressure or pickup tube issues
• Verify all subframe and suspension mounting bolts are properly torqued - perform test drive and verify normal handling

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