Oil Change Procedure

[hip]

Just completed simultaneous oil changes, did the old Accord and TSX together. Since this is the 2nd time I've done the TSX, I'm still perfecting the process.

The oil filter and drain plug are offcenter of the engine, more to the right side (liberals?). They are also way back under the car, inline with the front axle. The best way for a DIY oil change is to jack the front end up slightly for access.

Last time I jacked it up on the left or driver's side and there was no problem accessing the drain plug or filter. However, when I removed the filter, I got a "dripping" surprise and was covered in oil. I never had this happen on the Accords and still can't explain why it happened here except for the fact that oil may have accumulated on the right side due to the height difference from lifting on the opposite side?

Instead, this time I lifted it up from the right side and presto... no oil :surprised:

In fact, the filter was completly drained. :woot:

Not sure if this is necesarily a good thing as I now wonder if Honda has eliminated check valves to prevent oil drain back? (more cost savings?)

In either case, there was little to no mess involved.

Here are the tools you need:
- 10mm socket for the drain plug trap door release bolt
- 17mm socket for the drain plug itself
- An end cap style filter wrench to remove the old filter seemed to work best here as the filter is surroundied and not easily accessible from the sides.
- A floor jack and jack stands

Even though Honda recommends 4.4 qts, I have been using 4.5 and there is no issue. That works out to 4 oil changes from 3 Mobil 1 Synthetic 6-packs. ;)

[johnej]

You always do such a complete job of tech writing....

[hip]

You always do such a complete job of tech writing....

Thanks, hope it helps?

[johnej]

Good complete directions are always hard to find. I tend to read the manual prior to doing anything (Used to be tech writer)...

[hip]

CR-V On Fire?

Owners of some Honda CR-V sport-utes are at a total loss for what happened to their vehicles after initial oil changes. That's because 27 CR-V owners have experienced fires after oil changes that, the Washington Post reports are caused by improperly installed oil filters. The paper adds that many of the 2003 and 2004 model-year vehicles were completely destroyed by the fires, which seem to be caused when oil leaks from the improperly installed filters and ignites on the exhaust system.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=7309&sid=173&n=156

[HondaMan]

CR-V On Fire?

Owners of some Honda CR-V sport-utes are at a total loss for what happened to their vehicles after initial oil changes. That's because 27 CR-V owners have experienced fires after oil changes that, the Washington Post reports are caused by improperly installed oil filters. The paper adds that many of the 2003 and 2004 model-year vehicles were completely destroyed by the fires, which seem to be caused when oil leaks from the improperly installed filters and ignites on the exhaust system.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=7309&sid=173&n=156

We have the same block as the CRV...right? I guess we should be a little more careful when changing the filter as well.

[sjlee]

A couple questions regarding oil changes... where do you put the jack when you're raising the car and after it's up, where do you put the jack stands?

On my Integra, there are spots behind the front wheels that are reinforced for use with a jack when changing the tire. The only problem with using those spots when jacking the car up is where to put the jack stands.

Also, do you think using ramps instead of jack stands would be easier and safer?

[sjlee]

Also, I've found that if you use Honda oil filters that are made in Canada, they are no different than Fram filters, except that they are blue (instead of orange) and cost three times as much.

I noticed the same thing when I recently changed the oil on my Integra (for the first time)... there was no oil in the filter.

[HondaMan]

Also, do you think using ramps instead of jack stands would be easier and safer?

The owners manual should tell you where to put the jack stands and I bet it is in the same place as your Integra. Ramps are easier and what I will more than likely use, but I guess it's a wash between them when it comes to safety.

[hip]

Be very careful where you lift the car from. You're right about the designated locations for jack placement. Just about evey unibody vehicle has them. It's real important to lift the TSX only from these spots or serious damage could result. Potentially, you could twist the frame or body enough to create a nightmare of issues including wheel alignment, tire wear and others problems.

If you look under each of the rocker panels you will see just behind each front wheel and in front of each rear wheel a metal flange about 6" long same as your Integra. I've attached a shot from my TSX with the rocker panels removed so you can see the flanges more clearly.

If I'm not mistaken, there is even an embossed arrow pointing down over each one. AS HondaMan says, if your not sure, check the manual.

The best method I found for using jack stands is to start at one rear corner with a hydraulic, scissor or bottle jack. Begin by lifting the rear of the car and slide a jack stand under the front.

