🔧 Engine Oil & Filter - Oil Change

Changing the oil and filter on your Sierra helps protect the engine, especially if the oil is dirty or overdue. This job is straightforward and a good first DIY repair if you have basic hand tools and a drain pan.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work only with the engine off and cool enough to touch.
• Use jack stands if you raise the truck; never rely on a jack alone.
• Keep hands clear of hot exhaust and oil that may still be warm.
• Have a drain pan ready before loosening the drain plug.
• Dispose of used oil and the old filter properly.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Drain pan
• Oil filter wrench
• Funnel
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop rags
• Torque wrench

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (5W-30 full synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug gasket - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool down before draining the oil.
• If the truck is lifted, support it securely on jack stands.
• Have the new oil and filter ready before opening the drain plug.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the truck

• Use a floor jack to raise the front of the truck if needed.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Chock the rear wheels with wheel chocks.
• Never work under a truck on a jack alone.

Step 2: Remove the oil fill cap and loosen the dipstick

• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap from the engine.
• Pull the dipstick up slightly to help the oil drain faster.
• This helps the crankcase vent while the oil drains.

Step 3: Drain the old oil

• Position the drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain fully.
• Install a new drain plug gasket if your plug uses one.
• Reinstall the drain plug with the 15mm socket.
• Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Remove the old oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter.
• Use an oil filter wrench to loosen the filter.
• Spin it off by hand and keep it upright to reduce spills.
• Check that the old filter gasket came off with the filter.

Step 5: Prepare and install the new oil filter

• Wipe the filter mounting surface clean with a shop rag.
• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with fresh engine oil.
• Spin on the new oil filter by hand until the gasket touches.
• Then tighten it another 3/4 turn by hand.
• Do not use a wrench to overtighten.

Step 6: Refill with fresh oil

• Place a funnel in the oil fill opening.
• Add about 5.5 quarts of 5W-30 full synthetic engine oil first.
• Install the fill cap.
• Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds.
• Shut it off and wait 5 minutes for the oil to settle.

Step 7: Check the oil level

• Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean with a shop rag, then reinsert it fully.
• Pull it back out and check the level.
• Add oil a little at a time with the funnel until it reaches the full mark.
• Total capacity is typically about 6 quarts with filter.

Step 8: Inspect for leaks

• Look under the truck for leaks at the drain plug and filter.
• If you see seepage, stop the engine and correct it before driving.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and verify the oil pressure light goes out quickly.
• Check the dipstick again after a short drive and top off if needed.
• Reset the oil life monitor if your dash shows one.
• Write down the mileage and date for your next oil change.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $85-$150 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $50-$80 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.

---

🎯 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.