2022 GMC Canyon 2.8L Duramax Diesel Oil Change — LWN, dexos D, 0W-20, DIY Guide

I've been maintaining my own Canyon Duramax for a couple of years, and every time I get this service done myself I'm reminded how much dealers charge for a diesel oil change on a midsize truck. The LWN 2.8L is a fantastic engine — quiet, torque-rich, and genuinely fuel-efficient for a pickup — but the diesel-specific oil spec and 7.6-quart capacity mean shops charge $160–$220 for this service without blinking. My cost: about $75–$90 in parts. Total time: 40–50 minutes.

The most important thing to understand about the Canyon Duramax before you buy oil: this engine requires dexos D full synthetic diesel oil, not standard dexos2 or generic diesel oil. GM's dexos D specification is tailored for the LWN's emissions system, including its diesel particulate filter (DPF) and exhaust aftertreatment. The correct grade is 0W-20. Using a conventional diesel oil or the wrong spec here can cause DPF regeneration issues and, over time, shorten aftertreatment component life.

Engine and Oil Specs

Item	Spec
Engine	2.8L LWN Duramax turbocharged diesel inline-4
Output	181 hp / 369 lb-ft torque
Oil viscosity	0W-20 full synthetic diesel (GM dexos D, API CK-4 compliant)
Oil capacity	7.6 quarts (7.2L) with filter
OEM oil filter	ACDelco PF2257G
Drain plug size	15mm
Drain plug torque	18 lb-ft (25 Nm)
Oil change interval	7,500 miles (GM Oil Life System)

Note: The ACDelco PF2257G is a spin-on filter and the correct fitment for the 2022 Canyon LWN. dexos D 0W-20 is available from several suppliers — look for API CK-4 on the label alongside the dexos D approval mark.

Tools and Parts List

• ACDelco PF2257G oil filter (spin-on)
• 8 quarts 0W-20 dexos D full synthetic diesel oil (7.6 qt capacity — buy 8 to have enough)
• 15mm socket (drain plug)
• Torque wrench (15–25 lb-ft range)
• Oil filter wrench (strap or 93mm cap style)
• Drain pan (9-quart capacity minimum)
• Funnel, shop rags, nitrile gloves
• Ramps or floor jack and jack stands

Cost Comparison

Item	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
dexos D 0W-20 diesel synthetic (8 qt)	$60–$72	—
ACDelco PF2257G filter	$12–$15	—
Total parts	~$75–$90	—
Labor	$0	$80–$130
Total	~$75–$90	$160–$220

You save $80–$135 every oil change. At 7,500-mile intervals that's roughly two services per year — potentially $160–$270 in annual savings.

Step-by-Step Oil Change

1. Warm the Engine

Drive the Canyon for at least 10 minutes before draining. Diesel engines run cooler at idle than gas engines, so you want actual road load temperature to fully warm the oil. After driving, idle for 2 minutes and shut off. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes.

2. Access the Drain Plug and Filter

The 2022 Canyon has an underbody shield beneath the engine. Remove the necessary fasteners to fold or drop the shield section covering the oil pan.

The 15mm drain plug is on the rear of the oil pan, centered, angled slightly downward toward the driver's side. The ACDelco PF2257G spin-on filter is on the driver's side of the engine block toward the front — accessible from below once the shield section is clear.

3. Drain the Oil

Position your drain pan (9-quart capacity is important here). Break the 15mm drain plug loose counterclockwise, then remove by hand. The LWN drains aggressively for the first 2–3 minutes given its capacity. Allow a full 10 minutes for a complete drain.

The LWN does not use a crush washer on the factory drain plug — it uses a reusable drain plug with an O-ring or a metal-to-metal sealing design. Inspect the drain plug sealing surface. If there is any O-ring, replace it if it shows any deformation or cracking.

4. Remove the Old Filter

The PF2257G is a spin-on filter. If the previous installer used correct installation technique, it should break free by hand or with minimal strap wrench effort. Turn counterclockwise. Have a rag ready — spin-on filters carry residual oil that will spill when the filter separates from the block.

5. Install the New Filter

Apply a light film of fresh 0W-20 dexos D oil to the rubber gasket on the new PF2257G. Thread it in by hand until the gasket contacts the block, then turn an additional 3/4 turn.

6. Reinstall the Drain Plug

Thread the drain plug in by hand until fully seated. Torque to 18 lb-ft (25 Nm). The LWN's cast-iron oil pan is forgiving, but 18 lb-ft is the spec — don't exceed it significantly.

Replace the underbody shield and secure all fasteners.

7. Add Oil

The LWN holds 7.6 quarts with filter. Pour in 7 quarts first through the engine oil filler cap. Start the engine — the oil pressure light should clear within 5–8 seconds. Let it idle for 90 seconds, then shut off. Wait 5 minutes. Check the dipstick and top up to the full mark. You'll typically need about 0.4–0.6 quarts to reach full.

8. Start and Inspect

Run the engine for 3–4 minutes at idle. Check the drain plug area and filter for any seepage. After your first drive of 5–10 miles, park and do a second leak check while the engine is hot.

9. Reset the GM Oil Life System

In the 2022 Canyon, press and hold the trip odometer reset button on the instrument panel while in the OIL LIFE display mode until the system prompts for a reset. The system will display 100% after the reset is confirmed.

LWN Duramax Diesel Notes

The 2.8L LWN has a diesel particulate filter (DPF) that requires periodic regeneration cycles. The engine management system handles this automatically on most highway-heavy drive cycles. If you do a lot of short-trip city driving, you may see a DPF warning. DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) is a separate service item on the LWN — check the DEF level whenever you do the oil change.

For a broader look at oil change intervals and how driving conditions affect service life, see the OwnerDrop oil change guides. For the complete 2022 Canyon service schedule, see the OwnerDrop maintenance schedules guide.

To compare this diesel oil change process with a standard gas truck service, the 2021 Ford Ranger 2.3L EcoBoost oil change guide is a useful reference.

---

Get the full step-by-step guide in the OwnerDrop library — start your Starter plan at OwnerDrop and access every DIY guide in the collection.