Where Is the Oil Filter on a 2013 Honda CR‑V?

The oil filter on a 2013 Honda CR‑V with the 2.4L engine is mounted on the lower front of the engine block, facing forward toward the radiator and slightly toward the passenger side; it’s easiest to reach from underneath the vehicle by opening the small access panel in the front splash shield.

Location and Access Overview

On the fourth‑generation CR‑V (2012–2016), the oil filter is a spin‑on canister positioned low on the engine, pointing forward. You’ll typically access it from beneath the front bumper area. Most models have a plastic splash shield with a small service door or removable panel secured by push clips or screws; once opened, the filter sits just above and slightly to the passenger side of the oil pan drain plug.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Find It

The following steps explain how to safely position the vehicle and pinpoint the filter without disassembling more than necessary.

1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and let the engine cool.
2. Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack and support it securely on jack stands placed at the designated pinch welds or frame points.
3. Look beneath the front bumper: locate the plastic splash shield. Identify the small rectangular access panel near the center/front on the passenger side.
4. Remove the panel’s push clips or screws to open the service door.
5. From this opening, locate the oil pan and its 17 mm drain plug. The oil filter is just above and slightly to the passenger side of the plug, mounted on the front face of the engine block and pointing toward the radiator.
6. Confirm you’re looking at the filter: it’s a cylindrical, spin‑on canister (commonly black or blue) about the size of a soda can.

Once you see the pan and drain plug, the filter is immediately recognizable as the forward‑facing canister on the engine’s lower front area, a bit to the right (passenger side) of center.

Visual Cues and Orientation

You can identify the filter by its shape and placement relative to nearby components. It’s forward‑facing on the engine block, roughly behind the lower grille area and just above the subframe. While some owners can reach it from above by snaking an arm between the radiator and engine, it’s typically quicker and cleaner from below through the splash‑shield access.

What You’ll Need to Access It

Although simply identifying the filter doesn’t require tools beyond opening the access panel, these items help if you plan to remove it or need a clearer view.

• Floor jack and jack stands (or ramps) for safe under‑vehicle access
• Trim clip tool or flat screwdriver to release splash‑shield clips
• Work light to illuminate the lower engine area
• Gloves and shop towels (filters can be oily)
• Optional: oil filter wrench if the canister is tight

Having the right tools improves visibility and safety, making it easier to confirm the filter’s location and proceed with service if needed.

Avoiding Common Mix‑Ups

Several nearby components can be mistaken for the oil filter or drain hardware. Keep these distinctions in mind.

• Engine oil drain plug vs. transmission drain: The engine oil drain plug is a 17 mm hex on the oil pan. The automatic transmission drain (if visible) uses a 3/8‑inch square drive and sits elsewhere—don’t remove the wrong plug.
• Do not confuse the oil filter with the A/C dryer, canisters, or other cylindrical parts near the radiator area—your oil filter is on the engine block itself.
• If your splash shield is missing, road grime can obscure the filter; a quick wipe with a rag will reveal the canister.

Double‑checking plug shapes and the filter’s position on the engine block helps prevent mistakes and extra cleanup.

If Your Splash Shield Differs

Some CR‑Vs may lack the small access door, or the entire lower cover may have been replaced with an aftermarket panel. In that case, remove the front portion of the splash shield to expose the lower front of the engine. The filter will still be in the same place—low and forward on the engine, angled toward the radiator and slightly to the passenger side.

Summary

The 2013 Honda CR‑V’s oil filter is a forward‑facing, spin‑on canister mounted on the lower front of the engine block, slightly to the passenger side, best reached from underneath through the splash‑shield access panel. Look just above and to the right of the oil pan drain plug, and you’ll find it quickly.

Where is the engine oil filter located?

The engine oil filter’s location varies by vehicle model, but it’s generally a cylindrical metal canister or a housing on the side or bottom of the engine block, near the oil pan. To find its exact position, check your car’s owner’s manual, as it can be located on the front, side, top, or bottom of the engine. You will need to look under the hood and possibly under the vehicle to find it.
 
This video shows how to change the oil filter on a 2011-2019 Ford Explorer: 59sFriendly MechanicYouTube · Oct 30, 2023
How to find the oil filter:

1. Check your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable way to find the exact location for your specific vehicle. 
2. Look for a cylindrical canister: The filter is often a metal cylinder, but can also be a housing, which might be black, white, blue, or orange. 
3. Examine the engine block: Check the top, bottom, and sides of the engine. 
4. Look near the oil pan: The filter is typically located close to the oil pan. 
5. Look for plastic covers: Some vehicles may have plastic covers or shields you’ll need to remove to get to the filter. 

Where is the oil filter on a 2013 Honda Accord?

And then just forward of that. There’s the oil filter right there nice and easy to reach. Now just grab your uh ratchet with a 17 mm socket. And start loosening the uh nut here bolt.

Where is the oil filter in a 2013 Honda CRV?

So the first thing we’re going to do is loosen off the oil filter. You may need your oil filter pliers for this but I was able to do it by hand and we’ll let that drain just for a bit.

Where is the oil filter in a Honda CR-V?

The oil filter on a Honda CR-V is typically located at the front of the engine, near the radiator support, on the passenger side of the vehicle. It’s often accessible from underneath the car, after removing a plastic splash guard. 
Here’s a more detailed explanation:

1. 1. Access: You’ll likely need to raise the vehicle using ramps or a jack and jack stands and remove the plastic splash guard to access the oil filter. 
2. 2. Location: The oil filter is situated on the engine block, typically near the oil pan, but often closer to the front of the engine, near the radiator support. 
3. 3. Orientation: The oil filter is usually installed horizontally or at a slight angle, so you may not be able to fill it completely with oil before installing it. 
4. 4. Removal: Use an oil filter wrench or strap wrench to loosen the old oil filter. 
5. 5. Installation: Lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter with a little bit of fresh oil before installing it. Tighten it by hand, not with tools, to the manufacturer’s specified tightness (usually hand-tight).