🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

This service replaces the old oil and the oil filter so the engine stays clean and properly lubricated. On your Sierra, it’s a straightforward job if you can safely raise the truck and reach the filter from underneath.

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 before lifting the vehicle.
• Let the engine cool down first. Hot oil and exhaust parts can burn you.
• Use jack stands after lifting. Do not rely on the floor jack alone.
• Be careful around the front skid area and oil drain stream. Oil can splash.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Oil filter wrench (specialty)
• Oil drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Funnel
• Torque wrench
• Shop towels
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 8 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug seal washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Put wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Run the engine for a few minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Raise the front of the truck and support it securely with jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the oil fill cap

• Use your hand to remove the oil fill cap on top of the engine.
• Letting air in helps oil drain faster.

Step 2: Drain the engine oil

• Place the oil drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Reinstall the drain plug with a new seal washer, then tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 3: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the filter.
• Use the oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the oil filter.
• Make sure the old filter gasket comes off with the filter. If the gasket stays stuck, remove it by hand.
• A stuck gasket can cause leaks.

Step 4: Install the new oil filter

• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh engine oil.
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches.
• Tighten the filter an additional 3/4 turn by hand.
• Do not overtighten.

Step 5: Add new engine oil

• Place a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Use the new engine oil to add about 7.5 quarts first.
• Install the oil fill cap.

Step 6: Start and check for leaks

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds.
• Look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes.

Step 7: Set the final oil level

• Check the oil level with the dipstick.
• Add oil a little at a time until the level reaches the full mark.
• Total capacity is about 8 quarts with filter change, but verify by dipstick.

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✅ After Repair

• Check the oil level again after a short drive and top off if needed.
• Inspect underneath for any seepage from the drain plug or filter.
• Reset the oil life monitor if equipped through the driver information center.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter properly at a recycling center or auto parts store.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $110-$180 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$85 (parts only)

You Save: $65-$95 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.0 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.