2012-2018 Honda CRV Oil Change

by Synthetic Oil | Last Updated: November 14, 2022

Honda vehicles have a reputation for holding their value and lasting forever. If you have an older Honda CRV, it is important to routinely change the oil, so that you can drive it for many years to come. Wondering how to complete a 2012-2018 Honda CRV Oil Change? This article will tell you everything you need to know.

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What is the Recommended Oil for a Honda CRV?

The manufacturer recommendation for 2012-2018 Honda CRVs is SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil. If you have been using your Honda CRV regularly since 2012, you may want to consider getting a high-mileage formula to better protect the engine from damage. You will need 5 quarts of oil for your vehicle.

These vehicles do best when the oil is changed every 7,500 miles or 12 months, depending on which comes first. The oil filter should be changed alongside the oil.

One thing to keep in mind is that a grade higher than 30 is not the best idea for your Honda CRV. Most modern Honda engines take 0W20. If you go a grade higher, the added thickness of the oil could damage your Honda instead of protecting it.

How to Do a 2012-2018 Honda CRV Oil Change

Now that you know what kind of oil is recommended for a Honda CRV, let’s take a look at the standard oil change procedure. Note that this is for the 2012-2016 Honda CRV model that was equipped with a 2.4L engine. The 2017-2018 Honda CRV has a 1.5L engine and therefore requires a little less oil. That said, the process is more or less the same.

For those who are more visually inclined, check out this informative video on how to change the oil in a 2018 Honda CRV:

Optionally, you can follow the instructions below.

Equipment and Parts Needed

Grab everything on the list below before you start the 2012-2018 Honda CRV oil change:

• Oil filter wrench
• Funnel
• 17mm wrench
• Oil drain pan (5 quart capacity)
• 0W20 engine oil (5 quarts for 4.4 qt capacity)
• Fram PH7317 oil filter or the equivalent

Oil Change Procedure for Honda CRV

Prior to changing the oil, run the vehicle for a short while so that the oil can circulate through the system. Warming the oil to operating temperature can make it easier to drain and suspends debris and contamination that wants to be removed (making a better oil change). Keep in mind that you will need to let the car cool slightly (about 15 minutes) before attempting the oil change. Otherwise, you could burn yourself on the metal.

Once you have done that, follow these steps:

1. Locate the hood latch inside the CRV and use it to pop the front hood.
2. Clean the area around the oil cap if necessary then remove it.
3. The dipstick should have an orange cap. Pull it free to check the oil level, color, and consistency.
4. Grab your drain pan and place it under the chassis, right where the oil drain plug is located.
5. You will need a 17mm socket wrench to loosen the drain bolt. Let the oil completely drain out before continuing on.
6. The oil filter is removed next. You will need a 45mm socket to loosen and remove it.
7. If the drain bolt is in poor condition, consider replacing it (Honda Washer and Drain Plug 14mm, 94109-14000). Tighten the drain bolt into place with the same wrench used to uninstall it.
8. Hand-tighten the new oil filter into place.
9. Using the funnel, slowly add the 0W20 full synthetic engine oil to the engine. You will need about 4.2 quarts.
10. Replace the cap.
11. Turn on your 2012-2018 Honda CRV. Listen for any odd noises and leaks. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
12. Again, use the dipstick to test the oil levels.
13. The oil life sensor may need to be reset. There will be instructions on how to do that in the owner’s manual.

Conclusion

There you have it: All the steps required in a 2012-2018 Honda CRV oil change. Remember that this vehicle uses only 0W20 and needs fully synthetic oil to get the best performance. If you have any issues or notice any problems, get your Honda CRV to a professional mechanic for assistance. Otherwise, once the oil change is done, you can get back on the road in no time.