Where is the oil filter on a 2005 Honda Pilot?

The oil filter on a 2005 Honda Pilot is mounted low on the front of the engine block, facing the radiator and slightly toward the passenger side; it’s best accessed from underneath the vehicle after loosening or removing the front splash shield. This placement is typical for Honda’s 3.5-liter J35 V6 used in the 2005 Pilot and allows straightforward service once the undertray is out of the way.

Exact location on the 3.5L V6 (J35)

Look at the lower front of the engine, just behind the radiator and above the front crossmember. The filter sits horizontally, threading directly into the block and pointing forward toward the radiator. It’s slightly offset to the passenger side of the engine’s centerline. The component you’re looking for is a small cylindrical canister (about the size of a coffee mug), typically black or dark blue if using an OEM Honda filter.

How to access it safely

The most reliable access is from beneath the front bumper area. Here’s a concise, mechanic-style sequence for locating the filter once the Pilot is safely lifted and supported.

• Safely raise and support the front of the vehicle on jack stands; set the parking brake and chock rear wheels.
• Remove or fold down the front splash shield/undertray (fasteners vary by trim; expect a mix of clips and 10 mm bolts).
• Look straight up at the front of the engine: the oil filter is mounted horizontally, facing you, slightly to the passenger side.
• Confirm by tracing from the oil pan forward; the filter sits a short distance above and ahead of the pan.
• Place a drain pan beneath the filter area before loosening, as oil will run forward off the subframe.

Once the shield is out of the way, the filter is easy to spot and reach. Keep rags handy—forward-facing filters tend to spill as they come off.

Alternative access points

On some vehicles without an intact undertray, you can sometimes reach the filter from the passenger-side wheel well by turning the steering to full left and reaching inward. Clearance is tighter, and you’ll still likely prefer underbody access for control and cleanliness.

What to look for to confirm you’ve found it

These quick identifiers help ensure you’re looking at the oil filter and not a nearby component.

• Cylindrical canister roughly 2.5–3 inches in diameter, mounted horizontally.
• Located low and forward on the engine block, facing the radiator.
• Often marked with Honda/Acura or an OEM part number such as 15400-PLM-A02 (or a superseding equivalent for Honda V6 engines).
• Near—but separate from—the oil pan and drain plug; the drain plug is on the pan itself, while the filter screws into the block.

If the part you see matches these cues and sits just behind the lower radiator area, you’ve found the filter.

Notes on model variations

Drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD) and trim do not change the oil filter location on the 2005 Pilot. However, aftermarket skid plates or missing/damaged splash shields can change how you access it. If an undertray is present, removing it is usually necessary for a clean, direct approach.

Quick service tips and specs

While the question is about location, these quick details help when you’re ready to service the filter you’ve located.

• Common filter wrench: 65/67 mm, 14‑flute cap fits most Honda OEM-sized filters.
• Oil filter tightening: Lightly oil the new gasket; spin on by hand until the gasket contacts, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn (about 12–14 N·m if using a torque tool).
• Drain plug torque (if changing oil too): Approximately 29 lb‑ft (39 N·m) with a new crush washer.
• Expect some oil to run forward when removing the filter; position the drain pan under the front crossmember area.

Following these practices helps prevent leaks and ensures the new filter seals properly once installed.

Summary

The 2005 Honda Pilot’s oil filter is on the front lower section of the J35 V6 engine, facing the radiator and slightly toward the passenger side. Access it from underneath after removing or loosening the front splash shield; look for a small horizontal canister threaded into the engine block just above the front crossmember.

What oil filter for a 2005 Honda Pilot?

2005 Honda Pilot Oil Filter PG4612. ENGINEERED to deliver up to 5,000 miles of engine protection.

Where is the Honda Pilot oil filter?

Well. And you look right up in there next to the CV axle. You’ll see that that’s the oil filter right there. So you can get to it right here from the passenger front passenger wheel well.

How much oil does a 2005 Honda Pilot take?

A 2005 Honda Pilot takes 4.5 quarts of 5W-20 motor oil when changing the oil and filter. It is important to verify the oil level with the dipstick after refilling and before starting the engine to ensure it is within the proper range. 
Steps to check the oil level: 

1. Remove the dipstick from the engine.
2. Wipe the dipstick clean with a rag.
3. Re-insert the dipstick fully.
4. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level.
5. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.

Where is your oil filter located?

In most vehicles, the oil filter is located on the engine block, near the oil pan. However, in others, the oil filter may be in a different location, such as above the engine, behind the radiator, or in the fender well. To find the exact location of your oil filter, you can refer to your car’s owner’s manual.