For example if you choose the right side, lift the right rear corner first and slide a jack stand under the right front lift point. Obviously you need to lift the car high enough to allow the jack stand enough clearance to fit under mounting point. Obviously this is because you're lifting from rear and the car will be pitched lower at the front.

Do the same for the opposite side and your set. It sound harder than it is but take your time, set your emergency brake and put a wheel chock in front of each front tire for the side you're working on and you should have no problems.

As for ramps, IMO they are not as safe. This is because you could screw up and drive off them or they could collapse if they aren't well made. They not necessarily bad, I just don't trust them.

As for the oil filter design, that's a whole other post...

[sjlee]

Thanks for the info. I already knew about the flanges where to place the jack... just wasn't sure about how to go about placing the jack stands.

I'll give your method a try next time. I'm just a little worried about jacking up one side of the car, placing the stand, then jacking up the other side. I put blocks behind both of the rear wheels, but I've noticed that once you raise the car high enough, they aren't really doing much.

Luckily, I don't need the jack stands very high.

[TSX 'R' US]

Thanks for the info guys!! :thumbsup:
If only houses come equipped with a lift... :spin:

[hip]

Thanks for the info.
I'll give your method a try next time. I'm just a little worried about jacking up one side of the car, placing the stand, then jacking up the other side. I put blocks behind both of the rear wheels, but I've noticed that once you raise the car high enough, they aren't really doing much.

Luckily, I don't need the jack stands very high.

Good point, moving the blocks to the wheels touching ground is always a good thing! :thumbsup:

[hip]

Thanks for the info guys!! :thumbsup:
If only houses come equipped with a lift... :spin:

Or at least a "grease pit?" ;)

[Lagrius]

Do you guys have the problem of oil dripping onto the plastic underbody cover when you are draining your oil, and I don't mean the door...just doesn't seem like a big enough opening for oil to drain properly without splashing on the cover.

[HondaMan]

Well, I performed my first TSX oil change tonight and it took forever because the damn dealership torqued the oil filter on and I did not have the proper oil filter wrench for such a small filter (I modified the wrench with duct tape and it finally worked). Grrr! :banghead:

Note: It took 5+ qts. of oil to reach the fill dot on the dipstick. I was a little surprised, but my K20A3 Civic always took more oil than stated in the owners manual. I thought maybe I was doing something wrong (which would be rare since I'm some what of an expert at changing oil...past job) but I also measured 5+ qts. of the old used oil...so go figure. It might read over after I drive it some...it read a little over after the dealership did it the last time. :donno: I guess that about covers it for now.

[joerockt]

I did my first oil change on my TSX about a month ago. I did have the filter attachment, but it was still a pain in the ass cause I couldnt get the right angle on the rachet. I think next time I will just take the wheel off.

I just put in 5qts of Mobil 1 syn. It ends up getting right to the top of the top dot of the dipstick. Good enough...

[Noel]

The CL9 K24a takes 5 litres ... Give and take that should be about the amount of oil to replace and check.

[bimmer_w]

anyone have pictures of where the location of the drain plug and oil filter is? i'm about to do my oil change this coming weekend.

[UltragammaTSX]

torque on drain bolt and filter?

[Peregrine]

for the filter, read directions on the box. You should put a lite film of oil on the seal of the filter, then screw it on, and once the seal touches the base, you have to make between 3/4 to 1 full turn.
As far as the drain bolt, again , you don't need to torque it. Just make it as tight as you can so it doesn't fall out.

[sjlee]

for the filter, read directions on the box. You should put a lite film of oil on the seal of the filter, then screw it on, and once the seal touches the base, you have to make between 3/4 to 1 full turn.
As far as the drain bolt, again , you don't need to torque it. Just make it as tight as you can so it doesn't fall out.

You're right on about the oil filter, but for the drain bolt, "make it as tight as you can" isn't the best advice... as you could potentially strip it.

My advice is to tighten the drain bolt a quarter turn past snug. Start up the car and let it run for a few minutes. If you see oil leaking, then tighten it a little more.

[bimmer_w]

Last time I jacked it up on the left or driver's side and there was no problem accessing the drain plug or filter. However, when I removed the filter, I got a "dripping" surprise and was covered in oil.

Instead, this time I lifted it up from the right side and presto... no oil :surprised:


I did my first oil change on mine during the weekend. I jacked mine on the right side like you did yours the second time and I still got drippings. had to throw away the shirt coz the shirt was full of oil.

