Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the 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 handle is a yellow loop. See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
- Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes 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 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
L6 Engine
V8 Engine
If the oil is below the L mark for the L6 engine or the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick for the V8 engine, add at least one quart/liter of the recommended oil. 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 (F) that shows the proper operating range for the L6 engine or above the cross-hatched area for the V8 engine, the engine could be damaged.
Except 6.0L V8 (VIN Code H) Engine
6.0L V8 (VIN Code H) Engine
See Engine Compartment Overview for the location of the engine oil fill cap.
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.
6.0L V8 (VIN Code H) Engine Only
Remove the engine cover to access the engine oil fill cap:
- Remove the screw in the center of the cover.
- Remove the cover from the stud on the driver side.
- Pull the cover up and off the bracket.
- Reverse the steps to reinstall.
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use
Except Vehicles with 6.0L V8 (VIN Code H) Engine
Look for three things:
| • | GM6094M |
| Use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM6094M. |
| • | SAE 5W-30 |
| SAE 5W-30 is best for the vehicle. If you are in an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -20°F (-29°C), use either an SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or an SAE 0W-30 oil. Both provide easier cold starting and better protection for the engine at extremely low temperatures. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50. |
| • | American Petroleum Institute (API) starburst symbol |
Oils meeting these requirements should have the starburst symbol on the container. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
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.
For 6.0L V8 (VIN Code H) Engine Vehicles Only
Look for three things:
| • | GM4718M |
| Your vehicle's engine requires a special oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M. Oils meeting this standard may be identified as synthetic. However, not all synthetic oils will meet this GM standard. Use only an oil that meets GM Standard GM4718M. |
| Notice: Using oils that do not have the GM4718M Standard designation can cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. |
| • | SAE 5W-30 |
| SAE 5W-30 is best for the vehicle. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50. |
| • | American Petroleum Institute (API) starburst symbol |
Oils meeting these requirements should have the starburst symbol on the container. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API).
Your vehicle's engine is filled at the factory with a Mobil 1® synthetic oil, which meets all requirements for your vehicle.
Substitute Engine Oil: When adding oil to maintain engine oil level, oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M may not be available. You can add substitute oil designated SAE 5W-30 with the starburst symbol at all temperatures. Substitute oil not meeting GM Standard GM4718M should not be used for an oil change.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM standards are all you need for good performance and engine protection.
