How many quarts of oil does a Honda Accord 2.4 L take?
Most Honda Accord 2.4-liter engines take about 4.4–4.6 US quarts (4.2–4.4 liters) of oil when changing the oil and filter; the exact amount depends on the model year. Earlier 2.4L Accords typically use 4.4 quarts with a filter, while 2013–2017 models usually take 4.6 quarts. If you’re not changing the filter, expect roughly 4.0–4.2 quarts. Always confirm with the owner’s manual and use the dipstick to fine-tune the final level.
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What determines the exact capacity
The Accord’s 2.4L oil capacity varies by engine generation and whether you replace the oil filter. The K-series engines (2003–2012) generally hold slightly less than the later Earth Dreams K24W (2013–2017). Residual oil left in the engine, the angle of the vehicle during draining, and a new vs. reused filter can also shift the final fill by a few ounces.
Oil capacity by model year (U.S.-market Accord 2.4L)
The following breakdown shows typical oil fill amounts for Honda Accord 2.4L engines when changing oil and filter, as well as approximate capacities without a filter change. Use this as a guideline and verify with your owner’s manual.
- 2003–2007 Accord 2.4L (K24A): about 4.4 US qt (4.2 L) with filter; about 4.0 US qt (3.8 L) without filter.
- 2008–2012 Accord 2.4L (K24Z): about 4.4 US qt (4.2 L) with filter; about 4.0 US qt (3.8 L) without filter.
- 2013–2017 Accord 2.4L (K24W Earth Dreams): about 4.6 US qt (4.4 L) with filter; about 4.2 US qt (4.0 L) without filter.
These figures reflect typical factory specifications across those generations. Small variances can occur; always add most of the capacity, run the engine briefly, then re-check and top up as needed.
Recommended oil type and notes
Honda specifies different viscosities across years. Many earlier models originally called for 5W-20, while later models are specified for 0W-20. Honda subsequently approved 0W-20 for many earlier 2.4L applications as well. To ensure warranty compliance and optimal performance, follow the viscosity in your owner’s manual or the under-hood label. Genuine Honda or API-certified full-synthetic 0W-20 is widely used on 2011–2017 models.
How to refill correctly
The best way to hit the correct capacity is to fill conservatively, then use the dipstick to dial in the final level. The steps below outline a careful approach to avoid underfilling or overfilling.
- Warm the engine briefly, then drain the oil and replace the crush washer; reinstall the drain bolt and torque it to about 29 lb-ft (39 N·m).
- Replace the oil filter (pre-oil the gasket) if you’re doing a full change.
- Add most of the expected capacity first: about 4.0 qt for 2003–2012, or about 4.2 qt for 2013–2017.
- Start the engine, let it idle 30–60 seconds, then shut off and wait a few minutes for oil to settle.
- Check the dipstick and top up in small increments to reach the upper mark: typically 4.4 qt total (2003–2012) or 4.6 qt total (2013–2017) when the filter is changed.
- Re-check after a short drive and add a small amount if needed.
This method accounts for minor variances in drain completeness and filter size, ensuring the level lands at the correct mark without overfilling.
Why the dipstick matters
Overfilling can aerate the oil and reduce protection; underfilling can starve the engine. The dipstick is the final authority—use it to confirm the actual level after the engine has been run and the oil has settled.
Summary
A Honda Accord 2.4L typically takes 4.4–4.6 US quarts with a filter change: about 4.4 qt for 2003–2012 models and about 4.6 qt for 2013–2017 models. Without a filter change, expect roughly 4.0–4.2 qt. Use the specified viscosity for your model year (commonly 0W-20 on newer models), add most of the capacity first, and rely on the dipstick to fine-tune the final fill.
What is the best oil for a Honda Accord 2.4 L?
The recommended Honda Accord oil is generally a synthetic 0W-20 formula.
How much oil does a 2012 2.4 liter engine take?
Chevy Equinox Oil Capacity
Model year | Engine | Engine Oil Capacity |
---|---|---|
2012 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.0L V-6 | 5 qt 6 qt |
2011 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.0L V-6 | 5 qt 6 qt |
2010 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.0L V-6 | 5 qt 6 qt |
2009 | 3.4L V-6 3.6L V-6 | 4.5 qt 5.5 qt |
Can I put 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 on a Honda Accord?
You can typically use 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 for a short period, but it’s best to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation, which is usually found on the oil cap or in the owner’s manual, as the engine was designed for a specific oil viscosity. Using a thicker 5W-30 oil may slightly reduce fuel economy and increase engine friction, though it could offer better lubrication or help if the engine is consuming too much 5W-20 oil.
Why it matters
- Viscosity: . Opens in new tabThe “W” number in 5W-20 and 5W-30 indicates the oil’s flow in cold temperatures, while the second number shows its thickness at operating temperature.
- Engine Design: . Opens in new tabHonda designs its engines with specific oil viscosities in mind for optimal performance, which includes fuel efficiency and proper lubrication.
Potential Impacts of Using 5W-30
- Fuel Economy: . Opens in new tabYou may notice a slight decrease in fuel economy because the 5W-30 oil is thicker, requiring more energy to circulate through the engine.
- Engine Friction and Wear: . Opens in new tabA heavier oil can increase engine friction and may affect the oil pump’s performance.
- Engine Wear: . Opens in new tabWhile 5W-30 might provide better lubrication in some cases, the overall impact on wear depends on how the engine was originally designed.
When to Consider 5W-30
- Temporary Solution: If you need to use 5W-30 because 5W-20 is not available, it’s generally not a major concern for a short-term situation.
- High-Mileage Engines: Some drivers of older, high-mileage Honda engines switch to 5W-30 to help manage oil consumption issues caused by wear on engine components like piston rings.
What to Do Next
- 1. Check Your Owner’s Manual: Always refer to your Honda Accord’s owner’s manual to confirm the recommended oil viscosity for your specific model year.
- 2. Use the Recommended Oil: For long-term use, it’s best to use the oil viscosity that the engine was designed for to maintain optimal performance, fuel economy, and engine health.
How many quarts of oil does a 2.4 Honda Accord take?
A 2.4L Honda Accord typically takes 4.2 quarts of oil without a filter change, and 4.4 quarts with a filter change, according to AMSOIL. It’s recommended to check the oil level with the dipstick after refilling to ensure it’s within the proper range.