2023 Honda Accord 1.5T Oil Change — L15CA Engine, 0W-20, Step-by-Step DIY Guide

The 2023 Honda Accord 1.5T is a brilliant daily driver, and the oil change is almost equally easy. I've done this job on the 11th-gen Accord and the whole process — drain, swap the cartridge filter, refill — goes about 35 minutes start to finish. Honda dealers charge $90–$120 for this service. Your parts cost: around $35.

The 2023 Accord uses Honda's 1.5L L15CA direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder. It's essentially the same architecture as the Civic 1.5T, with the same oil spec and similar filter setup. One thing to note: Honda specifies 0W-20 full synthetic. Don't use 5W-20 or 5W-30 — the L15CA is a high-compression turbo that depends on correct cold-start viscosity.

Engine and Oil Specs

Item	Spec
Engine	1.5L L15CA DOHC turbocharged inline-4
Oil viscosity	0W-20 full synthetic (Honda Genuine or API SN/SP)
Oil capacity	3.7 quarts (3.5L) with filter
OEM oil filter	Honda 15400-PLM-A02
Drain plug size	17mm
Drain plug torque	29 lb-ft (39 Nm)
Drain plug washer	Honda 94109-14000 — replace every change
Oil change interval	5,000–7,500 miles (Maintenance Minder)

The 3.7-quart capacity is smaller than most people expect from a midsize sedan. The L15CA is a compact, efficient engine. Use 3.5 quarts first and then top off — don't try to pour in 3.7 at once or you risk overfilling.

Tools and Parts List

• Honda 15400-PLM-A02 oil filter (or Wix 57356, Mobil 1 M1-108A)
• 3.7 quarts 0W-20 full synthetic
• Honda 94109-14000 drain plug washer (buy a 5-pack for ~$8)
• 17mm socket (drain plug)
• 64mm cap-style oil filter wrench (Honda cartridge)
• Torque wrench (25–40 lb-ft range)
• Drain pan
• Funnel and rags

Cost Comparison

Item	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
0W-20 full synthetic (4 qt)	$22–$28	—
Honda OEM oil filter	$8–$10	—
Drain plug washer	$1.50	—
Total parts	~$32–$40	—
Labor	$0	$55–$75
Total	~$32–$40	$90–$120

You save $55–$85 every oil change. Honda's Maintenance Minder usually calls for service around 5,000–7,500 miles — so you're saving this money 1–2 times per year.

Step-by-Step Oil Change

1. Warm the Engine (5 minutes)

Run the Accord for 5 minutes. The L15CA warms up quickly, and slightly warm oil flows out completely. Don't work on a hot engine — the turbo exhaust side gets very hot and you'll be working near the oil filter area.

2. Access the Drain

The 2023 Accord has a partial plastic underbody panel. It's held in by several push-clips — pop two or three along the front edge to fold it back and access the drain plug. The drain plug is on the passenger side of the oil pan, facing downward.

3. Drain the Oil

Position your drain pan, loosen the 17mm drain plug counterclockwise with a breaker bar, and finish removing it by hand. The Accord's oil pan is low to the ground — the oil will run toward the center of the pan as it drains. Let it drain 5–8 minutes until it slows to drops.

Remove the drain plug washer — it's an aluminum crush-type. Discard it.

4. Remove the Oil Filter

The Honda 15400-PLM-A02 is a top-mounted cartridge in a plastic housing. It's located on the driver's side of the engine, toward the front. Use your 64mm cap wrench to loosen it counterclockwise.

Pull the cap up — the old filter element comes with it. Pry off the old O-rings (there's typically a large outer O-ring and one internal). Install the new O-rings that come with the filter kit. Push the new filter element fully into the cap.

Note: The filter housing on the L15CA can strip if overtightened. Always use the torque spec — don't crank it by feel.

5. Reinstall the Drain Plug

Thread the new Honda 94109-14000 aluminum washer onto the drain plug. Thread the plug in by hand until finger-tight, then torque to 29 lb-ft (39 Nm). The Accord drain plug is 17mm — a common size, easy to find the right socket.

6. Reinstall the Filter

Thread the filter cap in by hand, then torque to 18 lb-ft (25 Nm). Check the O-rings are seated and not pinched.

7. Add Oil

Pour in 3.5 quarts of 0W-20. Start the engine, let it run 60 seconds, then shut off. Wait 3–5 minutes, then check the dipstick. Top off toward the "MAX" mark. The L15CA holds exactly 3.7 quarts with filter — you'll typically add the last 0.2 quarts after the first check.

8. Start and Check for Leaks

Let the engine idle for 90 seconds. Check the drain plug and filter housing area for any seeping. The Accord's oil pressure indicator should extinguish within 3 seconds.

9. Reset the Maintenance Minder

Press the INFO button on the steering wheel repeatedly until you see OIL LIFE %. Hold the SELECT/RESET button for 10 seconds until it begins to flash. Release and press again to confirm reset. The display returns to 100%.

Note on Timing Belt vs. Chain

The 2023 Accord 1.5T uses a timing chain, not a belt. No belt replacement service is required. However, the VTC (variable timing control) actuators on the L15CA are oil-dependent. Sludge buildup from extended intervals causes sticky VTC actuators — a repair that runs $300–$600 at a shop. Regular oil changes at the correct interval are the only prevention.

For more Honda-specific service schedules, check the OwnerDrop maintenance schedules guide.

If you want to see how much you can save across all your car's services in a year, the OwnerDrop savings guide breaks it down by service type.

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Get the full step-by-step guide — use code FIRST15 for 15% off your first month at ownerdrop.com/pricing