2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 Oil Change Guide

Changing the oil on your 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 yourself takes 30 minutes and saves you $80–$120 per visit over dealer pricing — and it's one of the easiest jobs on this truck.

What You'll Need

• SAE 0W-20 full synthetic (5.3L EcoTec3 V8 requires 8 quarts; 4.3L V6 requires 6 quarts)
• AC Delco PF63E oil filter (OEM spec for both 4.3L and 5.3L)
• 15mm drain plug socket
• Oil filter wrench (3" cap style works best on the PF63E)
• Drain pan (10-quart capacity for the 5.3L)
• Floor jack and jack stands (or drive-up ramps — the Silverado has great ground clearance)
• Funnel
• Torque wrench
• Shop rags

Estimated time: 25–35 minutes Estimated cost: $60–$85 (vs. $140–$160 at a Chevy dealer)

Before You Start

The 2016 Silverado with the 5.3L Gen V engine uses Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) — this places extra demand on oil cleanliness and is one reason GM specifies dexos1 Gen 2 certified 0W-20. Use a dexos1 Gen 2 certified oil. Also note: the oil filter on the 5.3L is a cartridge-style filter located on the top-front of the engine, not underneath — you access it from the top without needing to jack the truck.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Warm the engine — Run the truck for 5 minutes. On the 5.3L, warm oil drains faster through the larger sump. Don't do this hot after a long drive — let it cool 10 minutes.
2. Position the truck — Either use ramps or raise with a floor jack. The Silverado 1500 has enough clearance to work underneath without jacking on many flat surfaces.
3. Remove the drain plug — The drain plug is at the rear of the oil pan, accessible from underneath. Use a 15mm socket. Loosen counterclockwise, then remove by hand. Step back — the oil will exit fast.
4. Remove the oil filter — On the 5.3L, the filter is accessed from the top of the engine using a 3" cap oil filter wrench. Turn counterclockwise. Have a rag ready — oil will spill when it breaks free.
5. Let the oil drain fully — 3–5 minutes. Don't rush this step. The 5.3L has a large sump and the last quart takes a minute.
6. Install the new oil filter — Lightly oil the new filter's O-ring. Hand-tighten until seated, then 3/4 additional turn. Do not use a wrench to tighten.
7. Reinstall the drain plug — Inspect the plug and sealing washer. Replace the washer if it's deformed. Torque to 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm) — GM spec for the 5.3L.
8. Add fresh oil — Pour in 7.5 quarts of 0W-20 dexos1 Gen 2 oil. Verify via dipstick before adding the final 0.5 quart to avoid overfill.
9. Check oil level — Dipstick shows full at 8 quarts. Don't overfill — overfill on AFM engines causes oil aeration and can damage the lifters.
10. Start the engine and check for leaks — Run for 30 seconds, shut off, wait 2 minutes, and re-check the dipstick. Look under the truck for any drips at the drain plug and filter.
11. Reset the Oil Life Monitor — Press the vehicle information button on the turn signal stalk until "Oil Life Remaining" appears. Hold the Set/Reset button until it resets to 100%.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 — GM's Gen V AFM engines are tuned for 0W-20. Using a heavier weight can increase fuel consumption and doesn't lubricate the AFM lifters properly in cold starts.
• Overfilling the 5.3L — The 8-quart capacity is easy to overshoot. Add oil in stages and check the dipstick each time. Overfill causes foaming that destroys AFM lifters.
• Cross-threading the drain plug on the aluminum pan — The 2016 Silverado still has a steel oil pan, but don't gorilla-torque it. 18 ft-lbs is the spec.
• Skipping the oil life reset — The monitor doesn't know you changed the oil unless you reset it. You'll get premature "change oil" alerts next cycle.

Troubleshooting

Lifter noise after oil change: Most commonly caused by an air pocket in the AFM system from overfilling or using the wrong viscosity. Drain to the correct level and use the specified 0W-20. Persistent lifter tick may indicate AFM hardware wear — a known issue on Gen V engines.

Oil filter weeping: The top-mounted cartridge filter can seep if the O-ring isn't seated or if the old O-ring stayed behind on the housing. Remove, inspect, and re-install with a single properly-oiled O-ring.

Oil pressure warning light on cold start: Normal behavior to see a brief flash on startup in cold weather. If it persists beyond 5–10 seconds, check level and verify correct oil spec was used.

Final Thoughts

The 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 is one of the easiest trucks to work on, and an oil change is the perfect starting point for any DIY mechanic. Keep up with this service and you'll protect that AFM system from premature wear. For everything else on your Silverado — transmission fluid, fuel filter, brake pads — see the OwnerDrop Complete DIY Mechanic Library.

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Want the complete step-by-step system for maintaining your 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500? The Complete DIY Mechanic Library covers oil changes, brakes, electrical, suspension, and more — everything in one place.