2018 GMC Canyon Oil Change — 2.8L Duramax Diesel + 2.5L Gas Both Covered

I'll cover both Canyon engines here because the procedures are completely different and the wrong oil in either one causes real problems. My daily Canyon has the 2.8L Duramax LWN diesel — so I'll go into more detail on that one — but I'll walk through the 2.5L LCV gas procedure as well so you're covered regardless of which engine you're working on.

The short version: Duramax takes 6 quarts of 0W-30 Dexos D diesel-spec oil. The 2.5L gas takes 5 quarts of 5W-30 Dexos 1 Gen 2. Using gasoline-spec oil in the diesel engine can cause diesel particulate filter (DPF) damage and accelerated injector wear. Don't shortcut on oil spec for the diesel.

2.8L Duramax LWN Diesel

Why Oil Spec Matters More on the Duramax

The 2.8L LWN Duramax uses a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Standard gasoline-spec oils contain higher levels of sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur (SAPS) that contaminate and clog the DPF prematurely. GM requires Dexos D low-SAPS diesel oil — specifically 0W-30 viscosity. Acceptable brands: Mobil 1 Dexos D, Shell Rotella T6 0W-30 (not standard Rotella T6 5W-40), or AC Delco 0W-30 Dexos D.

Do not use 5W-40 diesel oil. Do not use standard Dexos 1 Gen 2 (gasoline spec). Verify the Dexos D certification on the label before pouring.

2.8L Duramax Tools and Parts

• 6 quarts 0W-30 Dexos D diesel oil (Mobil 1 Dexos D, AC Delco, etc.)
• Oil filter: AC Delco PF3191 (OEM) — this is a spin-on canister on the driver's side of the block
• Drain plug washer: GM 11609694 (replace every change)
• 15mm socket for drain plug
• Oil filter wrench
• Drain pan (7-quart minimum)
• Torque wrench

2.8L Duramax Spec Sheet

Item	Spec
Oil capacity (with filter)	6 quarts
Oil type	0W-30 Dexos D (low-SAPS diesel spec)
Drain plug torque	18 ft-lbs (25 Nm)
Oil filter	AC Delco PF3191
Service interval	7,500 miles or as indicated by OLM

2.8L Duramax Step-by-Step

1. Run engine 3 minutes to warm oil. Shut off, wait 5 minutes.

2. Raise the Canyon on ramps or jack stands.

3. Drain plug is at the rear of the oil pan — 15mm, torque on reinstall to 18 ft-lbs. Replace the washer.

4. The oil filter is a spin-on canister on the driver's side of the engine block, facing the front. Break loose, spin off by hand, wipe the surface, oil the O-ring on the new filter, thread on until snug + 3/4 turn.

5. Fill with 5.5 quarts of 0W-30 Dexos D to start. Start engine, let idle 30 seconds, shut off, wait 2 minutes. Dipstick check — add remaining oil to bring level between MIN and MAX. Final capacity is 6 quarts with filter.

6. Reset OLM: Turn ignition to RUN. Press the DIC buttons to navigate to Oil Life, then hold SET/RESET for 5+ seconds until the display shows 100%.

---

2.5L LCV Gas Engine

The 2.5L four-cylinder Canyon is simpler to service. GM specifies 5W-30 Dexos 1 Gen 2 full synthetic — the same spec as many other GM four-cylinders.

2.5L Gas Tools and Parts

• 5 quarts 5W-30 Dexos 1 Gen 2 full synthetic (Mobil 1, Pennzoil Platinum, AC Delco)
• Oil filter: AC Delco PF48E (OEM) or Wix 57356
• Drain plug washer: GM 11609694
• 15mm socket
• Drain pan (6-quart minimum)
• Torque wrench

2.5L Gas Spec Sheet

Item	Spec
Oil capacity (with filter)	5 quarts
Oil type	5W-30 Dexos 1 Gen 2 full synthetic
Drain plug torque	18 ft-lbs (25 Nm)
Oil filter	AC Delco PF48E
Service interval	7,500 miles or as indicated by OLM

2.5L Gas Step-by-Step

1. Warm engine 3 minutes, shut off, wait 5 minutes.

2. Drain plug rear of oil pan — 15mm, reinstall at 18 ft-lbs with new washer.

3. Filter is on the driver's side of the block, lower position. Standard spin-on: oil O-ring, thread on snug + 3/4 turn.

4. Fill with 4.5 quarts to start, dipstick check, top off to 5 quarts total.

5. Reset OLM: same DIC button sequence as the Duramax above.

---

Canyon-Specific Notes

Ground clearance: The Canyon — especially on stock ride height — is a comfortable height for ramp use. You'll have enough clearance to work with ramps alone.

Skid plate: Some Canyon models (especially Elevation and AT4) have a front skid plate that must be partially removed to access the drain plug. Four 15mm bolts hold it. Take 5 minutes to remove it properly rather than trying to work around it.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Dealer

	DIY (Duramax)	GMC Dealer	DIY (Gas)	Dealer
Oil + filter	$55–$75	Included	$30–$45	Included
Labor	$0	$90–$130	$0	$80–$110
Total	$55–$75	$150–$200+	$30–$45	$120–$160+

For more GM truck maintenance content, see the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 oil change guide if you also service a larger Sierra. The 2016 GMC Sierra transmission fluid guide covers the 8L45/8L90 automatic trans for those doing a full drivetrain service.

Want step-by-step guides for your specific car? OwnerDrop has 28+ repair guides — start your Starter plan at $29.99/mo.