Honda CR-V Oil Change: How to Change the Oil, Filter Location, Capacity & Torque Specs

This Honda CR-V oil change guide covers the 1.5L turbo engine found in many 2017–2022 CR-V models, including how to change the oil, the drain plug location, oil filter access, oil capacity, torque specification, required tools, and the complete step-by-step procedure.

If you drive to work in Philadelphia, commute through Montgomery County, or manage a busy family schedule in Ambler, changing the oil at home can save a trip to the shop. And if you prefer to skip the mess entirely, MOMS Mobile Oil Change can perform an oil change at your house, driveway, office, or fleet location.

Important: Honda CR-V specifications can vary by model year, drivetrain, and engine configuration. Always confirm the information in your owner’s manual before servicing your vehicle. The specifications below apply to the 1.5L turbo engine configuration covered by this guide.

Honda CR-V 1.5L Turbo Oil Change Specs

Specification	Detail
Engine oil	0W-20 full synthetic
Oil specification	API SP or current specification listed in your owner’s manual
Capacity with filter	Approximately 3.7 quarts
Capacity without filter	Approximately 3.4 quarts
Drain plug location	Bottom of the engine oil pan
Drain plug socket	17 mm
Drain plug thread	M14 x 1.5
Drain plug torque	39 N·m, commonly rounded to 30 ft-lbs
Crush washer	Replace during each oil change
OEM oil filter	Honda 15400-PLM-A02
Common compatible filters	Mobil 1 M1-110A, Wix 51356

The 2020 and 2022 Honda CR-V 1.5L turbo specifications list 0W-20 full synthetic oil, 3.7 quarts with a filter, and a 39 N·m drain plug torque. You can review the 2020 CR-V oil and filter specifications and 2022 CR-V oil and filter specifications for additional reference.

Where Is the Honda CR-V Drain Plug?

The drain plug sits on the bottom of the engine oil pan underneath the front portion of the vehicle.
On many CR-V 1.5L turbo models, you may need to remove or open part of the lower engine cover or splash shield before you can reach it.

The drain plug is typically near the passenger side and close to the spin-on oil filter. Use a 17 mm socket. Do not use an adjustable wrench or a poorly fitting socket because rounded drain plug heads can turn a routine oil change into a repair.

Where Is the Honda CR-V Oil Filter?

The 1.5L turbo uses a spin-on oil filter mounted on the engine near the oil pan.
It is accessed from underneath the vehicle, generally on the passenger side.

The lower engine cover may need to come off first. Place a drain pan under the filter before loosening it because oil will drain from the filter housing and engine block. The Honda OEM filter number commonly associated with this engine is 15400-PLM-A02.

Before installing the new filter, apply a light coat of clean engine oil to the rubber gasket. This helps the gasket seat correctly and makes future removal easier.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Gather everything before you begin:

• 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil
• Approximately 4 quarts of oil, allowing a small amount for final adjustment
• New oil filter
• New drain plug crush washer
• 17 mm socket
• Ratchet or breaker bar
• Torque wrench capable of measuring 39 N·m
• Oil drain pan
• Funnel
• Gloves and safety glasses
• Wheel chocks
• Jack and properly rated jack stands, if necessary
• Shop towels or absorbent pads
• Flashlight
• Tools for removing the lower engine cover, if required

Never rely on a vehicle jack alone. If you must raise the CR-V, support it with properly rated jack stands on solid, level ground.

Step-by-Step Honda CR-V Oil Change

1. Park safely and warm the engine

Park the CR-V on a level surface. Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the wheels.

If you are looking up how to change the oil on a Honda CR-V at home, this first step matters most: start safe, stay level, and never rush the setup.

Run the engine for a few minutes. Warm oil drains more completely than cold oil, but avoid working on an engine that is hot enough to cause burns. Shut the engine off before lifting the vehicle or removing any components.

2. Locate the drain plug and oil filter

Look underneath the front of the CR-V. Remove or open the lower engine cover if it blocks access to the drain plug or filter.

Identify the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Confirm that you are not loosening a transmission, transfer case, or rear differential drain plug.

3. Drain the old oil

Position the drain pan beneath the plug. Remember that oil may initially flow outward at an angle, so place the pan accordingly.

Use the 17 mm socket to loosen the drain plug. Finish removing it by hand while keeping pressure against the plug. Allow the oil to drain until it becomes a slow drip.

Inspect the old drain plug and washer. Replace the crush washer before reinstalling the plug.

