🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the engine oil and filter helps protect the engine from wear and keeps oil pressure and flow where they should be. On your Sierra, this is a straightforward service as long as you use the correct oil and replace the filter every time.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 30-60 minutes

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and set the parking brake before lifting the truck.
• Let the engine cool before draining oil. Hot oil can burn skin.
• Use jack stands anytime you raise the truck. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Keep the vehicle in Park and chock the wheels if the front end is lifted.
• Used oil is hazardous. Clean spills right away and recycle the oil properly.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Drain pan
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Oil filter wrench
• Torque wrench
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-30 dexos-approved synthetic) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Shut the engine off and let it cool for several minutes.
• Raise the front of the truck only if needed for access.
• Place jack stands under the frame before crawling under the truck.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm the oil slightly

• Start the engine and let it run for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off.
• Warm oil drains faster.

Step 2: Raise and secure the truck

• Use the floor jack to raise the front of the truck if needed.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Install wheel chocks at the rear wheels.

Step 3: Remove the oil drain plug

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan.
• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Replace the drain plug gasket with a new one.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the filter.
• Use the oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the filter.
• Make sure the old filter gasket came off with the filter.
• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh oil.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Spin the new oil filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the base.
• Then tighten it by hand 3/4 turn more.
• Do not over-tighten the filter.

Step 6: Reinstall the drain plug

• Install the drain plug by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 15mm socket and torque wrench to tighten it.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Add the new oil

• Lower the truck to level ground if it is safely supported.
• Open the oil fill cap and use a funnel to add about 4.5 quarts first.
• Wait a minute, then check the dipstick and add oil in small amounts until the level is near the full mark.
• Use only SAE 5W-30 dexos-approved synthetic.

Step 8: Check for leaks and verify level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Check under the truck for leaks at the drain plug and filter.
• Shut the engine off, wait 5 minutes, then recheck the dipstick and top off if needed.

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✅ After Repair

• Confirm the oil level stays between the add and full marks.
• Inspect again after your first short drive.
• Reset the oil life monitor if equipped: Driver Information Center > Oil Life > Reset.
• Recycle the used oil and filter at a proper collection point.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70-$130 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $35-$70 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.