Where the Oil Filter Is on a Honda Element

The oil filter on every Honda Element (2003–2011) is mounted on the back side of the 2.4L engine block—toward the firewall—just above the front subframe and slightly to the passenger (right) side. It’s best accessed from underneath the front of the vehicle by removing the lower splash shield or opening the service panel, if equipped. Here’s what that means in practice and how to find it quickly and safely.

What You’re Looking For and How to Reach It

All Honda Elements use a transverse 2.4L four-cylinder (K-series) engine. On this layout, the oil filter is not on the radiator side; it sits on the firewall side of the engine, tucked above the front crossmember. You can’t reliably reach it from above. Plan to raise the front of the vehicle safely, remove or open the lower undertray, and reach up behind the engine to the passenger side of center.

Visual Landmarks Under the Car

This is a tight spot, but you can orient yourself quickly using a few fixed reference points. The filter is a small cylindrical canister that threads into the engine’s oil filter boss (often with a small coolant-fed oil cooler “puck” behind it). Expect a bit of oil runoff onto the subframe during removal.

Use the following quick-reference cues to zero in on the filter’s position relative to components you can see immediately after removing the lower panel.

• Look just behind the front subframe crossmember—reach upward on the passenger side of the engine’s centerline.
• It sits toward the firewall side, behind the engine block, above the passenger-side half shaft/CV area.
• The filter is roughly in line with the back edge of the oil pan; the drain plug is lower and faces rearward, while the filter is higher and farther forward/up.
• If your Element has a service opening in the undertray, the filter is reachable through that opening by reaching up and rearward.

Once you spot these landmarks, the filter’s location becomes obvious—even if it’s partially obscured by the subframe and hoses.

Model Years, Trims, and Any Differences

The Element’s oil filter location is effectively the same across all years and drivetrains. That consistency makes guidance straightforward, regardless of which Element you have.

• 2003–2006 (K24A4) and 2007–2011 (K24A8): Same firewall-side location above the front subframe.
• FWD vs. AWD: No change in oil filter position; access is still from underneath.
• Undertray style: Early models may have a metal or composite shield; later models a plastic underpanel with a service door. Aftermarket skid plates can limit access.

The only practical variation is how much trim you remove to reach the area; the engine-side location is unchanged.

Step-by-Step: Locating and Accessing the Filter

If you’re preparing to change the oil—or simply need to confirm the filter’s placement—these steps will get you to the right spot efficiently and safely.

1. Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and let the engine cool to a safe touch.
2. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands at the factory points; never rely on a jack alone.
3. Remove the lower splash shield or open the service door (if present) to expose the underside of the engine bay.
4. From the front center of the vehicle, reach up behind the engine, just to the passenger side of center, above the front crossmember.
5. Identify the cylindrical oil filter on the firewall side of the engine block; it sits higher than the oil pan drain plug.
6. Use an appropriate oil filter wrench if the filter is tight, and be prepared for oil to spill onto the subframe when you loosen it.

Reinstallation is the reverse: lightly oil the new filter’s gasket, spin it on by hand until the gasket contacts, then tighten per the filter’s instructions (typically 3/4 turn beyond contact).

Tips to Make the Job Cleaner and Easier

Because the filter is above the crossmember, oil can run onto the subframe. A few setup tweaks can keep the mess to a minimum and speed cleanup.

• Place a catch pan under the rear of the oil pan and the front crossmember to catch run-off from both the drain and filter.
• Use a piece of aluminum foil or a small plastic deflector on the subframe to guide draining oil into the pan.
• Turn the steering to full right lock to improve arm clearance from the passenger side if you’re reaching through the wheel well.
• Check that the old filter gasket isn’t stuck to the engine before installing the new filter.

These small adjustments reduce cleanup time and help prevent leaks from a double-gasket scenario.

Bottom Line

The Honda Element’s oil filter sits on the firewall side of the 2.4L engine, above the front subframe and slightly toward the passenger side, accessed from underneath after removing the lower panel. The location is consistent across all model years and drivetrains, so once you know where to reach, future oil changes are straightforward.

Where can I find my oil filter?

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.

Where is the oil filter in a Honda?

Locate the oil filter. Slide your drain pan underneath it and use your filter wrench wrench to loosen. It. Finish removing it by hand.

Where’s the oil filter on a 2004 Honda Element?

Using the oil filter wrench turn it counterclockwise. And I take the filter out let it drain into the pan. And I’ll tip it upside down in the pan let it drain.

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.