On a 2016 Honda Accord, the oil filter is mounted on the engine block along the passenger side, near the oil pan, and is typically accessible from underneath the vehicle after removing the front undertray.
The Accord offered two engines that year—the 2.4-liter inline-four and a 3.5-liter V6—and in both cases the filter sits in the lower half of the engine on the passenger side. The exact arrangement can be a cartridge-style filter inside a housing or a conventional spin-on, depending on the engine. Access generally requires lifting the car and removing the front splash shield; some models require a housing tool or filter wrench to remove a cap or the filter itself. This guide outlines where to look and how to reach it so you can plan a DIY oil change with the right equipment.
Where to look on the engine
The oil filter on a 2016 Accord is located on the passenger side of the engine block, near the oil pan. It is typically obscured by protective undertrays, exhaust components, and the engine bay layout, so you’ll likely need to drop the front splash shield or undertray to access it. The setup varies slightly between the 2.4L four-cylinder and the 3.5L V6, but both share the general location on the lower side of the engine.
Helpful context before you dive into a hands-on check:
- The filter may be a traditional spin-on canister or a cartridge element inside a housing, depending on the engine variant.
- Access is easier from underneath the car, so a proper lift or ramps and a stable jack stands setup is recommended.
- Be prepared to drain engine oil and replace the drain plug gasket if you’re performing a full oil change along with filter replacement.
Concluding note for this section: locating the filter requires a quick look under the front of the vehicle and behind the undertray; once you’ve exposed the area, you’ll identify whether you’re dealing with a spin-on style or a cartridge-in-housing setup.
How to access the oil filter (step-by-step)
Below are practical steps to locate and access the oil filter on most 2016 Accords. The exact method may vary slightly by engine and trim, so consult the owner's manual or a service guide if you encounter a different housing or cap.
- Safely lift the car and support it on stands or ramps, ensuring full stability before you reach underneath.
- Remove the front undertray or splash shield to reveal the underside of the engine and the oil pan area.
- Locate the oil filter housing area on the passenger side of the engine block, near the oil pan. If you see a round, threaded cap, you’re likely dealing with a cartridge inside a housing; if you see a canister, you have a spin-on filter.
- For cartridge-type housing: use the appropriate cap tool or socket to loosen and remove the housing cap, then carefully pull out the old filter element and replace it with a new one. Reinstall the housing cap and torque to spec.
- For a spin-on filter: use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old filter, then thread on the new filter by hand until snug. Finish with a light torque according to the filter’s instructions (avoid over-tightening).
- Inspect the filter seating area for any debris, then reinstall any removed components, including the undertray.
- Replace the engine oil and check for leaks after starting the engine. Recycle the old oil properly.
Concluding paragraph for this section: whether you’re dealing with a cartridge-style or a spin-on filter, the key is to expose the filter housing or canister from beneath the car, follow the respective removal procedure, and ensure a proper seal when reinstalling the new filter.
Model variations and practical tips
Engine options and maintenance notes
In the 2016 Honda Accord lineup, the two common engines—the 2.4L four-cylinder and the 3.5L V6—generally share the same general location for the oil filter, though the design may differ (cartridge vs. spin-on). Regardless of engine choice, always verify the type by visually inspecting the filter area before attempting removal. If you’re unsure, consult the service manual for your specific VIN, as some late-year updates or regional variations can affect the filter design and cap/torque specifications.
Quick takeaways
Location: lower side of the engine, passenger side, near the oil pan; access from underneath with the undertray removed. Design may be cartridge-in-housing or spin-on depending on engine variant. Tools: typical hand tools, a filter wrench or housing tool if required, and a drain pan. Safety first: use stands or ramps, and dispose of used oil and the old filter responsibly.
Summary
The oil filter on a 2016 Honda Accord sits on the engine block on the passenger side, near the oil pan, and is usually reachable from beneath the vehicle after removing the front undertray. Depending on the engine variant (2.4L or 3.5L), you may be dealing with a cartridge-style filter inside a housing or a traditional spin-on filter. With the vehicle safely supported, remove the shield, identify the filter setup, perform the necessary replacement steps, and check for leaks after refilling with fresh oil.