What oil filter your 2007 Accord needs and where it sits

The 2007 Honda Accord uses a cartridge-style oil filter that screws into the top of the engine, not a spin-on canister. The filter housing is located on top of the engine block, toward the passenger side. You'll see a large plastic cap with a wrench symbol on it — that's what you remove to access the filter element inside.

The part number for the filter element itself is Honda 15400-PLM-A01 or 15400-PLM-A02, depending on your engine size. Both the 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the 2.4-liter four-cylinder use one of these two. If you're buying a replacement, confirm which one your engine takes before you leave the parts counter — the part number is the fastest way to verify you have the right filter.

You'll also need a new rubber O-ring gasket that sits between the filter cap and the housing. Honda sells these separately, and they're inexpensive. Don't reuse the old one — a dried-out gasket is one of the most common causes of oil leaks after a filter change.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2007 Accord uses a cartridge filter inside a housing on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter that twists off the side.
  • The correct filter element part number is either 15400-PLM-A01 or 15400-PLM-A02, and you must buy a new O-ring gasket with it.
  • You'll need a filter wrench to remove the housing cap, a drain pan, and a socket wrench to loosen the drain plug before you touch the filter.
  • The filter element costs between $8 and $15, and the O-ring gasket costs $2 to $4 — total parts cost is usually under $20.

Tools and supplies you'll need

Start with a filter wrench sized for the housing cap. The cap is roughly 2.5 inches across, so a 74mm or 76mm filter wrench will fit. You can find these at any auto parts store for $8 to $15. A socket wrench that fits the drain plug (usually 17mm) is also necessary, along with a drain pan to catch the old oil.

Have clean rags or paper towels on hand, and wear gloves — old oil stains and the heat from a recently run engine make this job messy. If you're changing the oil at the same time, you'll also need the correct oil type and quantity for your Accord. The 2007 Accord holds between 3.5 and 4.5 quarts depending on whether you're also replacing the filter, so check your owner's manual or the oil cap for the exact amount.

Step-by-step filter replacement

Let the engine cool for at least 10 minutes after running it, then locate the oil drain plug underneath the engine. Loosen it with your socket wrench and drain the old oil into your pan. Once the oil stops dripping, wipe the drain plug clean and reinstall it — don't over-tighten it, or you'll strip the threads.

Move to the top of the engine and locate the filter housing cap. Use your filter wrench to turn it counterclockwise and remove it. The filter element will come out with the cap, and old oil will likely spill, so keep your drain pan underneath. Discard the old filter element and the old O-ring gasket.

Clean the inside of the housing with a clean rag to remove any debris or old oil residue. Install the new O-ring gasket on the filter cap first — it should sit in the groove on the underside of the cap. Then insert the new filter element into the housing, making sure it seats fully. Screw the cap back on by hand until the gasket contacts the housing, then use your filter wrench to tighten it an additional three-quarters of a turn. Do not over-tighten — a hand-tight fit plus three-quarters of a turn is all you need.

Refill the engine with the correct amount of new oil, start the engine, and let it run for 30 seconds. Turn it off and wait two minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick. Top up if needed. Look under the engine for any drips around the drain plug and filter housing — if you see oil pooling, the drain plug or filter cap may not be tight enough.

Common mistakes that cause leaks

The most frequent problem after a filter change is oil leaking from the filter housing cap. This almost always happens because the O-ring gasket was reused or installed incorrectly. A dried-out gasket won't seal, and a gasket installed upside down or twisted won't seat properly. Always use a new gasket, and always check that it's sitting flat in the groove before you install the cap.

Over-tightening the filter cap is the second common mistake. The gasket does the sealing, not brute force. If you tighten the cap too hard, you can damage the gasket or crack the plastic housing. Hand-tight plus three-quarters of a turn is the correct procedure — if you're using a filter wrench and it feels like you're explore real pressure, you've gone too far.

Forgetting to reinstall the drain plug or leaving it loose will drain your oil within minutes of starting the engine. Double-check that the drain plug is installed and snug before you refill with new oil.

Where to buy the filter and gasket

Honda dealerships stock the correct filter element and O-ring gasket, and you can order them online or pick them up in person. The part numbers are 15400-PLM-A01 or 15400-PLM-A02 for the filter and 90401-PLM-A01 for the O-ring gasket. Most dealerships charge $10 to $15 for the filter and $2 to $4 for the gasket.

Auto parts chains like AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts, and NAPA also stock Honda filters and gaskets. They often have both OEM Honda parts and aftermarket equivalents. If you're buying an aftermarket filter, make sure the box clearly states it fits a 2007 Honda Accord — cartridge filters are not universal, and using the wrong size will cause leaks or restrict oil flow.

How often to change the filter

Honda recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the engine oil. For a 2007 Accord, that's typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you use conventional oil, or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if you use synthetic oil. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your driving conditions — severe driving (towing, frequent short trips, or dusty conditions) may require more frequent changes.

The filter element itself doesn't wear out like the oil does, but it accumulates dirt and debris over time. Changing it with every oil change ensures the filter can continue to trap contaminants effectively and prevents the bypass valve from opening, which would allow unfiltered oil to circulate through the engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a spin-on filter instead of the cartridge filter?

No. The 2007 Accord is designed for a cartridge filter that screws into the housing on top of the engine. Spin-on filters are not compatible with this design. Using the wrong filter type will cause leaks and may damage the housing.

What happens if I over-tighten the filter cap?

Over-tightening can crush or tear the O-ring gasket, causing oil to leak when ready. It can also crack the plastic housing cap, which is expensive to replace. Hand-tight plus three-quarters of a turn is the correct amount of force.

Do I need to replace the drain plug when I change the filter?

No, the drain plug doesn't need to be replaced every time. However, if the plug is stripped, leaking, or damaged, replace it during your oil change. A new drain plug costs $3 to $8 and prevents future leaks.

How long does it take to change the filter on a 2007 Accord?

The filter change alone takes 15 to 20 minutes once you have the tools. If you're also changing the oil, plan for 30 to 45 minutes total, depending on how quickly the old oil drains.

What should I do with the old filter and oil?

Take the old filter and oil to a recycling center or auto parts store that accepts used oil. Most auto parts chains accept used oil for free, and many will take the old filter as well. Never pour oil down the drain or into the trash.