For the 2011 Honda Fit, use a cartridge-style oil filter designed for the 1.5-liter engine. The most commonly cited OEM part numbers are 15400-PLM-A01 and 15400-PLM-A02, with the exact number dependent on your vehicle’s VIN. Verify the correct filter with your VIN or by consulting a Honda dealer.
Filter options: OEM vs aftermarket
The 2011 Honda Fit uses a cartridge oil filter that sits inside a small housing. When shopping, you can choose the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filter or a compatible aftermarket cartridge filter that explicitly states fitment for the 2011 Fit with a 1.5L engine.
- OEM Honda cartridge oil filter: commonly 15400-PLM-A01 or 15400-PLM-A02, depending on production date and VIN.
- Aftermarket cartridge filters: many brands (Bosch, Wix, Mann, Purolator, etc.) offer filters labeled as compatible with Honda Fit 2011 1.5L. Always confirm fitment on the packaging and by VIN to ensure compatibility.
In practice, either option can work well as long as the filter is the correct cartridge type for the 1.5L engine and the packaging specifies fitment for the 2011 Fit. When in doubt, checking with a dealership or pulling the exact VIN from the car and confirming with the manufacturer ensures you get the correct part.
VIN-based verification and fitment details
Because Honda updated parts across production runs, the exact filter part number can vary by VIN. Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the engine code to confirm which filter is listed in Honda’s parts database for your specific car. This helps avoid ordering a filter that looks similar but isn’t compatible with your engine or housing.
How to locate and verify the right filter
Before purchasing, perform a quick verification to ensure you’re buying the correct cartridge filter for your 2011 Fit.
- Check the engine code and VIN: identify the L-series engine variant (for example, L15A) to confirm filter compatibility.
- Consult the owner’s manual or the dealership’s parts desk: both will list the exact Honda part number for your car’s production date.
- Inspect the current filter or housing cap: some service literature shows the filter’s compatibility notes or part numbers that correspond to certain VIN ranges.
Following these steps minimizes the risk of ordering the wrong filter and speeds up routine maintenance.
How to replace the oil filter and complete the oil change
Below is a straightforward, owner-friendly approach to replacing the cartridge oil filter and topping off engine oil. If you’re not comfortable performing the change yourself, a quick visit to a service shop or dealer can handle it.
- Warm up the engine, then park on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
- Drain the old oil from the pan by removing the drain plug and letting it flow into a suitable container.
- Remove the old filter housing cap, then take out the used cartridge oil filter from inside the housing.
- Insert the new cartridge filter into the housing according to the manufacturer’s directions, ensuring a proper seal and orientation.
- Reinstall the housing cap securely, then reinstall the drain plug with the correct torque specification.
- Fill the engine with the recommended oil type and amount, then start the engine and check for leaks.
- Shut off the engine, wait a moment, and recheck the oil level with the dipstick. Add oil as needed to reach the correct level.
Following these steps helps ensure a clean filter installation and proper oil pressure, contributing to better engine longevity.
Oil type, capacity, and maintenance notes
Honda typically recommends a lightweight synthetic or synthetic-blend oil for the 1.5L Fit, with a common viscosity being 0W-20 in many climates. Always confirm the current spec for your vehicle and climate zone. The oil capacity, including the new filter, is generally around 3.7 quarts (about 3.5 liters), but verify the exact capacity for your VIN.
Summary
When servicing a 2011 Honda Fit, choose a cartridge oil filter that matches the 1.5L engine, with OEM part numbers 15400-PLM-A01 or 15400-PLM-A02 being commonly cited. You can also use aftermarket filters that explicitly state compatibility with the 2011 Fit 1.5L, but always confirm via VIN or dealer lookup. Pair the filter with the recommended oil grade (typically 0W-20) and follow standard oil change steps. If you’re unsure, consult a Honda dealer or trusted mechanic to confirm the exact part for your vehicle’s production date.