🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

This service replaces the old engine oil and filter with fresh oil to protect the engine and keep it running smoothly. On your Equinox, the oil filter is a cartridge-style filter housed on top of the engine, so the job is cleaner than a spin-on filter but needs careful sealing.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a cool engine. Hot oil and exhaust parts can burn you.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands if you raise it. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Use eye protection and gloves. Used oil can splash unexpectedly.
• Keep oil off the accessory belt and drive belt area.
• Dispose of used oil and filter at a proper recycling center.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• Oil filter cap socket (32mm)
• Ratchet
• Extension bar
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Torque wrench
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Clean shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-30 dexos-approved synthetic) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Oil filter cartridge - Qty: 1
• Oil filter cap O-ring set - Qty: 1
• Drain plug seal - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool until it is safe to touch.
• Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap to help oil drain faster.
• Place the transmission in Park.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper front jack point.
• Place jack stands under the support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Use wheel chocks at the rear wheels.

Step 2: Remove the drain plug

• Position the drain pan under the oil pan.
• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain fully. This can take several minutes.
• Tip: Warm oil drains faster.

Step 3: Replace the oil filter cartridge

• Open the hood and locate the oil filter housing on top of the engine.
• Use the 32mm oil filter cap socket and ratchet to remove the filter cap.
• Remove the old cartridge filter from the cap.
• Replace the old O-rings with the new ones from the oil filter cap O-ring set.
• Lightly coat the new O-rings with clean engine oil before reinstalling.
• Install the new oil filter cartridge into the cap.
• Tighten the filter cap to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Reinstall the drain plug

• Clean the drain plug area with a shop towel.
• Install the drain plug with the new drain plug seal.
• Use a 15mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the drain plug to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Refill the engine with oil

• Lower the vehicle back to level ground.
• Use a funnel to add about 4.5 quarts of engine oil (5W-30 dexos-approved synthetic) through the oil fill cap.
• Install the oil fill cap.
• Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes.

Step 6: Check oil level and leaks

• Use the dipstick to check the oil level.
• Add oil in small amounts until the level reaches the full mark.
• Inspect the drain plug and filter housing for leaks.
• Total capacity is typically about 5 quarts with filter change.

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✅ After Repair

• Reset the oil life monitor using the vehicle information menu if equipped.
• Recheck the oil level after a short drive.
• Look under the vehicle again for leaks.
• Record the mileage and date for your next oil change.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $70-$140 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $35-$70 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.8-1.0 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.