🔧 Suburban - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

You’ll drain the old engine oil, replace the oil filter, and refill with the correct amount of fresh oil. This keeps your engine protected from wear and helps prevent sludge and low-oil-pressure issues.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.8-1.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and support the Suburban with jack stands before going under it.
• ⚠️ Let the exhaust and oil pan cool slightly; warm oil drains better but can burn you.
• ⚠️ Wear gloves and safety glasses; oil can splash when the drain plug comes out.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the serpentine belt and electrical connectors.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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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
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• Torque wrench (3/8" drive, 10-100 ft-lbs range)
• Oil filter wrench
• Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
• Funnel
• Shop rags
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-30, meets GM6094M or better) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug gasket - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Warm the engine for 2–3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap to help the crankcase vent while draining.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the front (if needed)

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front at a safe jacking point.
• Set the frame down onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Shake-test the vehicle gently to confirm it’s stable before going under.

Step 2: Drain the old engine oil

• Slide a drain pan (10-quart minimum) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug.
• Finish removing the plug by hand (push inward slightly, then pull away quickly) to reduce splashing.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (typically 5–10 minutes).

Step 3: Reinstall the drain plug

• Wipe the oil pan sealing surface with shop rags.
• Install a new oil drain plug gasket (if equipped/required) and thread the plug in by hand first.
• Use a torque wrench with a 15mm socket: Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the old oil filter

• Move the drain pan (10-quart minimum) under the oil filter area (oil will spill when the filter comes off).
• Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter, then spin it off by hand.
• Make sure the old rubber gasket came off with the filter (a stuck gasket can cause a leak).

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Wipe the engine’s filter mounting surface with shop rags.
• Put a thin film of fresh oil on the new filter’s rubber gasket using a gloved finger.
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten 3/4 turn by hand.
• If you’re using a cap-style tool and torque wrench: Torque to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Refill with new oil

• Place a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Pour in Engine oil (5W-30) - start with about 5.5 quarts, then pause.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.

Step 7: Start, check for leaks, and set the oil level

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30–60 seconds.
• Look underneath for leaks at the drain plug and oil filter.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes for oil to drain back into the pan.
• Check the dipstick, then add oil as needed to reach the full mark (total is typically about 6 quarts with filter).

Step 8: Reset the oil life monitor

• Key on (engine off). Use either method below:
• Pedal method: Fully press and release the accelerator pedal 3 times within 5 seconds.
• DIC method (if equipped): Use steering wheel buttons to reach the oil life screen, then hold SET/RESET until it resets to 100%.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck underneath after your first short drive for any seepage at the drain plug or filter.
• Verify the dipstick level again the next morning on level ground.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center or parts store that accepts oil.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90-$160 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $55-$90 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?

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