FRAM PH3614 vs. 15400-PLM-A02: What the Honda Oil Filter Part Number Actually Means

What Is the 15400-PLM-A02 Oil Filter?

The 15400-PLM-A02 is an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) oil filter part number used by Honda. If you've seen it on a parts list, service receipt, or under your hood sticker, it refers to a specific Honda-manufactured spin-on oil filter designed to meet the exact flow, pressure, and filtration specifications Honda engineers built into certain engines.

Breaking down the number helps:

15400 — Honda's base part number prefix for oil filters
PLM — a suffix indicating a specific design generation or fit specification
A02 — a revision code, meaning this is a refined version of an earlier design

This isn't a universal Honda filter. It's a precise part tied to specific engine families — most commonly certain four-cylinder Honda and Acura engines, including variants of the K-series and R-series powertrains found in Civic, Accord, CR-V, and related models. The exact fitment depends on model year and engine displacement.

Why Part Numbers Like This Matter 🔧

Oil filters are not one-size-fits-all, even within the same brand. Two filters can look nearly identical on the shelf and still differ in:

Thread pitch and diameter — affects how the filter seals to the engine block
Bypass valve pressure rating — controls when unfiltered oil bypasses the media under cold-start or pressure surge conditions
Anti-drainback valve design — prevents oil from draining out of the filter when the engine is off, reducing dry starts
Filtration media rating — measured in microns; finer media catches more particles but can restrict flow if not matched to pump pressure
Overall filter height and capacity — affects oil volume at change intervals

When Honda specifies 15400-PLM-A02, they've validated that those specific internal characteristics match the engine's oil pump output, operating pressure range, and expected service intervals.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: What Changes?

Most major filter brands — Fram, Purolator, Wix, Mobil 1, Bosch, and others — produce filters cross-referenced to Honda OEM numbers including 15400-PLM-A02. These are sold under their own part numbers but are marketed as direct-fit replacements.

What can vary between OEM and aftermarket options:

Feature	OEM (Honda)	Aftermarket (varies by brand)
Media type	Synthetic blend or cellulose	Varies — some full synthetic
Bypass valve rating	Honda-spec PSI	May differ slightly
Anti-drainback valve	Present	Present in most quality brands
Thread fitment	Exact match	Should match if cross-referenced correctly
Price range	Generally $8–$15	$5–$20+ depending on tier

Prices vary by retailer, region, and whether you're buying online or at a dealer. These are general ranges, not guaranteed costs.

The quality gap between OEM and a reputable aftermarket brand at this filter size is generally small — but the word "generally" is doing real work there. A poorly sourced or incorrectly cross-referenced filter can create problems, particularly with anti-drainback valve performance on engines with the filter mounted in an orientation where oil tends to drain back.

What to Check Before Buying a Replacement Filter

Whether you're doing this yourself or handing it off to a shop, a few variables determine whether 15400-PLM-A02 (or its aftermarket equivalent) is the right filter for your vehicle:

Model year matters. Honda has updated filter specifications across generations. A 2010 Accord and a 2018 Accord with the same engine code may not share the same filter spec. Always verify against your owner's manual or the Honda parts catalog for your specific VIN.

Engine variant matters. Even within a single model, different engine options (a 1.5T vs. a 2.0T, for example) may call for different filters. Don't assume because it's a Honda, one filter covers all trims.

Oil change interval affects filter selection. If you're running extended drain intervals (7,500–10,000+ miles) as Honda's Maintenance Minder system may allow in some vehicles, a higher-capacity or synthetic-media filter may hold up better over that longer period than a basic cellulose unit.

DIY vs. shop installation. If you're installing this yourself, confirm torque spec — Honda spin-on filters are typically hand-tightened plus a partial turn, not wrench-torqued. Over-tightening can damage the gasket and cause leaks; under-tightening can cause the same. Your owner's manual will specify.

The Gap Between Knowing the Part Number and Getting the Right Filter

The 15400-PLM-A02 number tells you what Honda specified — but it doesn't automatically tell you which aftermarket cross-reference is actually equivalent in filtration performance, whether your specific model year uses this exact part or a revision, or whether the shop doing your oil change is sourcing quality replacements.