The 1.5-liter Honda L15A engine has been produced at the company’s plant in Japan since 2001 and is installed on such popular compact models of the concern as the Jazz, Fried or City. Three modifications of the L15A unit are offered: 8-valve i-DSI and 16-valve VTEC and iVTEC.
L15A initially did not differ much from L13A – the same layout, the same 8 spark plugs. Over time, an “upgrade” version with the iVTEC system appeared. The number of candles decreased to standard, but the candles themselves became iridium (improved spark, increased service life), and space for VTEC cams on the camshaft was also freed up – before that, the candles interfered. The new engine got 20 hp more. These motors have long occupied places under the hoods of Honda.
L-series family: L13A, L13B, L15B, L15C, L15Z, L15A, L12B, L12A, L13Z, LEA, LEB, LEC.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2001 |
| Displacement, cc | 1497 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 90 (L15A2 i-DSI 8v) 110 (L15A1 VTEC 16v) 120 (L15A7 i-VTEC 16v) |
| Torque output, Nm | 131 (L15A2 i-DSI 8v) 143 (L15A1 VTEC 16v) 145 (L15A7 i-VTEC 16v) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 8v (L15A2 i-DSI 8v) aluminum 16v (L15A1 VTEC 16v) aluminum 16v (L15A7 i-VTEC 16v) |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 73 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 89.4 |
| Compression ratio | 10.8 (L15A2 i-DSI 8v) 10.4 (L15A1 VTEC 16v) 10.4 (L15A7 i-VTEC 16v) |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no (L15A2 i-DSI 8v) VTEC (L15A1 VTEC 16v) i-VTEC (L15A7 i-VTEC 16v) |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.6 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5/6 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Honda Jazz 2012) — city — highway — combined |
7.2 4.9 5.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~275 000 |
| Weight, kg | 100 |
The engine was installed on:
- Honda City 4 (GD) in 2002 – 2008, City 5 (GM) in 2008 – 2014, City 6 (GM4) in 2014 – 2017;
- Honda Freed 1 (GB) in 2008 – 2016;
- Honda Fit 1 (GD) in 2001 – 2007, Fit 2 (GE) in 2007 – 2014, Fit 3 (GP) in 2013 – 2017;
- Honda Jazz 1 (GD) in 2002 – 2008, Jazz 2 (GG) in 2008 – 2015, Jazz 3 (GK) in 2015 – 2017.
Disadvantages of the Honda L15A engine
- The power units of this series are considered very reliable and have no weaknesses;
- However, the dense engine compartment layout seriously complicates the maintenance of the motor;
- i-DSI owners often forget to change all eight spark plugs;
- Excessive use of spark plugs destroys expensive ignition coils;
- There are no hydraulic lifters here and valve clearances need to be adjusted every 50,000 km.
L15A Engine Repair Parts List
| Full name of the part | Part code |
| Valve cap inlet Honda color code “white” (12210-P45-G01) Elring (Inlet 5,5 x 11/13×10 /ACM PR color code “white”) | 130.560 |
| Oil scraper cap (exhaust. 5,5 x 11/13×10 HONDA /ACM. Black spring) | 130.860 |
| Valve stem seals (130.860+130.560) (set 16 things (130.860+130.560) Black spring = exhaust, White spring = inlet) | 084.300 |
| Basic liners Honda L13A/L15A/LDA (13328-PWA-004/3) Taiho | M468A STD |
| Connecting rod bushings Honda L13A/L15A/LDA (13281-PWA-004/3) Taiho | R468A STD |
| Semi-rings persistent Honda B16A Taiho (change to T468A) | T461A-STD |
| Semi-rings persistent Honda L13A/L15A/LDA (13331-PR3-004/3) Taiho (= T461A) | T468A-STD |
| Oil filter Ford/Honda h=87.0 d=66.0 Champion (change to COF102126S) | F126 /606 |
| Stop light 12V 21/5W W3x16Q, four pin (for Japanese) (Osram 7515, Philips 12066) Monark (12 V 21/5W W3x16q 7515) | 091 612 154 |
| Stop light 12V W5W 2,1×9,5D (Osram 2825, Philips 12961) Monark (12V 5W W2,1 x 9,5d) | 091 712 033 |
| Mini fuses set 6 things (5A-15A) Monark (FK1-MINI 6ST/PC) | 099 837 975 |
Frequently asked questions about the Honda L15A
How much power does the Honda L15A make?
Power output of the Honda L15A, hp: 90 (L15A2 i-DSI 8v); 110 (L15A1 VTEC 16v); 120 (L15A7 i-VTEC 16v). Torque, Nm: 131 (L15A2 i-DSI 8v); 143 (L15A1 VTEC 16v); 145 (L15A7 i-VTEC 16v).
How much oil does the Honda L15A take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.6 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Honda L15A have a timing belt or chain?
The Honda L15A uses a timing chain.
Is the Honda L15A turbocharged?
No, the Honda L15A is naturally aspirated.
Does the Honda L15A need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Honda L15A last?
The typical lifespan of the Honda L15A is ~275 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Honda L15A?
Honda Jazz 2012: city 7.2, highway 4.9, combined 5.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Honda L15A installed on?
Honda City 4 (GD) in 2002 - 2008, City 5 (GM) in 2008 - 2014, City 6 (GM4) in 2014 - 2017; Honda Freed 1 (GB) in 2008 - 2016; Honda Fit 1 (GD) in 2001 - 2007, Fit 2 (GE) in 2007 - 2014, Fit 3 (GP) in 2013 - 2017; Honda Jazz 1 (GD) in 2002 - 2008, Jazz 2 (GG) in 2008 - 2015, Jazz 3 (GK) in 2015 - 2017.
What are the common problems of the Honda L15A?
The power units of this series are considered very reliable and have no weaknesses. However, the dense engine compartment layout seriously complicates the maintenance of the motor. All known problems.
