2022 Chevrolet Equinox 1.5T Oil Change — LYX Engine, 0W-20, Step-by-Step DIY Guide

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox 1.5T is one of the most popular compact SUVs on the road, and I've seen plenty of them in my driveway for oil changes. The LYX turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder is a smooth, efficient engine — but like all turbos, it's especially sensitive to oil degradation. Running degraded oil in a turbo shortens bearing life. This job takes about 35 minutes and costs around $40 in parts. Dealers charge $90–$120 for the exact same service.

The Equinox uses a cartridge-style oil filter mounted on top of the engine, which makes the job cleaner than most spin-on filter designs. The oil change is straightforward, but the 0W-20 full synthetic spec is non-negotiable for the LYX.

Engine and Oil Specs

Item	Spec
Engine	1.5L LYX turbocharged inline-4
Oil viscosity	0W-20 full synthetic (dexos1 Gen 2 certified)
Oil capacity	4.2 quarts (4.0L) with filter
OEM oil filter	AC Delco PF457G
Drain plug size	15mm
Drain plug torque	18 lb-ft (25 Nm)
Drain plug washer	Reusable (inspect; replace if damaged)
Oil change interval	7,500 miles (GM Oil Life Monitor)

GM specifies dexos1 Gen 2 or dexos1 Gen 3 oil for the LYX. Look for the dexos1 approval on the label. Using non-dexos oil technically voids warranty coverage related to engine wear, so don't cut corners here.

Tools and Parts List

• AC Delco PF457G oil filter cartridge (includes new O-ring)
• 4.2 quarts 0W-20 full synthetic dexos1 Gen 2 oil
• 15mm socket (drain plug)
• 27mm or 1-1/16" socket (filter housing cap) OR the GM filter wrench
• Torque wrench (15–30 lb-ft range)
• Drain pan (5-quart minimum)
• Gloves, rags, funnel

Cost Comparison

Item	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
0W-20 dexos1 full synthetic (5 qt)	$28–$36	—
AC Delco PF457G filter	$10–$12	—
Total parts	~$40–$48	—
Labor	$0	$55–$75
Total	~$40–$48	$90–$120

You save $50–$72 every oil change. The Equinox's GM Oil Life Monitor typically triggers around 7,500 miles, so you're saving this money roughly 1–2 times per year.

Step-by-Step Oil Change

1. Prep and Warm the Engine (5 minutes)

Run the Equinox for 5 minutes to warm the oil. Warm oil drains fully; cold oil clings to the pan and takes 10+ minutes to drain completely. Park on level ground before you start.

Pop the hood and locate the oil filler cap on the valve cover (driver's side, marked with the oil can symbol). Remove it now so pressure doesn't build during the drain.

2. Access the Drain Plug

The 2022 Equinox has a plastic underbody shield. You'll need to remove 4–6 push-clips along the front edge to fold it back. A flathead screwdriver or plastic trim tool works fine.

The drain plug is on the passenger side of the oil pan, facing downward and slightly rearward. 15mm socket.

3. Drain the Oil

Position your drain pan, then break the drain plug loose counterclockwise. Finish removing it by hand, keeping upward pressure so it doesn't fall into the drain pan. Let the oil drain for 5–7 minutes.

Inspect the drain plug threads and the pan threads for damage. The Equinox drain plug is a magnetic plug — if you see metallic fuzz on the magnet after a normal service interval, that's worth investigating.

4. Remove the Oil Filter

The PF457G cartridge filter sits on top of the engine in a plastic housing. Use a 27mm socket (some use a 1-1/16" socket) to remove the housing cap counterclockwise. Pull the cap and filter element out together.

Remove the old filter element from the cap and discard. Remove the old O-ring from the cap groove — don't leave the old one in there or you'll have a leak immediately. Install the new O-ring (included with PF457G). Insert the new filter element into the cap, making sure it seats fully.

5. Reinstall the Drain Plug

Torque the drain plug to 18 lb-ft (25 Nm). The Equinox drain plug is somewhat smaller than most — don't crank it. 18 lb-ft feels snug but not tight.

6. Reinstall the Filter Housing

Thread the filter cap back in by hand until you feel resistance, then torque to 18 lb-ft (25 Nm). Over-tightening the plastic filter housing cap strips the housing threads — use a torque wrench.

7. Add Oil

Add 4.0 quarts of 0W-20 first through the filler cap, then check the dipstick (passenger side, yellow handle). The Equinox takes 4.2 quarts with the filter — add the remaining amount as needed. Stop at the "MAX" mark.

8. Start and Inspect

Start the engine, let it run for 60–90 seconds. The oil pressure light should extinguish within 3–5 seconds. Check around the drain plug and filter housing for drips. Shut off, wait 5 minutes, recheck the dipstick.

9. Reset the Oil Life Monitor

Press the ENGINE START/STOP button without pressing the brake (accessory mode). Press the VEHICLE INFO button on the steering wheel to navigate to OIL LIFE. Hold SET/CLR until the monitor resets to 100%. The procedure is the same whether you have an 8-inch or 11-inch display.

Turbo Maintenance Note

The LYX runs a small ball-bearing turbocharger that spins at 200,000+ RPM. After any highway drive, idle the engine for 60–90 seconds before shutting off — this lets the turbo cool while oil is still circulating and prevents oil coking in the bearing housing. See the OwnerDrop maintenance schedules guide for the full LYX turbo service checklist.

For more ways to cut your annual car ownership costs in half, check out our guide to saving money on car repairs.

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