2018 Honda CRV - Oil Change Tips and Steps - 5th Gen CR-V 1.5l Turbo 

Note: There is a lot of debate about "prefilling" oil filters during an oil change - as you'll see here, I did not prefill this one. In fact, I rarely prefill filters (and have never had an issue from that) - and if you look online, you'll find this is quite a contentious subject! But you'll also find, that for modern vehicles, the general consensus is that prefilling is not necessary, but, if you are doing so and able to, it generally won't harm anything - here's some details... Generally speaking, on a modern car with a canister filter, the volume of that filter is fairly low, and a modern oil pump will flow a large volume of oil very quickly. Additionally, when changing oil, a film remains on the components in the engine - we aren't working on a freshly built engine, or one that had the oil drained/sat for a long time. As a result, the amount of time in startup to fill the filter, combined with the existing oil film, is so small, it makes prefill vs non-prefill differences very negligible. In fact, some manufacturers actually specifically recommend against prefills. In the diesel world, CAT is known for calling out no prefills, as an example. And many manufacturers service manuals do not call for prefill as part of the factory tasks. Now if this was a fresh motor build, I'd not just prefill but also prime the oiling system if possible. Also, if this was a specialty vehicle with a large volume filter, or external filter, I may also take prefill/priming. But for a standard car's routine oil change, it's really not necessary in most cases. More things come into play as well - such as some engines having pressure bypass valves, where the filter is in the oiling circuit, filters that mount horizontally or upside down, etc. That's what makes it such a hot topic in the car world :) The point is - you're not going to really harm anything on a normal car's oil change doing it either way. And if you are really worried, take a peek at your service manual for the factory specific guidance. If you're worried about your car's long term health (and who isn't!?), you'd be best off simply ensuring you are doing regular oil changes with quality, factory recommend oil, as well as a nice high quality filter. Now if you do prefill, heres one thing to consider - the center part of a canister type oil filter is it's output. By prefilling in the center, you are basically introducing (albiet new) unfiltered oil. So if you do prefill and take the time, try to fill it using the outer (smaller) holes which is the input side. There are studies that show even fresh out of the jug oil can have miniscule/microscopic contaminants. So, what is your preference? Do you prefill or just install and go?

Thanks for making this video. I was able to change my oil and filter on my CRV today. Your instructions and tips were very helpful. Thank you!

Fantastic video tutorial-definitely going to give this a try on my 2018 1.5 L Turbo Honda CRV

This was a great video and helpful with my wife's oil change...even without a lift. Thanks for all you do.

You’re awesome. Great video. I didn’t know about the crush gasket and getting ready to change my oil for the first time. And using your hair is a great idea. Lol! Thanks.

Thank you for another GREAT video, totally educated and well trained video. Thanks again and God bless.

Excellent video on crv oil change

I didn’t realize it was this easy. I think I’ll be doing my own oil changes going forward.

Nothing beats precision! Good work.

Thanks dude, awesome video 🫡 waiting for do it in my 2017 touring 😁

Great video.

I'll be doing this today for 1st time. I did the transmission and differential already so easy.

Thanks for your help

Excellent. But notes don't stay long enough to read! For DIY guys better check for leaks b4 cover gets back on. I did a job from above once and didn't see a tie wrap that got in between the gasket of the filter and yuk. Best to check b4 cover is on just in case! TY

Thank you share clip

I just upgraded from a 2018 Civic 1.5T to the 2022 CR-V 1.5T, and i noticed on the CR-V there it a weird indent in the bottom of the pan like something is supposed to be installed there, but the 18 Civic did not have that indent. Now to catch a lot of hate, but I don't replace the crush washer until after a handful of oil changes. I just note its position on the drain plug, take it off, flip it over the other way, back on the plug and then thread it in. Never had any issues with leaks doing this.

FYI....use a red solo cup when removing the oil filter. You will save yourself an oily mess to clean up.

Gonna get some tuff gel...for my bald head lol...thanx bro ALOHA

I’ve got a 2019 Honda CR-V. I would like to raise it 2”. However, I can not find the answer to a safety sensor question. Do I need to re calibrate the collision (Front & Rear) & cruise control sensors after rising the vehicle?

not to worry the oil pump pumps the oil directly to oil filter first , many engines come with the oil filter on top of engine , so you cant fill it if you tried , BMW etc.

great job . thorough and great insight . I clean the cover Silver air shield and areas around the sump while im in there - 10 minute job . Suggestion- could you give the metric equivalent . Quarts are used less and less these days . In Canada its all metric and the rest of the world really . I think its 3.7L per oil fill and filter. I tend to ALWAYS use OEM filters on the vehicles I work on . I own a 2020 CRV Sport model . Oil quality makes a big difference . Surprisingly the Costco brand- 0/20 full synthetic - exceeds Honda's requirements by a long shot ( Here in Canada anyway ) . Quite inexpensive too ! I think Shell makes it for them a rep for Kirkland / Costco said .

