🔧 Equinox - Engine Oil & Filter Change

You’ll be draining the old engine oil, replacing the oil filter, and refilling with fresh oil. This keeps the 3.6L engine lubricated, quiet, and protected from wear.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🔥 Only work on a cool or just-warm engine to avoid burns from hot oil.
• 🛞 Always support the Equinox with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• 🧤 Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect from hot oil and sharp edges.
• 🛢️ Used oil is hazardous waste; plan a proper disposal location (parts store or recycling center).
• 🔌 You do NOT need to disconnect the battery 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 (2-ton or higher, set of 2)
• Wheel chocks
• 15mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (ft-lb scale)
• Oil filter wrench (strap or cup type, specialty)
• Oil drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity)
• Funnel (medium size)
• Flathead screwdriver
• Shop rags or paper towels
• Latex or nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (SAE 5W-30, dexos1-approved, synthetic or synthetic blend) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Engine oil filter (spin-on, for 3.6L) - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug gasket - Qty: 1 (if your plug uses a separate washer)
• Shop towels - Qty: 1 pack

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park the Equinox on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Run the engine for 3–5 minutes, then shut it off so the oil is slightly warm and flows better.
• Gather all tools and parts so you don’t have to crawl out midway.
• Plan where you will take the used oil and filter for recycling.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and support the front of the Equinox

• Use the floor jack on the front center jacking point or one side pinch weld (behind the front wheel). The pinch weld is the reinforced seam under the rocker panel.
• Raise the front high enough for comfortable access under the engine.
• Place jack stands under the front pinch welds on both sides and slowly lower the vehicle onto them using the floor jack.
• Give the vehicle a firm shake to confirm it is stable.
• Never work under a car held only by a jack.

Step 2: Remove the lower engine cover (if equipped)

• Some Equinox models have a plastic splash shield under the engine.
• Use a flathead screwdriver to turn or pry loose the plastic clips or fasteners holding the cover.
• Set the cover and clips aside in order, so you remember where they go.

Step 3: Locate the drain plug and oil filter

• Slide the oil drain pan under the oil pan, near the rear of the engine oil pan.
• The drain plug is a metal bolt on the bottom or rear of the oil pan, usually needs a 15mm socket.
• The oil filter is a spin-on canister located toward the front or side of the engine from underneath.

Step 4: Remove the oil filler cap on top

• Open the hood and find the oil filler cap on top of the engine cover.
• Twist it off by hand and set it aside. This lets air in so oil drains faster.

Step 5: Drain the old engine oil

• Position the oil drain pan under the drain plug, slightly toward the direction you expect the oil stream to go.
• Use the 15mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to carefully loosen the drain plug counterclockwise.
• Finish removing the plug by hand while pushing it gently inward until the last thread, then pull it away quickly so oil drops into the pan.
• Let the oil drain completely; this can take 5–10 minutes.
• Wipe the drain plug and oil pan sealing surface with shop rags.

Step 6: Reinstall and torque the drain plug

• Install a new drain plug gasket if your plug uses a separate washer.
• Thread the drain plug back into the oil pan by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 15mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to snug the plug.
• Then use the torque wrench with the 15mm socket and tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Do not overtighten; the pan is aluminum.

Step 7: Remove the old oil filter

• Move the oil drain pan under the oil filter area; some oil will spill when it’s removed.
• Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the filter by turning it counterclockwise.
• Once loose, spin it off by hand and keep it upright to avoid spilling too much.
• Pour any oil from the old filter into the oil drain pan.
• Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine with shop rags.
• Make sure the old rubber gasket from the filter is not stuck to the engine. Only one gasket should be there.

Step 8: Install the new oil filter

• Take the new filter and lightly coat the rubber gasket on top with fresh engine oil using a gloved finger.
• Thread the new filter onto the engine mount by hand until the gasket just touches the mounting surface.
• Then tighten it an additional 3/4 turn by hand. If you need, give a slight snug with the oil filter wrench, but do not overtighten.
• Hand-tight plus a bit is enough.

Step 9: Reinstall the lower engine cover (if removed)

• Lift the plastic splash shield back into place under the engine.
• Reinstall the clips or fasteners using the flathead screwdriver where needed.

Step 10: Add fresh engine oil

• Place the funnel into the oil filler opening on top of the engine.
• Pour in about 5.5 quarts of 5W-30 dexos1-approved engine oil to start.
• Remove the funnel and reinstall the oil filler cap by hand.

Step 11: Start the engine and check for leaks

• Make sure the oil drain pan is out from under any moving parts.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30–60 seconds.
• While it runs, look underneath with a flashlight: check around the drain plug and oil filter for drips.
• If you see leaks, shut the engine off and carefully snug that connection (using the proper tool) just a bit more.

Step 12: Check the oil level and top up

• Shut the engine off and wait 3–5 minutes so the oil drains back into the pan.
• Pull out the dipstick, wipe it with a shop rag, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again.
• The oil level should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks, ideally near “MAX.”
• If low, use the funnel and add oil a little at a time (about 0.25 quart), rechecking until it’s correct. Total capacity is approximately 6.0 quarts with filter.

Step 13: Lower the Equinox and clean up

• Use the floor jack to lift the vehicle slightly, remove the jack stands, then lower it fully.
• Wipe any spilled oil, and pour used oil from the oil drain pan into a sealable container for recycling.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine again and confirm the oil pressure warning light turns off after a few seconds.
• Check for leaks one more time after a short drive.
• Recheck the oil level on the dipstick after your drive and adjust if needed.
• Reset your maintenance reminder if displayed (for many GM vehicles: turn key to ON, press the accelerator fully three times within 5 seconds, then turn key off and restart to confirm reset).
• Check your owner’s manual for the exact oil change interval.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $90–$150 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45–$75 (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 0.5–0.8 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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