🔧 Ascent - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

You’ll drain the old engine oil, replace the crush washer, swap the oil filter, then refill with the correct oil. This keeps the turbo engine lubricated and helps prevent sludge, wear, and low-oil-pressure issues.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface; support the Ascent with jack stands—never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be hot; wear gloves and let it cool if needed.
• ⚠️ Keep oil off the exhaust and belts; wipe spills immediately.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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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
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Drain pan (10-quart minimum)
• Funnel
• Socket wrench
• 17mm socket
• Torque wrench (10-80 ft-lbs range)
• Trim clip tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Engine oil filter - Qty: 1
• Oil drain plug crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to P, and set the parking brake.
• Warm the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off. Warm oil drains faster.
• Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap to help the crankcase vent while draining.
• If you lift the front: place wheel chocks at the rear wheels, then lift with a floor jack and support with jack stands at the proper lift points.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the lower engine cover (undertray)

• Slide the drain pan (10-quart minimum) under the front of the engine.
• Use a trim clip tool and/or flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic clips.
• Use a socket wrench with a 10mm socket (if equipped) to remove any small bolts, then lower the cover.
• Trim clips pop out—don’t pry too hard.

Step 2: Drain the engine oil

• Locate the oil drain plug at the bottom of the oil pan.
• Use a socket wrench with a 17mm socket to loosen the drain plug, then finish removing it by hand.
• Let the oil drain until it slows to an occasional drip (usually 5-10 minutes).
• Remove the old crush washer (a soft metal sealing ring) from the drain plug and install a new one.

Step 3: Reinstall the drain plug

• Thread the drain plug in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten with a torque wrench (10-80 ft-lbs range) and 17mm socket: Torque to 42 Nm (31 ft-lbs).
• Wipe the area clean with shop rags.

Step 4: Replace the oil filter (top-mounted)

• From the top of the engine bay, locate the oil filter near the oil fill area.
• Place shop rags under the filter area to catch drips.
• Remove the old filter by hand (turn counterclockwise). If it’s tight, use extra grip with nitrile gloves and steady pressure.
• Put a thin film of fresh oil on the new filter’s rubber gasket (use your finger).
• Install the new filter by hand until the gasket touches, then tighten an additional 3/4 turn by hand. Do not use a wrench to tighten.

Step 5: Reinstall the undertray

• Reposition the cover and reinstall clips using the trim clip tool.
• If your cover uses bolts, install them with a 10mm socket and socket wrench snug (do not over-tighten into plastic).

Step 6: Refill with new oil

• Insert a funnel into the oil fill.
• Pour in 0W-20 full synthetic oil.
• Start by adding about 4.5 quarts, then you’ll top off after checking the dipstick.
• Reinstall the oil filler cap.

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

• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 2-3 minutes for oil to drain back to the pan.
• Check underneath for leaks at the drain plug area.
• Use the dipstick to confirm the oil level is near the full mark; add oil through the funnel as needed.
• Don’t overfill—add in small amounts.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck the oil level the next morning (cold engine) and top off if needed.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter at a recycling center or parts store.
• If your Ascent shows a maintenance reminder, reset it:
  • Try infotainment: Home > Settings > Vehicle > Maintenance (reset Engine Oil).
  • Or in the gauge display settings: Settings > Maintenance (reset 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 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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