🔧 Engine Oil & Oil Filter - Oil Change

Your Sierra uses a spin-on oil filter and a standard drain-and-fill oil service. This job is straightforward if you work safely, keep the truck level, and use the correct oil spec and drain plug torque.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a cool engine so you do not burn yourself on hot oil or exhaust parts.
• Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Support the truck with jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Oil is slippery and toxic to skin and eyes. Wear gloves and safety glasses.
• Use the correct oil only: SAE 0W-20 full synthetic dexos1-approved oil.
• No battery disconnect is required for this service.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Oil filter wrench
• Oil drain pan
• Funnel
• Torque wrench
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Shop towels
• Oil filter drain tool (specialty)

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and let the engine cool for at least 30 minutes.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Raise the front of the truck only enough to access the drain plug and filter.
• Have the new oil ready before removing the drain plug.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the truck

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the truck at the proper lift point.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Double-check stability before going underneath.

Step 2: Drain the old oil

• Place the oil drain pan under the drain plug.
• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the drain plug.
• Let the oil drain fully for several minutes.
• Replace the drain plug washer with a new one.
• Reinstall the drain plug and Torque to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
• Do not overtighten the drain plug.

Step 3: Remove the oil filter

• Move the drain pan under the oil filter area.
• Use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old filter.
• Let the remaining oil drain into the pan.
• Make sure the old filter gasket came off with the filter.

Step 4: Install the new oil filter

• Lightly coat the new filter gasket with clean engine oil.
• Spin the new oil filter on by hand until the gasket contacts the mounting surface.
• Tighten the filter by hand an additional 3/4 turn.
• Hand-tight is enough.

Step 5: Add new oil

• Lower the truck back to level ground.
• Remove the oil fill cap and insert a funnel.
• Add about 7.5 quarts of SAE 0W-20 full synthetic dexos1-approved oil first.
• Install the fill cap, then start the engine for 30 seconds.
• Shut the engine off and wait 5 minutes.

Step 6: Final oil level check

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

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle while watching for leaks.
• Confirm the oil pressure warning light goes out.
• Reset the oil life monitor through the instrument cluster menu if needed.
• Recheck the oil level after a short test drive and top off if needed.
• Recycle the used oil and filter at a proper waste center.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $55-$95 (parts only)

You Save: $65-$125 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.7-1.0 hours.

---

🎯 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.