The 2008 Accord uses a cartridge-style oil filter mounted on top of the engine
The 2008 Honda Accord does not have a spin-on oil filter like many other vehicles. Instead, it uses a cartridge-style filter housed in a plastic canister on top of the engine, near the front. This design means you remove a cap, pull out the filter element, and install a new one — rather than unscrewing an entire filter housing.
The filter is located on the driver's side of the engine, directly above the oil pan. You can reach it without removing any major components, though you may need to remove the engine cover or air intake depending on your Accord's trim level and engine size (the 2.0L and 2.4L engines have slightly different layouts).
Key Takeaways
- The 2008 Accord uses a cartridge filter in a plastic canister on top of the engine, not a traditional spin-on filter.
- You will need a filter wrench (usually 74 mm or 86 mm, depending on engine size) to remove the canister cap, plus the correct replacement filter element and a new rubber seal.
- The entire filter replacement takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $15 to $35 for the filter element and seal, depending on brand.
- Always replace the rubber O-ring seal when you change the filter; reusing the old seal is the most common cause of oil leaks after a filter change.
What filter size and part numbers fit a 2008 Accord
The filter size depends on which engine your Accord has. The 2.0L four-cylinder uses a smaller cartridge filter, while the 2.4L four-cylinder (standard on most 2008 models) uses a larger one. Honda's original equipment (OE) filter for the 2.4L is part number 15400-PLM-A01 or 15400-PLM-A02, depending on production date.
Common aftermarket brands that fit the 2.4L engine include Fram PH8A, Mobil 1 M1-110, and Bosch 3330. For the 2.0L engine, the OE part is 15400-PLM-901. Always check your owner's manual or the parts label on the old filter to confirm which size you have before ordering a replacement. Ordering the wrong size will not fit the canister.
The rubber O-ring seal that comes with the filter is critical. Some replacement filters include the seal; others do not. If your filter does not come with a new seal, you must order Honda part number 91301-PLM-901 or an equivalent aftermarket seal. Using the old seal after an oil change is the leading cause of leaks in this generation Accord.
Tools and supplies you will need
You will need a filter wrench to remove the canister cap. The 2.4L engine typically requires a 74 mm or 86 mm wrench (check your manual to be certain). A strap wrench or cup-style wrench works best; avoid adjustable wrenches, which can slip and damage the plastic canister. You can find a filter wrench at any auto parts store for $8 to $15.
You will also need a drain pan to catch old oil, a clean rag or paper towels, and the new filter element plus the new O-ring seal. Some people use a small amount of fresh oil to lightly coat the new seal before installation, which helps it seat properly — this is optional but recommended. Have the new filter and seal within arm's reach before you start, so you do not have to hunt for them once the old filter is out.
Step-by-step filter replacement process
Start by warming the engine to operating temperature (not hot, just warm), then shut it off and wait two minutes. This thins the oil so it drains faster. Locate the filter canister on top of the engine and position your drain pan underneath it to catch any spilled oil.
Use your filter wrench to turn the canister cap counterclockwise. It will loosen gradually; do not force it or you may crack the plastic housing. Once hand-tight, unscrew it the rest of the way and set it aside. The old filter element will come out with the cap or remain in the canister — either way, remove it and dispose of it. Wipe the inside of the canister clean with a rag to remove any debris or old seal fragments.
Install the new rubber O-ring seal on the canister (not on the filter element itself). If the seal came with a light coating of oil, that is fine; if not, lightly coat it with fresh oil from your new oil jug. Drop the new filter element into the canister, making sure it sits flat on the bottom. Screw the cap back on by hand until the seal contacts the canister, then use your wrench to tighten it a final quarter-turn. Do not over-tighten; the seal will compress and create a watertight fit without excessive force.
Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds, then shut it off and wait five minutes. Check the canister cap area for leaks. If you see oil seeping, the seal may not be seated correctly — remove the cap, check that the seal is properly positioned, and reinstall it. Once you confirm there are no leaks, you are done.
Common mistakes that cause leaks or damage
The most frequent error is reusing the old rubber seal. The seal compresses during the first oil change and does not return to its original shape. A compressed seal will not create a watertight fit the second time, leading to slow leaks that can go unnoticed for weeks. Always install a new seal with every filter change.
Over-tightening the canister cap is the second common mistake. The plastic housing is not as strong as a metal filter bowl, and excessive force can crack it or strip the threads. Tighten the cap until you feel resistance, then turn it one-quarter turn more. If you hear a cracking sound or feel the wrench slip, stop when ready and inspect the canister for damage.
Forgetting to check that the filter element sits flat in the canister can also cause problems. If the element is tilted or not fully seated, oil will bypass the filter and circulate unfiltered through your engine. Before you install the cap, look into the canister and confirm the filter is sitting level on the bottom.
When to replace the oil filter on a 2008 Accord
Honda recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the engine oil. For a 2008 Accord, that is 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. Your owner's manual will specify the interval for your particular engine and oil type.
Some owners change the filter more often than the oil as a precaution, but this is unnecessary and wasteful. The filter is designed to last as long as the oil in the interval Honda recommends. If you drive in severe conditions — towing, frequent short trips, or dusty environments — you may want to change the filter at the shorter interval, but this is not required by Honda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the oil filter without changing the oil?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. The filter and oil work together; old oil contains contaminants that a new filter will trap, and a new filter in old oil defeats the purpose. If you must change the filter alone, expect to lose about a quart of oil in the process, so top off the level afterward.
What size wrench do I need for the 2.4L filter canister?
Most 2008 Accords with the 2.4L engine use a 74 mm or 86 mm filter wrench. Check your owner's manual or the old filter canister for the exact size. If you are unsure, bring the canister to an auto parts store and they can tell you which wrench fits.
Is the filter canister the same on all 2008 Accords?
No. The 2.0L engine uses a smaller canister than the 2.4L, and the filter elements are not interchangeable. Confirm your engine size in your owner's manual or on the engine cover before ordering a replacement filter.
What happens if I over-tighten the canister cap?
Over-tightening can crack the plastic housing or strip the threads inside, making it impossible to remove the cap in the future without damaging the canister. If this happens, the entire canister assembly must be replaced, which costs $40 to $80 in parts plus labor. Tighten only until you feel resistance, then one-quarter turn more.
Do I need to reset anything after changing the filter?
No. The 2008 Accord does not have an oil filter change reminder or service light that requires resetting after a filter change. If your oil change light is on, it will reset automatically after you drive the vehicle for a certain number of miles, or you can reset it manually through the instrument cluster menu (see your owner's manual for the exact steps).