🔧 Equinox - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

Changing your oil and oil filter keeps the 2.4L engine lubricated and helps prevent wear and sludge buildup. You’ll drain the old oil, replace the filter, then refill with the correct oil and reset the oil life monitor.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 45-75 minutes

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and set the parking brake.
• ⚠️ Let the engine cool 10-20 minutes; oil can burn you.
• ⚠️ Always support the SUV with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off belts/exhaust; wipe spills immediately.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required for this service.

---

🔧 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
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• Funnel
• 15mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 6" socket extension
• Oil filter wrench (adjustable band type)
• 10mm socket
• Flat trim clip removal tool
• Torque wrench (3/8" drive, 10-80 Nm range)
• Shop towels

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-30 full synthetic, dexos-approved) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug gasket - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap (this helps it drain smoothly).
• If you need more room, lift the front using a floor jack and support with jack stands at the proper lift points.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Slide the drain pan under the engine area.
• Use a 10mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to remove the small bolts holding the front/lower shield.
• Use a flat trim clip removal tool to pop out any plastic push-clips (a push-clip is a plastic fastener that “pops” in/out).
• Set the shield and fasteners aside where they won’t get lost.

Step 2: Drain the old engine oil

• Locate the oil drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan.
• Use a 15mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug.
• Finish removing the plug by hand, then quickly pull it away so oil flows into the drain pan.
• Let it drain for 5-10 minutes until it slows to an occasional drip.
• Clean the drain plug with shop towels and install a new oil drain plug gasket if your plug uses one.

Step 3: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a torque wrench with a 15mm socket to tighten the drain plug: Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Wipe the area clean with shop towels.

Step 4: Remove the oil filter

• Locate the oil filter (mounted low on the front/side of the engine).
• Position the drain pan under the filter area (oil will spill when the filter comes off).
• Use an oil filter wrench (adjustable band type) to loosen the filter, then spin it off by hand.
• Make sure the old rubber gasket comes off with the old filter (it sometimes sticks to the engine).

Step 5: Install the new oil filter

• Put a dab of fresh 5W-30 oil on your finger (use nitrile gloves) and lightly oil the new filter’s rubber gasket.
• Spin the new filter on by hand until the gasket touches the engine surface.
• Tighten an additional 3/4 turn by hand. Hand-tight is usually correct.
• Wipe any oil off surrounding parts with shop towels.

Step 6: Reinstall the splash shield (if removed)

• Reposition the shield.
• Reinstall push-clips using your hand and the flat trim clip removal tool as needed.
• Reinstall bolts using a 10mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet (snug, do not overtighten).

Step 7: Refill with fresh oil

• Place a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Pour in 4.5 quarts of SAE 5W-30 full synthetic, dexos-approved oil.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds, then shut it off.
• Wait 5 minutes, then check the dipstick and top off as needed (typical total with filter is about 5.0 quarts (4.7 L)).

---

✅ After Repair

• Check underneath for leaks around the drain plug and oil filter with a flashlight and safety glasses.
• Reset the oil life monitor:
  • Turn ignition to ON (engine off).
  • Use the steering wheel buttons to display oil life.
  • Press and hold SET/CLR until it resets to 100%.
• Recheck the dipstick after your first short drive and top off if needed.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center/parts store—do not pour it out.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $30-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $60-$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.

---

🎯 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.