Honda Oil Service Guide
2016–2018 Honda Civic 1.5L & 2.0L Oil Service Guide
Changing the oil in a 2016–2018 Civic with the 1.5L or 2.0L 4-cylinder? Here are the parts, tools, specs and step-by-step instructions to get it done in about 25–35 minutes.
Example car: 2017 Honda Civic 1.5L 4CYL w/ turbo
1.5L & 2.0L 4CYL
Engine size and configuration
0W-20
Engine oil viscosity (SAE)
3.7 / 4.4 qts
Oil capacity, 1.5L / 2.0L
30 ft lbs
Drain plug torque (40 Nm)
Oil Filter With O-Rings
Honda part no. 15410-MFJ-D01 or equivalent
14mm Drain Plug Washer
Honda part no. 94109-12000 or equivalent
Engine Oil
3.7 – 4.4 quarts of 0W-20
- Latex gloves
- Eye protection
- Plastic ramps or car lift
- Creeper (optional)
- Disposable towels or rags
- 17mm socket or wrench
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- 3/8" ratchet
Before you start
Make sure you have every part and tool on hand before you begin. You may need to buy a few tools the first time, but they're a worthwhile investment you can use over and over for the life of your vehicle. A car lift and a clean, organized work area make the job even faster.
2016–2018 Honda Civic Oil Service Procedure
Seven steps, about 25–35 minutes start to finish.
Prepare for the Oil Change
Tools needed: Plastic ramps or car lift
Drive your car onto the plastic ramps or car lift.
Using plastic ramps: drive up slowly so you don't roll over the edge at the end, and put a block of wood behind one or both back wheels to keep the car from rolling backwards.
Using a car lift: wait to lift the car until you've finished the steps below.
Set the parking brake, open the hood, set the prop rod, and remove the oil cap. Removing it now lets the oil pan drain faster later. If you're using a lift, raise the car now.
Motivx Pro Tip
Set the oil cap on your hood latch. If you forget to put it back on, the hood won't close.
Remove the Skid Plate
Tools needed: Screwdrivers
The lower engine cover (skid plate) is usually held on by 2 Phillips screws and 6 flathead screws, though some also use Allen screws. The flathead screws usually need only a half turn before they pop out.
Set the skid plate somewhere it won't catch oil splatters, or you may get a burning smell when you start the engine.
Drain the Old Engine Oil
Tools needed: Oil drain pan, 17mm wrench or socket, towels or rags
The drain plug is on the back of the oil pan and takes a 17mm socket or wrench. Position your drain pan first. Warm oil shoots out quickly at first, then slows to a steady drip, so place the pan accordingly.
If the plug is tight
- Get in the best position you can for maximum leverage.
- Apply steady, even pressure. If that fails, tap your free fist against the bottom of the hand holding the wrench. If it still won't budge, use a breaker bar.
- Use the correct size wrench and seat it fully on the bolt so you don't strip it.
Once it breaks free, spin the plug out by hand. Watch for the washer; if it's not on the bolt, it's probably in the drain pan or on the ground.
Let the oil drain for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, clean the drain plug and wipe up any oil splashed on the engine to avoid a burning smell on the next start. Reinstall the plug with a new washer and torque it to 30 ft lbs (40 Nm).
Motivx Pro Tip
Drill a hole in the side of the rear handle on our drain pan and you'll have a handy place to hold the drain plug while the oil drains.
Replace the Old Oil Filter
Tools needed: Oil drain pan, 3/8" ratchet, Honda oil filter wrench
Center the drain pan under the filter, since a little oil may run down the sides when it first loosens.
Using the MX2330 oil filter wrench and a 3/8" ratchet, seat the wrench as far down the filter as you can and ratchet counter-clockwise. If it's tight, use the same techniques as the drain plug.
Let the first bit of oil drain, then spin the filter off. Wipe the housing surface clean and make sure the old gasket came off with the filter.
Put a bead of fresh oil on the new filter's gasket so it won't stick next time, then tighten it by hand until it's firmly snug. The Motivx wrench is designed for removal only, since new filters just need to be hand tight.
Motivx Pro Tip
Once everything is cleaned up, move the drain pan aside so nothing falls in it and you don't trip over it.
Re-Install the Skid Plate
Tools needed: Screwdrivers
Double-check that the new filter and the drain plug are both installed. There's nothing worse than pouring in new oil and watching it run out the bottom.
With the Motivx Advanced Fitted Funnel, oil won't spill while you refill, so you can re-install the skid plate now and lower the car. With a regular funnel or none at all, some oil usually spills and collects on the skid plate, so wait until after you refill.
Motivx Pro Tip
Take one last look for spills while you're underneath. It's also a great time to check your brake lines and look for other fluid leaks.
Refill the Engine Oil
Tools needed: Fitted Honda oil funnel
Thread the fitted funnel on where the oil cap goes. Its wide design lets you pour quickly without overflowing; with 1-quart bottles you can turn them upside down in the funnel and open the next one while they drain.
Add the recommended amount: 3.7 qts for the 1.5L, 4.4 qts for the 2.0L. Check the dipstick. If in doubt, add oil slowly and check a few times rather than overfilling.
Remove the funnel and wipe it clean with a rag.
Motivx Pro Tip
Start the engine and let it run for a few seconds to build oil pressure and fill the filter. Shut it off, top off the oil to the full mark, then re-install the oil cap and close the hood.
Finishing Up
Drain the old filter and throw it and the old gasket in the trash. Most local lube shops will take your used oil; pour it from the drain pan into the empty oil bottles for transport and mark them clearly as old oil.
Reset the oil life reading
- Press the TRIP button until the oil life % reading appears.
- Hold TRIP for about 10 seconds until it flashes.
- Release, then press it again until the reading shows 100%.
If you have an oil change sticker on the windshield, clear it and update it with an erasable marker.
Motivx Pro Tip
Write the mileage for your next oil change on the sticker, based on the manufacturer's recommended interval.
Congrats, you're done!
If this guide was helpful, please consider using a Motivx tool on your next oil change. Our mission is to make high-quality tools that get the job done right and last the lifetime of your vehicle.
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