🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Your Sierra uses a spin-on oil filter and a standard drain-and-fill service. Change the oil and filter together so the old oil, dirt, and wear debris are removed at the same time.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool enough to avoid burns from hot oil and exhaust parts.
• Use jack stands if you need to raise the truck. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Keep the engine off while draining and filling oil.
• Dispose of used oil and filter properly at a recycling center.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-30 synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and engage the parking brake.
• Gather all tools and parts before starting.
• If the truck is warm, let it sit briefly so the oil drains safely.
• Reset the oil life monitor after the service is complete.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise the truck safely

• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front if you need more room under the engine.
• Place the truck securely on jack stands.
• Never work under a truck supported only by a jack.

Step 2: Remove the oil fill cap

• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap by hand.
• This helps the oil drain faster.

Step 3: Drain the old oil

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

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter.
• Use the oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the filter.
• Make sure the old filter gasket comes off with the filter.
• Wipe the mounting surface clean with a shop rag.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh engine oil.
• Spin on the new oil filter by hand until the gasket contacts the base.
• Then tighten it by hand an additional 3/4 turn.
• Do not over-tighten the filter.

Step 6: Reinstall the drain plug

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

Step 7: Add new engine oil

• Place a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Add about 5.5 quarts of engine oil (5W-30 synthetic) first.
• Install the oil cap.
• Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds.
• Shut it off and wait 5 minutes for the oil to settle.
• Check the dipstick and top off as needed until the level is in the safe range.

Step 8: Check for leaks

• Look under the truck for oil leaks at the drain plug and filter.
• If you see any dripping, shut the engine off and correct it before driving.

Step 9: Reset the oil life monitor

• Turn the ignition on without starting the engine.
• Use the vehicle information controls to find the oil life display.
• Follow the on-screen prompt to reset oil life to 100%.

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✅ After Repair

• Check the oil level again after the first short drive.
• Confirm there are no leaks after the engine reaches operating temperature.
• Record the mileage and date of the oil change.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $80-$140 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$70 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$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.