The oil filter is in the engine bay, but the exact spot depends on your engine: the 2.4L four‑cylinder uses a cartridge‑type filter inside a housing up top, while the 3.5L V6 uses a conventional spin‑on filter on the front‑right side of the engine block. Confirm your engine type to locate it precisely.
Engine variants and filter designs
Here is how the oil filter differs between the two engines found in the 2016 Accord.
- 2.4L i‑VTEC four‑cylinder: cartridge‑style oil filter inside a housing located on top of the engine. Access is gained by removing the engine cover and the housing cap; you replace the internal cartridge rather than a separate canister.
- 3.5L V6: conventional spin‑on oil filter mounted on the front‑right side of the engine block, accessible from the engine bay. Replacement involves unscrewing the filter and threading on a new one.
Note that variations can occur by market or trim level; always verify location for your exact vehicle using the owner's manual or a service manual.
How to locate the filter on your car
To identify the filter location on your specific Accord, use these practical steps. Safety first: let the engine cool and prepare a drain pan and tools.
- If your car has the 2.4L engine: remove the engine cover to reveal the top‑side filter housing. The cartridge is inside the housing; remove the cap to extract the old cartridge and install a new one.
- If your car has the 3.5L engine: look for a round metal canister on the front‑right side of the engine block. It is accessible from the engine bay; unscrew the old filter and replace it with a new one.
Always ensure you’re using the correct filter type for your engine and follow the manufacturer’s torque recommendations when reinstalling the cap or filter.
What you’ll need to service the oil filter
Before you begin, gather the tools and parts required for a typical oil change that includes filter replacement.
- Correct oil filter type for your engine (cartridge for 2.4L; spin‑on for 3.5L) and any required seals or O‑rings
- New engine oil of the recommended grade and quantity
- Oil filter removal wrench or cap tool appropriate for your filter style
- Drain pan, jack ramps or stands, gloves, rags, and a torque wrench if needed
Having the right parts and tools on hand helps ensure a clean, safe change and proper seal at reassembly.
Summary
The location of the oil filter on a 2016 Honda Accord varies by engine: the 2.4L four‑cylinder uses a top‑mounted cartridge inside a housing, accessible after removing the engine cover, while the 3.5L V6 uses a traditional spin‑on filter on the front‑right side of the engine block. Always verify your exact configuration with the owner's manual or a service guide before servicing.