[daicacharco]

i have one quick question.

I have done an oil change for my car. But the light is still on ? what do i do ? im only 16 btw sorry =/

[Peregrine]

you mean the maintenance light?
you can do 2 things:
1) go to your manual and find how to rest that light (it is in your manual)
2) you can navigate to our DIY/FAQ Main Menu and find the Maintenance Light reset thread in the Maintenance section.

I don't want to sound rude, but in order to minimize redundant threads, you should always first use the SEARCH option to look for what you need, no matter how young you are ;)

[daicacharco]

how do i turn off the oil change light thing off ?

[sjlee]

how do i turn off the oil change light thing off ?

You have to reset it. There should be instructions in the owner's manual.

[trixR4kids]

any1 got a complete guide on how to change the oil in a tsx? im interested in doing it myself as opposed to shelling out $75 everytime :(

[sjlee]

any1 got a complete guide on how to change the oil in a tsx? im interested in doing it myself as opposed to shelling out $75 everytime :(

If you want a complete written guide, go out and get a service manual.

Otherwise, it's not exactly rocket science...

1. Raise up the car using either ramps or jack stands.
2. Using a proper disposal container, remove the drain bolt and drain all the old oil out.
3. After the oil stops draining, replace the drain bolt with a new crush washer. Do not overtighten. If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten until the bolt is snug.
4. Remove the oil filter and allow it to drain into the container as well.
5. Smear a small amount of new oil on the rubber gasket of the new oil filter, then install it. Again, don't overtighten it. Spin it on until the gasket comes into contact with the engine, then tighten it another half turn.
6. Refill the engine with your favorite engine oil. I believe the owner's manual recommends 5W-20 conventional oil. Synthetic and synthetic blend will work great too. Check the owner's manual for the amount to add.
7. Lower the car back down, then start it.
8. Check for any leaks under the car. If there are leaks, stop the engine, raise the car back up, and tighten either the drain bolt or filter. Otherwise, you're done.

[trixR4kids]

Does this guide generally apply to every vehicle? cuz im wondering if i should test it on another car first before trying it out on a tsx

What tools do i need? What's the best oil everyone would recommend?

If you want a complete written guide, go out and get a service manual.

Otherwise, it's not exactly rocket science...

1. Raise up the car using either ramps or jack stands.
2. Using a proper disposal container, remove the drain bolt and drain all the old oil out.
3. After the oil stops draining, replace the drain bolt with a new crush washer. Do not overtighten. If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten until the bolt is snug.
4. Remove the oil filter and allow it to drain into the container as well.
5. Smear a small amount of new oil on the rubber gasket of the new oil filter, then install it. Again, don't overtighten it. Spin it on until the gasket comes into contact with the engine, then tighten it another half turn.
6. Refill the engine with your favorite engine oil. I believe the owner's manual recommends 5W-20 conventional oil. Synthetic and synthetic blend will work great too. Check the owner's manual for the amount to add.
7. Lower the car back down, then start it.
8. Check for any leaks under the car. If there are leaks, stop the engine, raise the car back up, and tighten either the drain bolt or filter. Otherwise, you're done.

[sjlee]

Does this guide generally apply to every vehicle? cuz im wondering if i should test it on another car first before trying it out on a tsx

What tools do i need? What's the best oil everyone would recommend?

Yes, the procedure I posted is generic enough to apply to just about any vehicle. If it makes you feel better, go ahead and "test" it on a different vehicle, but it's not like your car is going to explode if you do it wrong.

I did forget one step...

9. Let the engine cool down for about 15-30 minutes. Check the oil dipstick to see if you need to add any more oil.

As far as tools, you'll need:

1. an adjustable wrench or a socket set to remove the drain plug
2. a container to drain the old oil into; most auto stores/depts sell containers; do not use a milk jug or any other container not designed to hold old oil... they may leak
3. a strap wrench or oil filter socket wrench to remove the oil filter; never use it to install an oil filter; this is sort of optional as you can usually remove the filter with your hand... the exception is that the manufacturer and some mechanics will tighten it so much that it feels like it is welded on, which is unnecessary
4. a funnel so that adding oil isn't messy
5. either a jack and jackstands or ramps to raise your car up; never just use a jack to keep your car up... use jackstands; a jack is not really stable enough to hold your car up while you safely crawl under it
6. paper towels or rags to clean up any mess
7. favorite cold beverage to occupy yourself while the oil is draining

Good luck.