4. Reinstall and torque the drain plug

Clean the drain plug and the oil pan sealing surface. Thread the plug into the oil pan by hand to prevent cross-threading.

Once the plug is seated, tighten it with a torque wrench to:

39 N·m, or approximately 29–30 ft-lbs

Do not overtighten the plug. Excessive torque can damage the aluminum oil pan threads or distort the washer.

5. Remove the old oil filter

Move the drain pan underneath the oil filter. Loosen the old filter by hand or with an oil filter wrench if it is stuck.

Check that the old filter gasket came off with the filter. A “double gasket” occurs when the old gasket remains stuck to the engine and the new filter is installed on top of it. This can cause a serious oil leak when the engine runs.

6. Prepare and install the new filter

Compare the new filter with the old one. Confirm that the gasket diameter and filter design match.

Apply a thin coat of fresh 0W-20 oil to the new filter’s rubber gasket. Do not fill the filter unless the filter position and manufacturer instructions make that practical.

Thread the new filter onto the engine by hand. Tighten it according to the filter manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid using a wrench to force it tighter after the gasket contacts the mounting surface.

7. Add fresh oil

Remove the oil filler cap on top of the engine. Place a funnel in the filler opening and add approximately 3.4 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic oil.

For many drivers searching Honda CR-V oil change capacity, the key number is about 3.7 quarts with a filter change on the 1.5L turbo configuration covered here.

Wait briefly, then check the dipstick. Add oil gradually until the level approaches: but does not exceed: the full mark. Because the stated capacity is approximately 3.7 quarts with a filter change, do not pour the entire amount in without checking the dipstick.

8. Run the engine and check for leaks

Start the engine and let it run for about 30–60 seconds. Turn it off and wait several minutes for the oil to return to the pan.

Inspect around the drain plug and oil filter for leaks. Recheck the dipstick on level ground and add oil if needed.

Record the date, mileage, oil type, and filter part number for your maintenance records.

Common Honda CR-V Oil Change Mistakes

Avoid these frequent problems:

• Using the wrong viscosity instead of 0W-20
• Forgetting to replace the drain plug crush washer
• Installing the new filter without lubricating the gasket
• Leaving the old filter gasket attached to the engine
• Tightening the drain plug by feel instead of using a torque wrench
• Overfilling the crankcase
• Working under a vehicle supported only by a jack
• Confusing the engine oil drain plug with another fluid drain plug
• Failing to check for leaks after starting the engine
• Releasing used oil into a drain, driveway, or soil

Used oil and filters should be collected and recycled through an approved recycling center or service provider.

While You’re There: Check the CR-V’s Other Maintenance Items

An oil change is a convenient time to inspect other components that affect comfort and safety.

• Engine air filter: A dirty filter can restrict airflow and reduce engine efficiency. See MOMS engine air filter replacement.
• Cabin air filter: Philadelphia pollen, road dust, and traffic pollution can quickly load the cabin filter. A clogged filter may reduce HVAC airflow and contribute to musty odors. Learn more about cabin air filter replacement.
• Windshield wipers: Philadelphia rain, snow, ice, and summer heat can cause blades to crack or streak. MOMS can install new windshield wiper blades.
• Battery health: Ask for a battery health check, especially before winter. A visual inspection of the terminals and a battery test can help identify a weak battery before it leaves you stranded.
• Brakes and fluids: A professional technician can check brake system condition, fluid levels, tire pressure, and other visible maintenance items.

A MOMS full synthetic oil change includes premium oil, a quality filter, and a 23-point inspection to help identify maintenance needs before they become larger problems. Review the full synthetic oil change service for current service details.

Let MOMS Come to You

DIY maintenance can be rewarding, but not every CR-V owner has the time, equipment, or desire to work underneath a vehicle. With MOMS Mobile Oil Change, you can get an oil change that comes to you at your home, office, or another safe location.

That means no waiting room, no drive across Montgomery County, and no rearranging your entire day around a traditional shop. MOMS uses premium products, trained technicians, proper oil disposal, and a clean on-site process.

Whether you searched for an oil change near me, a mobile oil change near me, or an oil change Ambler PA drivers can schedule around work and family, we can help throughout Ambler, Philadelphia, Blue Bell, Horsham, Willow Grove, Lansdale, and nearby communities.

Book your mobile oil change today or contact MOMS Mobile Oil Change to schedule service at your driveway or office.