🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Changing the engine oil and filter on your Sierra keeps the engine protected and helps it run clean. This service is straightforward if you have the right tools, fresh oil, and a new filter on hand.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a cool engine so you do not burn yourself on hot oil or exhaust parts.
• Support the truck securely with jack stands before going underneath. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels if the front of the truck is raised.
• Oil is slippery. Clean spills right away to avoid slipping.
• Used oil must be drained into a pan and recycled properly.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-30 dexos1 full 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 set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool until it is safe to touch.
• Raise the front of the truck only if needed for access, then support it with jack stands.
• Have the new filter and the correct oil ready before draining the old oil.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap

• Use your hand to remove the oil fill cap on the valve cover.
• This helps the oil drain faster.

Step 2: Raise and secure the truck

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the truck if you need more room.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Use wheel chocks at the rear wheels.

Step 3: Drain the old oil

• Place the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain fully.
• Install the drain plug with a new gasket and tighten with a torque wrench to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Do not overtighten the drain plug.

Step 4: Remove the old oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter.
• Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter.
• Spin it off by hand once it is loose.
• Check that the old filter gasket came off with the filter.

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Wipe the filter sealing surface clean with a shop towel.
• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh oil.
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches.
• Tighten it by hand an additional 3/4 turn.
• Hand-tight is enough.

Step 6: Add fresh engine oil

• Use a funnel to add about 5.5 quarts of 5W-30 dexos1 full synthetic first.
• Install the oil fill 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 add oil in small amounts until the level reaches the full mark.

Step 7: Check for leaks and lower the truck

• Look under the truck for any oil dripping from the drain plug or filter.
• If there are no leaks, raise the truck slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, and lower it to the ground.

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✅ After Repair

• Check the oil level again after a short drive and top off if needed.
• Make sure the oil pressure light goes out after starting.
• Reset the oil life monitor: Menu > Vehicle > Oil Life Remaining > Reset on the cluster or infotainment system if equipped.
• Dispose of the used oil and filter at a recycling center.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $35-$65 (parts only)

You Save: $45-$75 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.0 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.