Most Honda car engines use an M14 x 1.5 oil drain plug. Check your owner's manual or service manual for your exact engine, as variations exist by model and year.
Overview of Honda drain plug sizes
Drain plug sizes in Honda vehicles are typically metric, with the M14 x 1.5 thread being the most common on modern cars. There are exceptions for older or smaller engines, and motorcycle or power-sports engines can use different sizes. Always verify against the specific model’s manual or parts diagram to avoid cross-threading or improper torque.
Common characteristics to know
The following notes summarize what you’re most likely to encounter across Honda vehicles, but they are not universal guarantees for every model.
- Most modern Honda cars and SUVs use an M14 x 1.5 threaded drain plug.
- Some older or smaller Honda engines (especially older models or light-duty variants) may use M12 x 1.5 or a similar alternative.
- Honda motorcycles, ATVs, and marine engines can have different drain plug sizes and thread pitches altogether; always refer to the model-specific manual.
In practice, if you’re replacing a drain plug, start with the M14 x 1.5 size for contemporary Honda cars and verify with the parts diagram for your exact model.
How to identify the exact size for your model
To determine the correct drain plug size for your specific Honda, follow these steps to avoid guesswork or damage.
- Consult the owner’s manual or service/repair manual for your exact model and engine code, as sizes vary by year and variant.
- Inspect the drain plug for any markings, or compare it to the parts diagram in a dealership or parts retailer catalog.
- Measure the thread diameter with calipers or a thread-pitch gauge to confirm if it matches M14 x 1.5, M12 x 1.5, or another standard size.
- If you’re unsure, bring the old plug to a parts store or dealership and have staff identify the correct replacement by model/year and engine code.
Accurate identification helps ensure you use the correct crush washer and torque specification and prevents cross-threading or leaks.
Model-specific notes
Cars and SUVs
For most contemporary Honda cars, the drain plug is M14 x 1.5. Always verify with the vehicle’s service information to confirm that the correct plug is used for your exact engine.
Motorcycles and smaller engines
Honda motorcycles, ATVs, and other power-sports equipment often use different drain plug sizes and pitches. If you’re working on a bike or a small engine, consult the dealer manual or service guide for that model to identify the correct size.
Summary
The typical answer to “What size bolt is a Honda drain plug?” is that many modern Honda car engines use an M14 x 1.5 drain plug, but there are exceptions based on model, year, and engine type. Always refer to the specific vehicle’s manual or parts diagram to confirm the exact size, and verify the correct torque and crush washer requirements when servicing the drain plug.