Removing Oil Pan From A 2003 Honda Crv: Step-By-Step Guide

Removing the oil pan from a Honda CR-V can be a challenging task, and the process may vary depending on the model year of your vehicle. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the engine or drop the subframe to access and replace the oil pan. This is a complex procedure that may require specialised tools and mechanical expertise. It is recommended that you refer to a service manual or seek assistance from a qualified professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

Drain the engine oil

To drain the engine oil, you will need to raise the Honda CR-V to full height. This can be done using a jack to lift the vehicle. Once the vehicle is raised, you can then proceed to drain the oil.

It is important to place the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake before beginning. You will also need to place jack stands under the vehicle for safety.

Next, locate the oil drain plug. This is usually at the bottom of the engine oil pan. Place a drain pan or container underneath the plug to catch the drained oil. Have some rags or absorbent material ready to wipe up any spills or leaks.

Using the correct size wrench or socket, loosen and remove the oil drain plug. Allow the oil to drain completely. This may take several minutes.

Once the oil has drained, replace the oil drain plug. Ensure that the plug is tightened securely, but be careful not to over-tighten it, as this can damage the oil pan threads.

Finally, lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands. Check the oil level with the dipstick to ensure it is at the correct level.

It is important to dispose of the drained oil properly. Used engine oil can be recycled, so take it to a designated collection point or recycling centre. Do not pour it down the drain or into the environment.

Remove the front wheels

To remove the front wheels of a 2003 Honda CRV, follow these steps:

First, ensure you have the necessary tools and safety equipment. You will need a car jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, and a lug wrench. It is also recommended to wear safety gloves and eye protection. Place the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake.

Next, use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels. Do not remove the lug nuts yet, just loosen them enough so that you can turn them by hand. This step should be done while the car is still on the ground. Chock the rear wheels to prevent the car from moving.

Now, use the car jack to raise the front of the vehicle. Place the jack in the correct jacking point, which can be found in the owner's manual or on a sticker in the car's door jamb. Raise the car until the front wheels are slightly off the ground. Place jack stands under the vehicle to support the weight and ensure stability.

Once the car is securely raised and supported, you can finish removing the lug nuts and take off the front wheels. Place the wheels aside in a safe place.

At this point, the front wheels of your 2003 Honda CRV should be successfully removed. Remember to exercise caution during the process, as working on a car can be dangerous if not done properly. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety procedures.

Disconnect the A/F sensor connector and secondary heated oxygen sensor

To disconnect the A/F sensor connector and secondary heated oxygen sensor, follow these steps:

First, locate the sensors. The A/F sensor will be located next to the motor in the engine compartment, on the exhaust pipe leading from the motor toward the back of the vehicle. The secondary heated oxygen sensor will be located behind the catalytic converter, which is found right behind the front wheels.

Once you have located the sensors, follow the cables to find the plastic plugs connecting them to the vehicle's electrical system. To disconnect the sensors, depress the small tab on the end of the plug and pull the plug back by hand. If the plug is difficult to remove, use a flathead screwdriver to press down on the tab while you pull the plug back. Be careful not to use too much force, as the plastic can become brittle and break.

If you are having trouble removing the plugs, you can try spraying some WD-40 or electrical contact cleaner on the connection to help loosen it. Alternatively, you can try using a pair of long-necked hose pliers to press down on the tab and pull the plug back.

Once the plugs are disconnected, you can proceed to remove the sensors themselves. This is usually done by unscrewing them with a ratchet wrench or open-end wrench. Be sure to apply some penetrating oil to the threads before attempting to remove them, as they can become corroded and difficult to remove.

Remove the propeller shaft

To remove the propeller shaft of a 2006-2011 Honda CR-V, follow these steps:

First, set the parking brake and shift the transmission to the N position. Next, raise the vehicle on a lift. If your engine is already out of the vehicle, you can skip this step and the next few steps outlined in the previous paragraph. Remove the front wheels. Then, remove the splash shield. Now, disconnect the air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor connector and secondary heated oxygen sensor (secondary HO2S) connector, then remove the three-way catalytic converter (TWC). Proceed to remove the shift cable. Separate the knuckles from the lower arms.

Now, we can remove the propeller shaft.

• Remove a bolt securing the P/S fluid line bracket, and unclamp the P/S fluid line clamps on the front subframe.
• Remove the bolts securing the left and right steering gearbox mounting brackets.
• Remove the bolt securing the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) filter.
• Remove the lower torque rod.
• Make the appropriate reference lines at both ends of the subframe that line up with the body.
• Remove the subframe mounting bolts on both sides.
• Attach the subframe adapter to the subframe and hang the belt of the subframe adapter over the front of the subframe, then secure the belt with its stop.
• Raise the jack and line up the slots in the arms with the bolt holes on the corner of the jack base, then attach them with bolts securely.
• Remove the subframe.
• Remove the lower torque rod bracket.
• Remove the torque converter cover.
• Remove the bolts securing the oil pan.
• Using a flat-blade screwdriver, separate the oil pan from the block.
• Remove the oil pan.

Remove the bolts securing the gearbox mounting bracket

To remove the bolts securing the gearbox mounting bracket of a 2003 Honda CRV, follow these steps:

First, make sure the vehicle is raised to full height. This will give you easy access to the underside of the vehicle and the gearbox mounting bracket.

Next, locate the gearbox mounting bracket. It is attached to the gearbox and the engine block, and it provides support and stability to the gearbox. You will find it near the front of the vehicle, close to the front subframe.

Once you have located the gearbox mounting bracket, use the appropriate tools to remove the bolts securing it in place. There will typically be multiple bolts, and they may be on both sides of the bracket. Be careful when removing the bolts, as they may be tight and require some force to loosen. It is also important to keep track of the bolts removed, ensuring they are not lost or mixed up with other bolts.

In some cases, the bolts may be difficult to remove due to rust or corrosion. If this is the case, you may need to use penetrating oil or heat to help loosen the bolts. You can also try using a breaker bar or an impact wrench to provide additional force for bolt removal.

After removing the bolts, you can carefully detach the gearbox mounting bracket from the vehicle. This process may require some wiggling and manipulation to completely separate the bracket from the surrounding components. Ensure that you are gentle and patient during this process to avoid damaging any nearby parts or components.

Once the gearbox mounting bracket is removed, set it aside in a safe place. You can now proceed with further maintenance or repairs that require access to the area previously occupied by the gearbox mounting bracket.

Remember to consult a qualified mechanic or a detailed repair manual for a Honda CRV if you are unsure about any steps or procedures. Working on a vehicle's transmission and engine can be complex, so it is important to have a good understanding of the process before beginning any work.

Frequently asked questions