[6speedCL9]

on my previous 3 rsx's i used a L14610 oil filter, is it the same for a tsx, if not what should i use?

thanks,
Dan

[UlTiMaTe tHrIlL]

i know its the m1-110 but thats the mobil filter

[jdmeg]

What Oil do you like to use???

[kuma912]

All hondas except the s2k uses the same filter.

[DJ2000]

torque on drain bolt and filter?

you dont want to tighten it to tight like others have said. A technique I use is " two finger tight" Two finger tight is where you tighten the bolt with a socket wrench using 2 fingers to turn the rachet instead of your hole hand and putting your weight into it. You only want to use the strength in your fingers to tighten it.

[KBH]

I installed one of these drain valves and it has made the draining procedure much simpler

www.quickoildrainvalve.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=136

[JDM4life]

what kind of tool did you guys use to get the oil filter off.... when i tried i juss could not get that damn thing off... .i even bought 5 different types of tools... and my dad couldnt even get it off either... ... as i was reading Acura torques the filter??? since id tried i juss been taking it to the acura dealship to change the oil.. . but id rather do it myself and use the synthetic oil.... any suggestiong n e one???

[JDM4life]

delete double post

[kuma912]

what kind of tool did you guys use to get the oil filter off.... when i tried i juss could not get that damn thing off... .i even bought 5 different types of tools... and my dad couldnt even get it off either... ... as i was reading Acura torques the filter??? since id tried i juss been taking it to the acura dealship to change the oil.. . but id rather do it myself and use the synthetic oil.... any suggestiong n e one???

You can use an oil filter wrench. If not. Channel pliers does the work for me.

[sleevee]

what kind of tool did you guys use to get the oil filter off.... when i tried i juss could not get that damn thing off... .i even bought 5 different types of tools... and my dad couldnt even get it off either... ... as i was reading Acura torques the filter??? since id tried i juss been taking it to the acura dealship to change the oil.. . but id rather do it myself and use the synthetic oil.... any suggestiong n e one???

This is the tool I have used for most of my professional career with a nice compact 3/8" ratchet.:
http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=1224
http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=111&pictureid=679
I first bought it when Toyota came out with that little micro looking can they use. Ever since then, I use it on most every spin-on filter I change. This will only remove the filter because; you should never wrench tighten a filter. :nono:

As an FYI for the drain plug, the crush seal should be replace everytime the oil is drained. The seal is designed for a one time use. It does the work of creating a tight seal minimizing the need of exsessively torquing the drain plug.

A can of brake clean is also handy to have for final clean up of any oil spill or drippage. It leaves the area looking untouched and dry.

Hope this was helpful. :)

[dedeman]

I use the free tool that comes with my being born. My right hand.

If your left handed, you'll have to reposition yourself.

After my first oil change I did wish I had a filter wrench. Since then, I know roughly how hard I have to turn.

It's the whole heat causing expansion thing.

[tsx810]

sorry guys but i got a quick question about the oil to use
ive been using mobil 1 synthetic 5w-30 for the whole entire time i had the car untill my last oil change which was around 55000 and someone at autozone said i should be using 10w-30 after i got 50000 miles ?? can anyone confirm that ? i called my mechanic at the time and he said it'll be fine. but should i continue to use 10w-30 for stay with 5w-30 ??

[JDMCL9]

there nothing wrong with using 5w30 after 50k. the different between 5 and 10 is just the thickness the W stand for winter not weight. people miss the conception that the W stand for weight. you will be fine using 5w30. people sometime change to 10w30 or higher thickness because of weather change. i donno about NY but in CA the weather never really change significantly, so i tend just to stick with 5w30. people also tend to change to a higher thickness because their engine wear out and it burn more oil then usual.

[VQ30GTR]

Did my First oil change on the TSX this weekend. 5,445 Miles. Filter location sucks, Anyone do a oil filter relocation kit yet?

[.::miLan]

I just performed my first oil change. Previous owner of the car serviced it at a local Honda dealer with conventional oil. I bumped it up to Castrol Syntec this time around. I don't know if it's just me, but the car seems to perform a lot better with synthetic oil (might just be me).

Anyhow, the procedure is straightforward. I don't understand the seed of some of the complaints under this thread, because out of all cars I've owned, and every car in my family that I have performed oil changes on to-date (including Civics, A4s, Mazda3s, Mazda6s, etc.), the TSX is by far the simplest.