The 2008 Honda Fit uses a cartridge-style oil filter housed inside a compact canister rather than a traditional spin-on filter. When servicing the oil, you replace the cartridge element and the housing seal; exact part numbers vary by market and engine variant, so verify with the owner's manual or a parts specialist using your VIN.
This article explains the filter type, how to confirm the correct replacement, and practical steps for a proper change. The Fit’s 1.5-liter engine family generally relies on a cartridge filter design, a common setup for Honda models of that era.
Filter type and what it looks like
The 2008 Fit uses a cartridge-style oil filter inside a small housing mounted on the engine. It is not a screw-on spin-on filter. During an oil change you replace the filter cartridge itself and the O-ring that seals the housing.
Parts and compatibility
To ensure you get the right parts, identify your specific engine variant and market, then match the replacement cartridge and O-ring to that configuration. When shopping, you can rely on OEM Honda cartridge filters or reputable aftermarket equivalents, but verify fitment with a parts professional using your car’s year, trim, engine code, and VIN.
- Cartridge-type oil filter (not a spin-on) designed to fit the 2008 Fit’s engine family
- New O-ring for the oil filter housing
- Correct engine oil grade for your region (commonly 0W-20 or 5W-20; confirm in the owner's manual or under-hood label)
In short, you’ll be replacing a cartridge filter and a housing O-ring, with the oil grade tailored to your climate and regulatory region.
Replacement steps (at a glance)
Before you begin, consult the service manual or a trusted parts source for torque specs and any model-specific notes. The process below outlines the typical sequence for a cartridge-filter change on the 2008 Fit.
- Warm up the engine, then park on a level surface and disconnect the battery if you’ll be disabling electricals near the filter area.
- Lift the front of the car and secure it on stands, then place a drain pan beneath the oil sump.
- Drain the engine oil by removing the drain plug and allowing the oil to fully drain.
- Locate and remove the oil filter housing cap to access the cartridge; remove the old cartridge and O-ring.
- Install the new O-ring onto the housing and lightly oil it with fresh engine oil; insert the new cartridge into the housing.
- Reinstall the housing cap and tighten to the specified torque; wipe away any spilled oil.
- Refill the engine with the recommended oil quantity and grade, then start the engine and check for leaks; recheck the oil level after a short run and top off as needed.
Following these steps helps ensure a proper seal and reliable oil circulation after the change.
Summary
The 2008 Honda Fit uses a cartridge-style oil filter housed inside a small canister, not a spin-on filter. Replace both the cartridge and the housing O-ring during service, and use the correct oil grade for your region. Verify part numbers and fitment with the owner's manual or a parts professional based on your VIN to ensure you select the right filter for your specific engine variant.