2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Oil Change Guide — Step-by-Step

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3L L83 EcoTec3 is a capable, well-engineered V8 — but it has a few quirks that trip up owners on oil changes if they haven't done one before. The biggest one: this engine takes 8 quarts. Not 5, not 6. Eight. I've seen owners at the auto parts store buying a 5-quart jug and calling it a day. Don't be that person — you'll be a quart short and running a dry sump on a V8 truck.

This guide covers the full oil change procedure for the 2019 Sierra 1500 with the L83 5.3L, including the Active Fuel Management (AFM) note that's worth understanding before you decide what oil to run.

Engine: 5.3L L83 EcoTec3 V8

• Oil capacity: 8.0 quarts with filter change
• Oil spec: GM dexos1 Gen 2 full synthetic 0W-20
• Drain plug torque: 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm)
• Oil filter: AC Delco PF63E (OEM) or equivalent dexos-approved filter
• Oil change interval: 7,500–10,000 miles (GM Oil Life System), or annually

The Active Fuel Management Note

The L83 uses GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM) system — a cylinder deactivation technology that shuts down 4 of the 8 cylinders under light loads to improve fuel economy. The reason this matters for oil changes: AFM lifters are an oil-pressure-sensitive component. Running the wrong oil (anything not dexos1 Gen 2 spec, or thicker viscosity) increases the risk of AFM lifter collapse — a known issue on L83/L8B engines that can result in very expensive repairs ($2,000–$5,000 at a shop).

Use only 0W-20 dexos1 Gen 2 certified full synthetic. Don't use conventional, don't use 5W-30, don't use "dexos1" that's not Gen 2. The Gen 2 spec is printed on the bottle.

What You'll Need

• Oil: 8 quarts 0W-20 dexos1 Gen 2 full synthetic
• Filter: ACDelco PF63E
• Drain plug socket: 15mm
• Torque wrench
• Oil filter wrench (optional but recommended)
• Drain pan (8+ quart capacity)
• Funnel, nitrile gloves, shop rags
• Jack and jackstands or ramps

Step-by-Step Procedure

Warm Up: Start the engine and let it run for 3–5 minutes. Shut off, wait 5–10 minutes for oil to drain back into the pan.

Access and Drain:

1. Raise the front of the truck if needed.
2. Locate the drain plug — bottom center of the oil pan, 15mm hex head.
3. Place your drain pan underneath.
4. Remove the drain plug counter-clockwise. Let it drain fully — 3–5 minutes.

Replace the Filter: 5. Locate the oil filter on the front-passenger side of the engine. 6. Remove the old filter using a filter wrench if needed. 7. Prep the new ACDelco PF63E — dab a finger of fresh oil around the new filter's rubber gasket. 8. Spin on the new filter by hand until the gasket contacts the mount, then 3/4 turn more by hand.

Reinstall Drain Plug: 9. Thread the drain plug back in by hand first to avoid cross-threading. 10. Torque to 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm).

Fill with Oil: 11. Add 7.5 quarts of dexos1 Gen 2 0W-20 through the top fill cap. 12. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to build oil pressure. 13. Check for leaks at the drain plug and filter base. 14. Shut off, wait 3–5 minutes, then check the dipstick. 15. Add the remaining 0.5 quart as needed to bring to the FULL mark.

Reset the Oil Life Monitor

1. Turn ignition ON (do not start)
2. Press the MENU button on the DIC (Driver Information Center)
3. Navigate to "Oil Life"
4. Press and hold SET/CLR until the oil life resets to 100%

Cost Comparison: DIY vs. Dealer

	DIY	Quick Lube/Dealer
8 qts dexos1 Gen 2 0W-20	$45–$60	Included
ACDelco PF63E filter	$8–$12	Included
Labor	$0	$80–$120
Total	$55–$75	$120–$180

Pro tip: Buy 9 quarts even though capacity is 8. You'll have the extra quart for a top-off at the 500-mile check without running to the store.

For more on GMC Sierra and full-size truck maintenance, browse the OwnerDrop blog.

Get the full guide + every torque spec in the OwnerDrop library — OwnerDrop /pricing.