My first DIY oil change was performed on my Fit about 4 months ago. So I decided to use what I have learned and the tools that I have accumulated to do an oil change on my sister's 2002 Accord.

Taking off the oil drain bolt was fine. The oil filter is a different story. The location is really awkward, hidden above a drive shaft on the back side of the engine. And also the fun part, no matter what I try, that oil filter under the Accord is immovable. I try a cap style oil filter wrench that worked wonderfully for the Fit, only to find that it is slipping and will not grip the filter. Well played Honda.. changing the diameter of your filters to fool people...nice one. So next I use a belt style wrench that grips around the filter.... and crack, the belt breaks under the enormous pressure that I apply. Erg, I guess thank you Honda dealership service department tightening the filter past the recommended torque (10-14 N-m). Thanks for ensuring that this filter will not come off when driving or ever again.

Now I have a 3000 pound car that is devoid of any engine oil, on ramps halfway in my driveway.

I guess I just wanted to rant after spending a good part of my day under the Accord.

 

To stay on the topic of Fit comparisons...

The one minor difference on performing the oil changes on the two cars is the location of the oil filter. The Fit's filter is easily accessible, very close to the ground. The Accord's filter is hidden away in the nook and crannies of the car. Maybe in the Accord, the filter was designed to be tucked away and protected against road hazards. And in the Fit, it is exposed. Maybe the engineers didnt really put this much thought into oil filter placement and the filters just ended up where they are... serendipitously.

 

Sounds like its time for the pipe wrench.