How To Change the Oil In My GMC Sierra 1500?

Performing routine maintenance on your GMC Sierra can help it run at its peak and avoid costly repairs. Perhaps no single maintenance item is more critical to efficiency and longevity than oil changes.

At Hiley Buick GMC of Fort Worth, many of our customers perform routine maintenance at home in their garages. We love DIYers and want to help. So we created this step-by-step tutorial to change the oil in your GMC Sierra 1500 so you can ensure it gets done right.

Gather Your Tools, Parts, and Materials

2024 GMC Sierra

Having all the tools, parts, and materials ready before you start will help the process go smoothly and quickly. Have your replacement oil and oil filter prepared. You’ll need a socket wrench to remove the drain plug and a unique oil filter tool to get the filter off.

You won’t need a jack if you have a creeper and the space to slide underneath your Sierra 1500. However, most people prefer the added workspace when raising their truck. Your Sierra likely has a hand jack, but if you have a hydraulic jack, this will make the job easier. We also recommend using jack stands for a more stable and safer environment.

You’ll need a drain pan to catch the oil and a funnel to add new oil. We suggest wearing nitrile gloves, but they aren’t strictly necessary if you don’t mind a little mess. Clean rags, sawdust, and a broom will help clean any spills. You can also spread cardboard beneath your truck for additional protection.

Prepare Your Vehicle

You’ll want to warm up your engine to heat the oil, which helps it drain faster and more completely. Running the engine for two to three minutes should do the trick. Make sure to park on a level surface. If you park at an angle, the oil will pool inside the engine and won’t drain.

Put the engine in park, turn it off, and engage your parking brake. You only need to raise the front axle to change the oil. Whether or not you use jack stands, we recommend that you chock the rear wheels to prevent your truck from potentially rolling off the stands.

We also suggest putting a spare tire beneath the axle as a safety measure should the jack or stands fail. The tire will catch the truck before it can land on you.

Drain the Old Oil

Place the oil pan beneath the drain plug, and unscrew the drain plug using your socket wrench. Be careful when removing the plug, as the oil will be hot. Most oil drain pans have a screen that catches the plug when removed, which will help prevent you from burning yourself and having to fish around in the old oil to recover the plug.

Most of the oil will drain pretty quickly. However, you’ll want to give it time to drain completely. While this is happening, proceed to the next step.

Replace the Oil Filter

The oil filter is located slightly higher up on the engine. You’ll need the special filter wrench to remove the filter. You can choose from various styles, so get one you feel comfortable with. Remember that there will also be oil in the filter, so take care to avoid a spill.

If the filter wrench breaks or doesn’t fit properly, a good hack is to pierce the filter with a screwdriver and use it to twist off the filter. We don’t recommend this unless necessary, as it will be messy.

Once removed, dab a little fresh oil on the new oil filter’s rubber gasket. The oil will provide a good seal. Tighten the new filter, but don’t overtighten, as this could damage the new filter. At this stage, your old oil has probably finished draining. You can install the drain plug and move to the next step.

Add Fresh Oil

You’ll want to ensure that you have the correct oil and the right amount of it. Check your owners manual for this information. If you’ve misplaced your manual, you can always call our parts department, and we’ll look it up.

Open the oil cap at the top of your engine, and put the funnel inside. Pour the oil in until you’ve added the right amount. You can now remove the funnel and replace the oil cap.

Check the Oil Level

After adding the new oil, check the oil level. You want to make sure that the oil falls within the recommended range. It could be that you misread the quantity, or perhaps the plug or filter has a leak.

Dispose of Old Oil and the Old Filter

Congratulations, you’ve successfully changed your engine oil. However, you aren’t done yet. Now you need to dispose of the old oil. We recommend pouring the old oil into the empty quart containers for easy transport.

You have several options, depending on your community recycling programs. Some have curbside pickup, and others have regional stations. In addition to community programs, many auto parts stores will accept your old oil.

Reset the Oil Change Indicator

Resetting the oil change indicator resets the clock when your Sierra 1500 needs another oil change. The method varies by model year. GMC trucks older than 2006 require you to turn the key to the accessory position and press the accelerator to the floor completely three times. The oil light will flash and turn off.

Newer GMC trucks with vehicle information centers require you to push the VIC button repeatedly to scroll through the systems until you come to the oil life system. Then, hold the check button for up to 10 seconds until the oil life reads 100%.

Change Your GMC Sierra 1500’s Oil Today

You don’t have to be a certified technician to change the oil in your Sierra 1500. Assemble the right parts, tools, and materials before you begin. Then, drain the oil, replace the oil filter, and return the drain plug before refilling with fresh oil. And don’t forget to reset the oil change indicator. Nevertheless, home maintenance isn’t for everyone. If you’d rather leave your oil change service in the hands of the professionals, contact our service department, or schedule service online. However it happens, changing your engine oil will improve performance and extend the life of your Sierra.