The oil filter on a 2012 Honda Pilot is not a traditional spin-on canister. It’s a cartridge-style filter housed inside a small plastic housing mounted to the engine block, usually on the passenger side near the front of the engine.
This article explains exactly where to find it, how to access it, and what you’ll need to replace the cartridge, including safety tips for working under the hood.
Locating the filter in the engine bay
To find the oil filter, open the hood and look along the side of the engine block toward the front. The cartridge sits inside a black plastic oil filter housing mounted to the engine, on the passenger side. Access may require removing the engine cover or, in some setups, a portion of the splash shield or right front wheel arch liner for clearance.
- Location: typically on the passenger (right) side of the engine block near the front, within a round plastic housing.
- Type: cartridge-style filter inside a housing, not a loose spin-on canister.
- Access: can be from the top with the hood open; some setups require a little clearance from below if you remove shields.
Concluding: The filter is contained in a cartridge-style housing on the engine’s side. You replace the cartridge inside the housing rather than swapping a full external canister.
Tools, supplies and replacement steps
Before you start, gather the necessary tools and a new filter cartridge. The steps below outline a typical cartridge-filter replacement for this model.
- Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and allow the engine to cool.
- If needed for clearance, raise the vehicle and remove the front splash shield and/or any obstructing components.
- Remove the engine cover (if equipped) to access the oil filter housing from the top, or position yourself to reach the side of the engine.
- Uncap the filter housing to release and remove the old cartridge.
- Insert a new cartridge into the housing, reseat the cap, and torque to the manufacturer’s specification.
- Refill the engine with the correct oil type and amount, then start the engine and check for leaks.
Concluding: Replacing the cartridge filter on the Honda Pilot requires accessing the housing, removing the old cartridge, and installing a new one with the housing cap properly secured. Always dispose of used oil and the old cartridge responsibly.
Tips and reminders
Refer to the owner’s manual for the exact oil grade, capacity, and service interval. After replacement, reset the oil-life indicator if your model uses one and run the engine briefly to verify there are no leaks.
Summary: On the 2012 Honda Pilot, the oil filter is located inside a cartridge-style housing on the engine’s side (usually the passenger side). Replacement involves removing the housing cap, exchanging the cartridge, and reseating the cap, with attention to clearance and proper disposal of waste oil. Regular maintenance per Honda’s guidelines will help keep the engine running smoothly.
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130mph
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Where is the Honda Pilot oil filter located?
Free the hood prop from its receiver. And swing it into the passenger side receiver in the hood. Looking at the engine. Compartment. Here is the oil fill cap. Here is the oil dipstick.
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Honda Pilot Model Years To Avoid
- 2003 Honda Pilot: 1st Generation. Honda. The inaugural year for the Honda Pilot was a disaster.
- 2005 Honda Pilot: 1st Generation. Honda.
- 2016 Honda Pilot: 3rd Generation. Honda.
Where is the engine oil filter located?
The oil filter is usually located beside the oil pan or under the hood of your vehicle near the engine. Place the collection pan under the filter. You can use a filter wrench to help remove.