🔧 Traverse - Engine Oil & Oil Filter Change

You’ll drain the old engine oil, replace the oil filter element, then refill with the correct dexos-approved oil. This keeps your Traverse’s 3.6L properly lubricated and helps the engine last longer.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a level surface and support the vehicle with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Engine oil can be hot; let the engine cool 15-30 minutes to avoid burns.
• ⚠️ Keep the area ventilated and clean up spills immediately to prevent slipping.
• ⚠️ Do not get under the vehicle supported only by a jack.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Drain pan (8-quart minimum)
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• 10mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension (6")
• 15mm socket
• 24mm socket
• Torque wrench (3/8" drive)
• Trim clip removal tool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic, dexos1 approved) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter (cartridge element for 3.6L) - Qty: 1
• Oil filter housing cap O-ring (usually included with filter) - Qty: 1
• Drain plug gasket/washer (if equipped) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🧰 Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• 🧰 Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
• 🧰 If you lift the front, raise at the front center jack point and place jack stands at the front pinch welds/subframe lift points.
• 🧰 Gather everything first so you’re not climbing in/out while it’s on stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Warm the oil slightly

• Start the engine for 2-3 minutes, then shut it off.
• Warm oil drains faster and more completely.

Step 2: Lift and support the front (if needed)

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front.
• Set the vehicle onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) and give the vehicle a gentle push to confirm it’s stable.

Step 3: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Use a 10mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to remove the shield bolts.
• Use a trim clip removal tool to pop any plastic push-clips without breaking them.
• Set the shield and hardware aside in a small pile so nothing gets lost.

Step 4: Drain the engine oil

• Place the drain pan (8-quart minimum) under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to loosen the drain plug, then finish by hand.
• Let the oil drain until it becomes a slow drip (usually 5-10 minutes).
• Wipe the drain plug area with shop towels.
• Reinstall the drain plug by hand first (to avoid cross-threading), then tighten with a torque wrench (3/8" drive).
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs)

Step 5: Replace the oil filter (cartridge style)

• Open the hood and locate the oil filter housing cap on top of the engine.
• Place shop towels around the housing to catch drips.
• Use a 24mm socket, 3/8" drive ratchet, and 3/8" drive extension (6") to loosen the housing cap.
• Pull the cap up; remove the old filter element from the cap (it snaps/pulls off).
• Replace the cap O-ring with the new one (lightly coat it with fresh oil first).
• Install the new filter element onto the cap, then reinstall the cap by hand until seated.
• Tighten the cap using a torque wrench (3/8" drive).
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs)
• Hand-start the cap to avoid stripping.

Step 6: Reinstall the splash shield (if removed)

• Reposition the shield and start all fasteners by hand.
• Use a 10mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet to snug the bolts.
• Reinstall any push-clips using the trim clip removal tool to align them, then press them in.

Step 7: Refill with oil

• Remove the oil fill cap and insert a funnel.
• Add 0W-20 full synthetic, dexos1 approved oil: start with about 5.5 quarts.
• Reinstall the oil fill cap.

Step 8: Start, check for leaks, then set final level

• Start the engine and let it idle 30-60 seconds.
• Check underneath for leaks at the drain plug and (under the hood) around the filter housing cap.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes for oil to settle.
• Check the dipstick and top off slowly until it reaches the proper mark (usually ends up near 6 quarts total).
• Use shop towels to wipe the dipstick clean between checks.

Step 9: Reset the Oil Life Monitor

• Turn ignition ON (engine OFF).
• Use the steering wheel controls to open the Driver Information Center.
• Navigate to the Oil Life screen, then press and hold the check-mark/OK button to reset.
• Menu path varies, commonly: Info > Oil Life > Hold OK to Reset

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Recheck for leaks after your first short drive.
• 🧪 Verify the oil level again after the engine is fully warm, then off for 5 minutes.
• 🧪 Dispose of used oil and the filter properly (most parts stores/service stations accept used oil).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: ₹5,000-₹10,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: ₹2,500-₹6,000 (parts only)

You Save: ₹2,500-₹4,000 by doing it yourself!

Local labor rates vary; many shops charge per job. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.2 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.