2001-2005 Honda Civic Oil Change

Begin by locating the jacking point on the driver side of your Civic. It's just behind the front wheel.

Place the jack just beneath the jacking point so that upon contact, the jacking point will be centered on the jack.

Lift the car high enough so that you can fit the jack stand beneath the car next to the jack. Be sure the jack stand is centered beneath the frame, so that when the car is lowered it will sit evenly on the jack stand.

Slowly lower the jack so that the frame of the car is resting securely on the jack stand.

Continue lowering the jack in order to remove it from under the car.

Locate the 17 mm hex drain plug. It will be on the driver side of the oil pan facing the rear of the car.

There's a sign pointing to it if you can't find it.

Slide the oil drain pan beneath the drain plug so that it catches the oil when you start to drain it.

Use a 17 mm box-end or socket wrench to loosen the drain plug. When you're able to, remove the wrench and loosen it by hand.

When it's loose enough, remove the plug altogether and let that old stuff flow!

While the car's relieving itself, wipe the drain plug down with a clean towel.

Never reuse a compression "crush" washer. Always replace the oil-pan nut with a new compression washer. Once you tighten the new one, it's should be considered "used."

When the oil drain has halted, or slowed significantly (drip....... drip........ drip), wipe its chin with a clean paper towel or rag.

Then insert the drain plug and tighten it with all the finger-strength your little fingers can muster.

From the underside of the car, locate the oil filter. It will be installed on the engine block just above the driver side axle shaft.

Keep the oil drain pan nearby as you reach up to get a grip on the oil filter. Loosen it slowly and carefully, trying to avoid spilling oil.

Remove the filter and keep it open side up to prevent spilling oil on yourself.

Pour the remaining oil out of the filter. Set it top-side down in the oil drain pan to allow any excess oil to drain.

Now grab a clean rag or paper towel and reach up into the engine again to wipe off any oil from the face of the housing, where the new oil filter will seal against.

You can exit from beneath the car, and remove the oil drain pan as well.

Now take that brand new oil filter, and with your finger, apply some new oil on the rubber gasket.

Time to assume that uncomfortable position under the car again. Reach up with the new oil filter and insert it into its new home; tighten to a nice snug fit.

Place the jack under the jacking point again (just next to the jack stand), and raise the car so that the car is off of the the jack stand.

Lift up the lever on the jack stand to lower its saddle column, and remove the jack stand from under the car.

Lower the car, nice and slowly...

Now open the driver side door, and below the steering column to the left, there will be a cute little lever showing a white car with its hood popped up. Pull the lever.

The hood should be "popped". Find the hood latch centered at the front of the hood, just above the Honda emblem.

Push up on the latch and raise the hood.

With one hand holding the hood up, use your other hand to raise the hood prop rod and insert it into the corresponding notch under the hood. Voila!, your hood is propped up.

Locate your oil filler cap. It's on the top-right of your engine block. Unscrew it (counter-clockwise).

Remove the cap.

Place a clean plastic funnel in the opening.

Holding the funnel with one hand, use your other hand to pour in about 3.7 quarts of 5W-20 new motor oil.

Once you're done with that, screw back in the oil filler cap so that it's a snug fit.

Locate your orange dipstick.

Remove it and wipe off the oil, then replace it.

Remove it again to ensure the oil is at the proper level between the two holes, or slightly above.

Replace the dipstick.

Return the hood prop rod to its home in the clasp at the front of the engine.

Gently lower the hood, and push down on it to make sure it latches.

Before driving anywhere, start the car and let it run for a couple minutes. While the engine is running, check underneath the car for any oil leaks. If oil is dripping from the drain plug you should first check for any cracks in the drain pan. If there are no cracks, you can turn off the car, and tighten the drain plug. Also, check again that the oil level has not gone outside the limits while the car was on.

The light is indicated on the dash between the tachometer and speedometer

While the car is off, hold down the trip meter reset button. Turn the ignition on, but do not start the engine. Continue to hold the button for approximately 10 seconds, until the indicator turns off.

Allow oil filter to drain into oil drain pan for 12-24 hours.

Take your old oil and filter to a recycling facility. Most auto parts stores and repair shops accept these at no charge. In addition, some cities and/or counties have a service where they will collect used oil and filters from your home. For more information, see the American Petroleum Institute's web page on used motor oil collection and recycling.