🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Your Equinox uses a cartridge-style oil filter and a drain plug service. Replacing both together keeps the new oil clean and helps the engine stay protected. This is a straightforward first-time DIY job if you work slowly and keep everything clean.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a cool or mildly warm engine to avoid burns from hot oil and exhaust parts.
• Support the vehicle securely with jack stands before going underneath. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Keep the engine off during service and do not start it until the drain plug and filter are fully installed.
• Use caution around the front undertray and hot oil that may drain quickly.
• No battery disconnect is required for this service.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Oil filter cap socket (specialty)
• Oil drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Funnel
• Clean shop rags
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (dexos1 full synthetic 5W-30) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug gasket/crush washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Put wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Let the engine cool enough to touch nearby parts safely.
• If your Equinox is due for service reminder reset, plan to reset the oil life after the change.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the front of the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the Equinox at the proper front jacking point.
• Place jack stands under solid support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Shake the vehicle gently to confirm it is stable before going underneath.

Step 2: Remove the lower engine access cover if equipped

• Use the 15mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to remove the fasteners holding the lower cover.
• Set the cover and fasteners aside in a safe place.

Step 3: Drain the old oil

• Place the oil drain pan under the oil pan drain plug.
• Use the 15mm socket and 3/8-inch drive ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain completely.
• Install a new drain plug gasket/crush washer if equipped.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 4: Replace the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter housing.
• Use the oil filter cap socket (specialty) to remove the filter cap.
• Pull out the old filter cartridge and remove the old O-rings from the cap.
• Install the new filter cartridge and new O-rings from the filter kit.
• Lightly coat the new O-rings with clean engine oil.
• Reinstall the cap and Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Keep the O-rings from twisting.

Step 5: Refill with fresh oil

• Lower the vehicle enough to access the filler cap safely, or keep it level if you can reach it.
• Remove the oil filler cap.
• Use the funnel to add about 5.5 quarts of engine oil (dexos1 full synthetic 5W-30).
• Install the filler cap.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds, then shut it off.
• Wait 5 minutes, then check the dipstick and top off as needed to reach the full mark.

Step 6: Reinstall covers and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the lower engine access cover using the removed fasteners.
• Use the floor jack to raise the vehicle slightly, remove the jack stands, and lower it to the ground.

Step 7: Reset the oil life monitor

• Turn the ignition on without starting the engine.
• Use the steering wheel buttons to open the driver information display.
• Go to Vehicle Information > Oil Life.
• Press and hold the Set/Reset or confirm button until the oil life resets to 100%.

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✅ After Repair

• Check under the vehicle for oil leaks around the drain plug and filter.
• Confirm the oil level again after a short drive and a 5-minute shutdown.
• Verify the oil life indicator reset to 100%.
• Dispose of used oil and filter at a recycling center or auto parts store.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $110-$180 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$75 (parts only)

You Save: $65-$105 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. 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.