The Honda Pilot generally uses a cartridge-style oil filter housed in a canister rather than a traditional spin-on filter. The exact cartridge kit you need depends on the model year and engine variant, so always confirm with your owner's manual or a parts diagram for your specific vehicle.
Understanding the filter type in modern Pilots
In recent Honda Pilots, the oil filter is not a chrome spin-on canister. Instead, you’ll find a filter cartridge inside a small housing. When you perform an oil change, you replace the cartridge element and the accompanying O-ring seal inside the housing. This setup is common across most 2009-to-present Pilots, though exact part numbers can vary by year and market.
What you’ll need to replace the cartridge filter typically includes the filter cartridge element itself and a new O-ring seal for the housing (and, if applicable, a new drain plug washer). Having the correct replacement kit on hand helps ensure a clean, leak-free change.
- Oil filter cartridge element (the actual filter media inside the housing)
- O-ring seal for the filter housing
- Optional: new drain plug washer and a small amount of fresh oil to lubricate the O-ring
With the cartridge kit on hand, you’ll be prepared to replace the filter during a routine oil change. Always verify you’re using the correct kit for your exact model year and engine variant, and follow proper safety practices to avoid spills or leaks.
Steps to replace the cartridge oil filter on a Honda Pilot
Follow these general steps when swapping in a new cartridge-style filter. The exact sequence may vary slightly by year, but the core process remains the same.
- Warm up the engine, then park on a level surface and set the parking brake. Lift the front of the vehicle if needed and support with jack stands.
- Drain the engine oil by removing the drain plug and allowing the oil to fully drain into a suitable pan.
- Locate the oil filter housing, remove the housing cap or cover using the appropriate tool, and carefully lift off the cap to access the cartridge inside.
- Remove the old filter cartridge from the housing and wipe the interior clean. Inspect the housing for any debris or damage.
- Install the new cartridge filter into the housing. Lightly lubricate the new O-ring with fresh engine oil before reinstalling the housing cap.
- Reinstall the housing cap and tighten to the manufacturer's specified torque. Reinstall the drain plug if you had removed it and replace the drain plug washer if applicable.
- Refill the engine with the recommended oil amount and viscosity for your vehicle, then start the engine and check for leaks. Finally, recheck the oil level with the dipstick and top off if necessary.
After completing the replacement, dispose of used oil and the old filter properly at a recycling facility or service center. It’s also a good idea to reset any maintenance reminders and keep the receipt for reference.
Model-specific notes
2009–2015 Pilot (3.5L V6, J35 family)
These early second-generation Pilots use the cartridge-style oil filter in a canister. The replacement procedure is similar to the steps outlined above, with model-year-specific torque specs and parts diagrams available in the service manual or Honda's official parts catalog.
2016–present Pilot (updated styling and features)
Current and recent Pilots continue to use the cartridge-type oil filter housed in a small canister. While the exact part numbers may differ by year or market, the basic approach—replace the cartridge element and O-ring during an oil change—remains consistent.
Summary
For most Honda Pilot models, the oil filter is a cartridge-style element housed in a canister rather than a traditional spin-on filter. The replacement process involves installing a new cartridge and O-ring inside the housing, then reassembling, refilling with oil, and checking for leaks. Always verify the exact parts and torque specifications for your specific year and engine variant using the owner's manual or a trusted parts catalog.