There also seems to be some discussions about the orientation of the crush gasket. I’ve always placed the crush side of the gasket against the pan. Any thoughts on this ?

What size are the clips? My splash board came loose and is hanging because one of the screws came off. And came to auto zone but they need the size of the "bolt"

One thing about my new crv, it's the only car I've ever had that adds oil by itself.. Is there a fix...?.other then waiting for the fuel pump pressure to weaken , I know the problem is fuel going into the oil...

Can’t get the Lower Engine Cover Pins to go back in. Any suggestions? They don’t lock in, like they are too short

Excellent, nice and easy video. Question, why put oil around the new filter???

Can I reuse the crush washer??

Thx for the vids. Any tips on the battery drain issue? Replacing mother’s CRV battery now. 20k miles. Battery keeps needing a jump. Going with a higher CCA 51R interstate. Hoping that helps. She drives is 1-2x a week.

How many km between synthetic oil change of 2018 Honda?

The slots in those threaded pan screws need to be deeper. Honda seriously overtightened mine and they are a PITA to deal with now.

4:09 in video mentions filter removal tool but I did not see link to it in the description

It's the aluminum cover that you first removed necessary. Mine just got all bent up and it impossible to put back on.

What is that pan called you removed? I need some new 1/4 turn screws and the clips they go in.

I did not see if you put the date on the oil filter like it was on the old one.

Is it ok to just flip the crush washer instead of replacing it?

After viewing the video I looked under my car. The belly pan is missing. The lazy a**holes at the dealer forgot or were too lazy to replace it.

How often should the synthetic oil be changed ?

It is necessary to put oil in filter before installing. Thanks

Hi, 1) I'm curious why you went with a Honda Filter but OEM fluids. I get that OEM fluids (to speck) are fine. But would you only use a Honda filter and why? 2) As far as fluid choice, personally, I want to go with full synthetic. With the potential for oil dilution (I have a 2019 C-RV), I think the full synthetic will offer more protection, if I do get substantial dilution. I don't trust my ability to tell early-detect, if it is diluted; therefore, I kinda feel like I should change the oil about every 3,000, to be on the safe side; but it's going to get costly with full synthetic. I thought about going with a blend (to strike a happy medium on price), and then change it every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. What's your take on the appropriate change frequency and type? It kinda just sucks, paying the price for full synthetic, and not getting the 5,000 to 7,500 miles some claim it can go; it almost feels wasteful. What’s your take? Thanks

You thought that was messy? I did not have the luxury of a lift. I use ramps. Despite my best efforts with a large oil pan and tons of cardboard the driveway is now covered in oil. I'm surprised by the velocity it shoots out. What if I left the oil fill cap closed until I had the draining mostly, would that help slow the velocity? Great tips for the filter! BTW, for the life of me I cannot remove that most rear phillips head screw out, so I just spin the pan out of my way. Any ideas? Thanks for a well detailed post.

what Oil Filter Wrench are you recommend?

this guy reminds me of ed helms

Would 4 quarts hurt it? just to keep it more simple

NEED A CLIP UPGRADE!! The hardest part is getting the twist lock clips fully seated on the aluminum undershield. The dealership left most of mine off after servicing. I bought more and now I understand why. No excuse though and horrible design!!

actually if you tighten more than a normal "hand tight" or use a wrench to tighten it will leak as it is an o ring rather than a flat seal.

is this your first oilchange

The numb, nuts whoever put on my oil note on my car. I cannot get the thing off now.

Forgot to prefill the oil filter.

How come you don"t pour some oil in the filter to avoid a : Dry start ! Nice anyway .

I just put in 4 qts cuz F*** it

Crush gasket? Dust shield? This is like the most unnecessarily complicated oil change ever. [edit mine had a washer on it. just went with that seems fine.]

Always use oem fluids. Honda vehicles are ment to only use oem filters and oil. Using anything else is going to void you're factory warranty.

I can't believe you just did that to that person car dry start always put oil in the oil filter to keep from dry starting I can't believe you don't no that

Its not 3.7 quarts. It's 3.7 liters.