Engine Oil Caterpillar Diesel Engine
See the Caterpillar® Operation & Maintenance Manual for information on oil quality and viscosities as well as the temperature range chart.
Engine Oil Gasoline Engine
If the low oil light appears on the instrument cluster, it means you need to check your engine oil level right away. For more information, see Low Oil Level Light .
You should check your engine oil level regularly; this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick is located in the engine compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle.
Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes to drain back into the oil pan. If you don't, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is at or below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, then you will need to add at least one quart of oil. But you must use the right kind. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications .
Notice: Do not add too much oil. If the engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range, the engine could be damaged.
The engine oil fill cap is located near the engine oil dipstick in the engine compartment, on the driver's side of the vehicle.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range in the cross-hatched area. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you are through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for two things:
| • | GM6094M |
| Your vehicle's engine requires oil meeting GM Standard GM6094M. You should look for and use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. |
| • | SAE 5W-30 |
| As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, if it is going to be 0°F (-18°C) or above and SAE 5W-30 is not available, you may use SAE 10W-30. |
| These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50. |
Oils meeting these requirements should also have the starburst symbol on the container. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
You should look for this information on the oil container, and use only those oils that are identified as meeting GM Standard GM6094M and have the starburst symbol on the front of the oil container.
Notice: Use only engine oil identified as meeting GM Standard GM6094M and showing the American Petroleum Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines starburst symbol. Failure to use the recommended oil can result in engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
GM Goodwrench® oil meets all the requirements for your vehicle.
If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20°F (-29°C), it is recommended that you use either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils with the API service symbol are all you will need for good performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil Life System)
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary. A change engine oil light will come on. Change your oil as soon as possible within the next two times you stop for fuel. It is possible that, if you are driving under the best conditions, the oil life system may not indicate that an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, your engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year and at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer has GM-trained service people who will perform this work using genuine GM parts and reset the system. It is also important to check your oil regularly and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must change your oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since your last oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Change Engine Oil Light
The GM Oil Life System calculates when to change your engine oil and filter based on vehicle use. Anytime your oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs where you change your oil prior to a change engine oil light being turned on, reset the system.
To reset the change engine oil light, do the following:
- Turn the ignition key to RUN with the engine off.
- Fully press and release the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds.
- Turn the key to OFF.
If the change engine oil light flashes for five seconds, the system is resetting.
If the change engine oil light comes back on when you start your vehicle, the engine oil life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a service station or a local recycling center for help.
Engine Oil DURAMAX Diesel
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil level every time you get fuel.
The engine oil dipstick is located in the engine compartment on the driver's side of the vehicle.
In order to get an accurate reading, the engine should be at normal operating temperature, so that the oil is warm, and the vehicle must be on level ground.
- If the engine is at normal operating temperature and the oil is warm, turn off the engine and allow at least five minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
- Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or a cloth, then push it back in all the way.
- Remove the dipstick again, keeping the tip down, and check the oil level.
If the engine has not been run long enough to bring it up to normal operating temperature and the oil is cool, turn off the engine and allow 30 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this, the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
6.6L V8 (LLY) Engine
7.8L L6 (LG4) Engine
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick for the 6.6L V8 (LLY) engine, you will need to add at least two quarts/liters of oil. If the oil is below the lower hole at the tip of the dipstick for the 7.8L L6 (LG4) engine, you will need to add at least one quart/liter of oil. But you must use the right kind. This section explains what kind of oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications .
Notice: Do not add too much oil. If the engine has so much oil that the oil level gets above the cross-hatched area for the 6.6L V8 (LLY) engine or above the upper hole that shows the proper operating range for the 7.8L L6 (LG4) engine, the engine could be damaged.
Add oil at the engine oil fill cap in the engine compartment. Install and fully tighten the fill cap when you are through.
Be sure to add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when you are through.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Look for these two things:
| • | CI-4 or CH-4 |
| Oils designated as API CI-4 or CH-4 are recommended for your vehicle. The CI-4 or CH-4 designations may appear either alone, together or in combination with other API designations, such as API CI-4/SL. |
| These letters show American Petroleum Institute (API) levels of quality. |
Notice: Use only engine oils that have one of these designations, CI-4 or CH-4, for the Duramax® diesel engine. Failure to use the recommended oils can result in engine damage not covered by your warranty.
| • | SAE 15W-40 |
| As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 15W-40 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W-30 at temperatures above 0°F (-18°C). When it is very cold, below 0°F (-18°C), you should use SAE 5W-40 to improve cold starting. |
| These numbers on the oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-40 or SAE 20W-50. |
This doughnut-shaped logo (symbol) is used on most oil containers to help you select the correct oil. It means that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute.
You should look for this on the oil container, and use only those oils that display this logo.
GM Goodwrench® oil of the recommended viscosity grades meets all the requirements for your vehicle.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to your oil. The recommended oils with the API service symbol are all you will need for good performance and engine protection.
When to Change Engine Oil (Vehicles Without the Engine Oil Life System)
If you have the 6.6L V8 (LLY) Engine: Change engine oil and filter every 15,000 miles (24 000 km), or every 12 months, or every 750 hours of engine operation, whichever occurs first. If you have the 7.8L V6 (LG4) Engine: Change engine oil and filter every 12,000 miles (20 000 km), or every 12 months, or every 600 hours of engine operation, whichever occurs first. See Scheduled Maintenance .
