2018 Honda Fit Oil Change Guide — Step-by-Step

The 2018 Honda Fit is one of my favorite cars to maintain. The 1.5L L15B7 engine is compact and efficient, the parts are inexpensive, and the oil change is about as clean and straightforward as they come. The only thing that catches first-timers is the capacity — 3.4 quarts is all this engine takes, and overfilling a small engine is worse than most people realize.

This guide is the complete oil change walkthrough for the 2018 Honda Fit, including the Maintenance Minder reset.

Engine: 1.5L L15B7 4-Cylinder

• Oil capacity: 3.4 quarts with filter change
• Oil specification: 0W-20 full synthetic (Honda recommends Honda Genuine Motor Oil or equivalent API SN or SN Plus)
• Drain plug torque: 33 ft-lbs (44 Nm)
• Drain plug thread size: 14mm
• Oil filter: Honda 15400-PLM-A02 (OEM) or equivalent (Bosch 3300, Fram CH10358)
• Oil change interval: Per Maintenance Minder (typically 5,000–7,500 miles on 0W-20 full synthetic)

About 0W-20 in the L15B7

Some owners question the 0W-20 spec. Honda and most Japanese manufacturers moved to 0W-20 for fuel economy reasons, and the modern additive packages in full-synthetic 0W-20 provide adequate wear protection. The key word is full synthetic — do not use conventional 0W-20 or a synthetic blend. The thin viscosity works because the film strength of full-synthetic base stocks compensates for the lower viscosity.

What You'll Need

• 3.5–4 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic (buy 4 to be safe)
• Honda OEM filter or equivalent
• 14mm socket or combination wrench
• Torque wrench
• Oil drain pan (small — a 5-quart pan is plenty)
• Oil filter wrench (optional)
• Funnel, jack + jackstands or ramps

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Run the engine for 3–5 minutes. Shut off and wait 5–10 minutes.
2. Lift the front of the car with a floor jack and support on jackstands.
3. Remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine.
4. Locate the drain plug — bottom of the oil pan, 14mm hex head.
5. Position your drain pan. Remove the drain plug counter-clockwise.
6. Let it drain fully — 3–5 minutes.
7. Locate the oil filter on the driver's side of the engine. Remove the old filter counter-clockwise.
8. Inspect the old filter's gasket — confirm it came off with the filter, not stuck to the block.
9. Prep the new filter — dab a finger of fresh 0W-20 around the rubber gasket ring.
10. Spin on the new filter by hand until the gasket contacts the block, then 3/4 to 1 full turn more by hand.
11. Install fresh crush washer (Honda 94109-14000 — ~$1). Thread in drain plug by hand.
12. Torque to 33 ft-lbs (44 Nm).
13. Add 3.0 quarts through the oil fill cap.
14. Start the engine — let it run for 30 seconds. Oil pressure warning light should go out within seconds.
15. Check for leaks at the drain plug and filter.
16. Shut off, wait 3 minutes, check dipstick. Add oil in small increments until FULL.

Maintenance Minder Reset

1. Turn ignition to ON (do not start)
2. Press the INFO button until you see "Engine Oil Life" on the display
3. Press and hold the INFO button for 10 seconds until the oil life percentage blinks
4. Press INFO again to reset to 100%

Common Mistakes on the Fit

• Overfilling — 3.4 quarts is the spec. The Fit's engine is small; an extra half quart puts oil above FULL and can aerate the oil. Measure carefully.
• Wrong viscosity — use 0W-20. Not 5W-20, not 5W-30. The L15B7's VTEC system relies on proper oil pressure at the correct viscosity.
• Skipping the crush washer — Honda uses a soft aluminum crush washer. Reusing a heavily crushed washer can lead to a seeping drain plug.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Shop

	DIY	Quick Lube/Dealer
4 qts 0W-20 full synthetic	$22–$30	Included
Honda OEM filter	$8–$12	Included
Crush washer	$1	Included
Labor	$0	$45–$80
Total	$31–$43	$60–$100

For more Honda Fit and small car maintenance guides, browse the OwnerDrop blog.

Get the full guide + every torque spec in the OwnerDrop library — OwnerDrop /pricing.