Engine Oil Change

Honda Motor Oil: 0W-20 (I use synthetic)
Look for the API certification seal on the oil container.
Make sure it says "For Gasoline Engines."

 

Here’s some oil info I gathered and posted in another thread. It doesn’t have to be Honda brand oil or filter to keep your warranty valid.

Honda filter is a Filtech 15400-PLM-A01, don’t get the A02; it has paper end caps.
Amsoil filter is EA15K13
Fram filter is XG7317
You can use those numbers to cross reference other brands
0W-20 wt detergent oil with API Certification Seal , do not use additives
3.5 qts with filter change
pp 482-485 in the manual.
Oil filter wrench size is 65mm
Oil plug torque is 30 Ft/lbs

 

Ken, would you mind taking pictures of where the oil filter and plug are when you change? Is there anything to remove before you can get to the filter + plug?

 

You don't need to use the dealer for this?

 

Not changing anytime soon since I’m 90/10 EV/HV. However I have checked it out since I change my own oil. If you look down the front of the ICE, you’ll see the filter sticking out. You have to remove an aerodynamic cover on the bottom of the car by loosening 8 slotted 90 degree turn screws. Easy peasy. Then it’s proceed as usual for the oil change. Note that you’ll need a new oil plug washer along with the new filter. See p485 of the manual for a picture of the cover. Filter wrench size is 65 mm and the torque for the oil plug is 30 Ft/lbs.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranry Act in the US prevents Honda or any other manufacturer from forcing you to use their parts to keep your warranty in force. As long as the fluids and parts your use are the equivalent of the Honda brand you will be fine. So you don’t have to use the dealer. You can use an independent mechanic or even DIY, but you had better keep the receipts and document it well since it won’t be in the dealership’s data base.

 

Good info for American owners.

I should have mentioned that I'm in Canada. So I looked it up. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/culture/commuting/do-i-have-to-service-my-car-at-the-dealer-to-keep-the-warranty-valid/article29822686/

I'd better look in the manual.

 

Glad to hear it’s the same way in Canada. The dealerships are very expensive compared to my trusted local mechanic.

 

The owners manual states on p. 472:
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer. (Note, however, that service at an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect.)

https://www.honda.ca/Content/ownermanuals/eBizPublication/A/OwnersManual/2017/11/29/5538eee9ea5bf510eee9ea5bf51087de020a____EN_20171129142250.pdf

 

Fwiw, never ever ever use POS FRAM filters. A quick Google search will find a lot. Well, the info that is still there, until POS "FRAM" sends their lawyers after the people. There used to be much more damning articles, pictures, etc of the POS FRAM oil filters.

Fwiw, I always use the Manufacture Filters.
People don't change their oil that often (actually, *I* do .
So, spend the extra, and get an oil filter that you know will properly filter out stuff, and not get clogged quickly because it has fewer "flaps" (surface area).

Oil is a very different topic.
My guess is that any Mobile One that meets Honda's requirements is perfect/fine.
For engines with turbos, superchargers, or direct injection, they require different considerations for long term usage (over 90K miles).

 

Best-filtering filters commonly available for cars are Fram Ultras. ;-)

Honda's filters are among the very worst available, in terms of filtration efficiency.

 

Upside-down picture, but it shows a clear picture of the drain bolt and filter

 

Don't forget to document your maintenance items in the official Honda record!

 

That's one fancy oil pan! If you screw up the drain plug, it won't be cheap to buy--or install--a replacement.

 

Fram Ultra are decent oil filters. But, imho, they still suck compared to GM/Delco or Ford.
As for Honda filters, I honestly don't have any idea.
I know GM and Ford.

 

Fwiw, oil pans have been an integral design of the engine block and the stiffness since the 90s.
The old stamped steel oil pans died out in the 90s, along with most of the older push-rod/overhead-valve engines. :-(

 

Even the Pro's can screw up oil changes, so think through everything and don't rush.
There is a Honda video (that is too large for me to upload - 30 Mb) about a new oil filter wrapper that is easier to remove.
The old shrink fit wrapper was tight and hard to remove, so Honda mechanics would poke a finger through the threaded hole in the filter to start unwrapping the plastic.
According to the video, plastic shrink wrap would often get pushed into the clean side of the filter depending on how the plastic popped.
The plastic then got pumped with oil through the lubrication system and jammed in one of the smaller cylinder head oil passages, blocking it and damaging the head.
The video ends with a shot of the plastic stuck in the oil hole and a message "don't let this happen to you".
Corollary: Honda isn't paying for damage due to plastic wrap in oil lines going forward.

You can't make his stuff up.

 

I’d love to see current filtration data for those two, if you have it. The XG7317 (the one used on nearly all Honda models of the past couple(?) decades) has outstanding filtration efficiency even at 10 microns. I can PM the data if you’d like. Particle counts also are significantly lower than new oil after a modest run on the 7317.

 

I get my full synth from walmart (valvoline or castrol - whichever is one sale).

As for filters, I have used Purlators for many years, and they are very reasonable for cost vs filtration performance (I usually get the PureOne).

PBL14610 / PL14610 / L14610 / A31426

Currently have a Pilot and now a Clarity - both will get the same loving treatment.
And they Both take the SAME Filter!!! ^_^