The oil filter on a 2016 Honda CR-V is located in a cartridge-style canister mounted on the side of the engine block, on the passenger side near the firewall. It is accessed from underneath the vehicle rather than from the engine’s top.
In the 2016 CR-V, which uses a 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine in most markets, Honda employs a cartridge-type oil filter inside a cylindrical housing. Access can be limited by undercarriage shields, so you’ll typically need to raise the car and remove the splash shield or other coverings to reach the housing cap. Service variations can exist by market, so consulting the owner’s manual or service guide for your region is advisable.
Where to look on the engine
Identify the filter housing by noting its position and form. The following quick guide helps distinguish the oil filter area from other components:
- Location: on the passenger side of the engine block, toward the rear of the engine bay, near the oil pan.
- Filter type: cartridge-style element inside a metal canister, not a traditional spin-on filter.
- Access: usually reachable from underneath the vehicle after removing the underbody shield or splash panel, depending on trim and market.
Knowing the general spot can save time when planning an oil change.
Access and removal considerations
Because the CR-V uses a cartridge filter, you won’t twist off a traditional canister. Here’s what to anticipate before you start the job:
- Shield removal: you may need to lower or remove the undercarriage shield to gain a clear path to the filter cap.
- Cap and cartridge: the filter is accessed by removing a cap secured with bolts or a center bolt, then pulling out the old cartridge.
- Replacement parts: install a new cartridge along with any O-rings or seals specified for the cap.
With the proper parts and tools, replacing the cartridge-filter during an oil change is straightforward, though it may require space underneath the vehicle.
What to prepare before changing the filter
Preparation reduces the risk of spills and ensures a correct fit for your engine variant. Before you begin, gather these items:
- New oil filter cartridge and any required O-rings or seals for the cap
- Correct engine oil grade and quantity as specified for your market (e.g., 0W-20 or 5W-20)
- Tools: torque wrench, appropriate filter removal tool for the housing cap, drain pan, rags, gloves
- Vehicle supports: ramps or jack stands if you’ll work under the car
Prepare the workspace and materials ahead of time to complete the change cleanly and safely.
Verification steps before and after replacement
Two quick checks help ensure you’re working with the correct setup and that the job goes smoothly:
- Consult the owner’s manual or service guide for your exact market and engine code to confirm the filter type and removal method.
- Inspect the new cartridge and cap seals to ensure compatibility with your engine variant and avoid leaks after reassembly.
Post-replacement, run the engine briefly, check for leaks around the filter housing, and recheck oil level after the first full warm-up cycle.
Summary
The oil filter on a 2016 Honda CR-V is a cartridge-style element housed in a cylindrical canister on the engine’s passenger side near the firewall. Access typically requires raising the vehicle and removing a splash shield to reach the housing cap. Always verify the exact procedure and part specifications for your market edition in the owner’s or service manual, and dispose of used oil and filters responsibly.