🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Replacement

This service drains the old oil, replaces the spin-on or cartridge-style filter assembly, and refills the engine with the correct amount of fresh oil. On your Equinox, clean oil is critical for turbocharger life and proper engine protection.

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 before draining oil so you do not burn yourself.
• Use jack stands any time the vehicle is raised. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• The oil and engine parts may be hot after driving.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center.
• No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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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
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Oil filter wrench
• Oil drain pan
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-30 full synthetic, dexos1-approved) - Qty: 6 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.
• Gather all tools and parts before you start.
• If the engine is warm, let it sit until safe to touch.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap before draining to help oil flow out faster.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Set wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Never crawl under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

Step 2: Drain the old oil

• Place the oil drain pan under the engine oil pan drain plug.
• Use the 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain fully.
• Install a new drain plug gasket on the plug.
• Reinstall the drain plug and tighten with a torque wrench to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 3: Remove the oil filter

• Move the oil drain pan under the filter area.
• Use the oil filter wrench to remove the old oil filter.
• Let any remaining oil drain into the pan.
• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh oil.
• Install the new oil filter by hand until the gasket seats, then tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) if it uses a cap-style housing.
• Do not overtighten the filter.

Step 4: Refill with new oil

• Lower the vehicle if needed so it sits level.
• Use the funnel to add about 5.5 quarts of engine oil (5W-30 full synthetic, dexos1-approved).
• Install the oil fill cap.
• Start with less than the full amount so you can fine-tune the level.

Step 5: Check for leaks and set the final level

• Start the engine and let it run for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes.
• Check underneath for leaks at the drain plug and filter.
• Use the dipstick to verify the oil level.
• Add oil in small amounts until the level reaches the full mark. Total capacity is approximately 5.7 quarts with filter.

Step 6: Reset the oil life monitor

• Turn the ignition on without starting the engine.
• Use the driver information display controls to find Oil Life.
• Press and hold the reset control until the oil life resets to 100%.
• Menu wording can vary slightly by display setup.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck the oil level after one short drive.
• Inspect the drain plug and filter again for leaks.
• Confirm the oil life monitor shows 100%.
• Keep the receipt and mileage for your maintenance record.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$170 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $55-$100 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 hours.

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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.