🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

On your Sierra, this service means draining the old oil, replacing the oil filter, and refilling with the correct amount of fresh oil. Doing it on time helps protect the engine, keep oil pressure normal, and avoid sludge buildup.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and set the parking brake before raising the truck.
• Let the engine cool so the oil and exhaust components are not too hot.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on a hydraulic jack alone.
• Keep clear of hot oil when removing the drain plug and filter.
• Dispose of used oil and filter properly at a recycling center.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 15mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• Oil filter wrench
• Drain pan
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Torque wrench
• Funnel
• Shop towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 synthetic dexos1-approved) - Qty: 8 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Drain plug seal washer - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and turn the engine off.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks at the rear wheels.
• If the engine is warm, wait until it is cool enough to handle safely.
• Have the new filter and oil ready before draining.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the truck

• Use the floor jack to raise the front of the truck enough to work under it.
• Place the jack stands under the proper front lift points.
• Lower the truck onto the stands and shake it lightly to confirm it is stable.
• Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

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

• Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap by hand.
• Use the oil filter wrench to loosen the oil filter slightly, but do not remove it yet.
• Loosening the filter first helps it drain faster later.

Step 3: Drain the old oil

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

Step 4: Remove and replace the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the filter area.
• Use the oil filter wrench to remove the old filter.
• Check that the old filter gasket came off with the filter.
• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with clean engine oil.
• Spin the new oil filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the base, then tighten per the filter instructions.
• Do not use the wrench to overtighten.

Step 5: Refill the engine with oil

• Use the funnel to add about 7.5 quarts of engine oil (0W-20 synthetic dexos1-approved).
• Install the oil fill cap.
• Start the engine and let it idle for 30-60 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.

Step 6: Check the oil level

• Use the dipstick to check the oil level.
• Add oil in small amounts until the level reaches the full mark.
• Total capacity is typically about 8 quarts with filter, but always finish by the dipstick.
• Check under the truck for leaks around the drain plug and filter.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine again and confirm the oil pressure light goes out quickly.
• Check for any oil leaks after a short idle and again after a short test drive.
• Reset the oil life monitor through the truck’s driver information center if needed.
• Recheck the dipstick after the truck sits for a few minutes.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$220 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $45-$90 (parts only)

You Save: $75-$130 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.