2021 Chevrolet Colorado 2.5L Oil Change — DIY Guide
2021 Chevrolet Colorado 2.5L Oil Change — DIY Guide
Quick lube shops charge $90–$120 for an oil change on the Colorado's 2.5L LCV four-cylinder; do it yourself for about $35. No skid plates to fight, straightforward filter access, clean drain plug location.
The DIY Mechanic System
Diagnose the problem, know what to buy, and keep the next repair moving with practical plans, tool lists, torque specs, and maintenance workflows.
Get the DIY Mechanic SystemParts & Tools
| Item | OEM / Spec | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Oil filter | ACDelco PF48E | Spin-on, driver-side block |
| Drain plug gasket | GM 11546410 | Replace each oil change |
| Motor oil | 0W-20 full synthetic | GM dexos1 Gen 2 certified |
| Capacity | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) with filter | |
| Drain plug torque | 18 lb-ft (25 Nm) | 15mm hex |
Oil note: The 2021 Colorado 2.5L LCV requires dexos1 Gen 2 certified oil. Mobil 1 0W-20, Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20, and ACDelco 0W-20 Full Synthetic all qualify.
DIY vs. Shop Cost
| Item | DIY Cost | Shop Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 0W-20 dexos1 (5 qt) | $22–$30 | — |
| ACDelco PF48E filter | $8–$12 | — |
| Drain plug gasket | $1–$2 | — |
| Total parts | ~$31–$44 | — |
| Labor | $0 | $55–$80 |
| Total | ~$31–$44 | $90–$120 |
Step-by-Step Oil Change
1. Warm the Engine
Drive 5–7 minutes. Park on level ground. Z71 models may have a factory skid plate — remove if equipped.
2. Drain the Oil
Find the 15mm drain plug on the oil pan — passenger side, toward the rear. Remove counterclockwise. Allow 7–8 minutes for a full 5-quart drain. Discard the old GM 11546410 gasket.
3. Remove the Old Filter
The ACDelco PF48E mounts on the driver side of the engine block, mid-height. Counterclockwise to remove.
4. Install the New Filter
Apply a thin coat of fresh 0W-20 to the new filter's rubber gasket. Thread in clockwise by hand until the gasket contacts the block, then turn 3/4 additional turn.
5. Reinstall the Drain Plug
Install the new GM 11546410 gasket. Torque to 18 lb-ft (25 Nm).
6. Add Oil
Pour 4.5 quarts through the filler cap. Start the engine — oil pressure light clears in 3–5 seconds. Idle 90 seconds, shut off, wait 5 minutes. Check dipstick and top up. Full capacity with filter is 5.0 quarts.
7. Reset the Oil Life Monitor
Navigate the DIC to "Oil Life" and hold the set/reset button until it resets to 100%.
Engine Notes
The 2.5L LCV uses an oil pump driven off the balance shaft. Persistent low oil pressure warnings at idle on a high-mileage Colorado point to the oil pump first. Same dexos1 0W-20 spec as the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L EcoTec3 oil change — larger capacity on the V8.
Get the full OwnerDrop library at /pricing — Starter plan from $29.99/mo.
Written by OwnerDrop Team
DIY automotive guides and systems for independent mechanics. We test every procedure, document every torque spec, and build every tool list from scratch.
The DIY Mechanic System
Keep the next repair moving.
Use practical repair plans, tool lists, torque specs, and maintenance workflows when you need the full path from first check to final test.
Get the DIY Mechanic System