2023 Hyundai Tucson 1.6T Oil Change — T-GDI G4FJ, 0W-30, Step-by-Step DIY Guide

I picked up a 2023 Hyundai Tucson 1.6T for my partner last year, and after the first dealer oil change came back at $95 for a 4.4-quart engine, I decided this was a job I'd be handling myself going forward. The Tucson 1.6T is a sharp compact SUV with a well-engineered turbocharged four-cylinder, and the DIY oil change is genuinely straightforward — top-mounted cartridge filter, easy drain plug access, and a modest capacity that keeps parts cost low. Total time: 30–40 minutes. My parts cost: $40–$50.

The critical spec here is the oil viscosity, and it's the one that catches people off guard: the 2023 Tucson 1.6T uses 0W-30 full synthetic, not the more common 0W-20. The G4FJ T-GDI engine requires an oil that meets either ACEA A5/B5 or API SP specification. Hyundai's North American spec for this engine is 0W-30 specifically — using 0W-20 here is off-spec. Verify the bottle before you pour.

Engine and Oil Specs

Item	Spec
Engine	1.6L T-GDI turbocharged inline-4 (G4FJ)
Output	180 hp / 195 lb-ft torque
Oil viscosity	0W-30 full synthetic (ACEA A5/B5 or API SP)
Oil capacity	4.4 quarts (4.2L) with filter
OEM oil filter	Hyundai/Kia 26300-35504
Drain plug size	14mm
Drain plug torque	26 lb-ft (35 Nm)
Drain plug washer	Hyundai/Kia 21513-23001 — replace every change
Oil change interval	7,500 miles (Hyundai Oil Life Indicator)

The 26300-35504 filter is a cartridge-type filter used across the Hyundai/Kia 1.6T T-GDI family, including various Tucson, Sportage, and Elantra GT applications. The shared drain plug washer (21513-23001) is the same aluminum crush washer used on most Hyundai/Kia 4-cylinder applications — buy a handful at a time.

Tools and Parts List

• Hyundai/Kia 26300-35504 oil filter cartridge
• 4.4 quarts 0W-30 full synthetic (ACEA A5/B5 or API SP)
• Hyundai/Kia 21513-23001 drain plug crush washer
• 14mm socket (drain plug)
• 27mm or 1-1/16" cap wrench (filter housing)
• Torque wrench (20–35 lb-ft range)
• Drain pan (5-quart capacity minimum)
• Funnel and shop rags

Cost Comparison

Item	DIY Cost	Shop Cost
0W-30 full synthetic (5 qt)	$28–$36	—
Hyundai/Kia OEM filter	$8–$10	—
Drain plug crush washer	$1	—
Total parts	~$40–$50	—
Labor	$0	$55–$85
Total	~$40–$50	$95–$130

You save $50–$85 every oil change. At 7,500-mile intervals, that's two services per year and $100–$170 in annual savings for a 30-minute job.

Step-by-Step Oil Change

1. Warm the Engine

Drive the Tucson for 5–7 minutes. The G4FJ T-GDI has a turbocharger — let it idle for 60–90 seconds before shutdown after any elevated-load driving, then let it rest 15 minutes before you start the service.

2. Locate the Drain Plug and Filter

The 2023 Tucson has a plastic undertray panel beneath the engine bay secured by push-pin retainers and a few 10mm bolts. Drop or fold back the front section to access the oil pan.

The 14mm drain plug is on the passenger side of the oil pan, angled slightly downward. The 26300-35504 filter housing is at the top of the engine, roughly centered — a large plastic cap is visible when you look straight down into the engine bay.

3. Drain the Oil

Break the 14mm drain plug loose with your ratchet, then remove by hand with upward pressure until the last thread releases. The G4FJ holds 4.4 quarts — allow a full 7–8 minutes for a complete drain.

Remove the Hyundai/Kia 21513-23001 aluminum crush washer from the drain plug face and discard it.

4. Remove the Oil Filter Cartridge

Use a 27mm or 1-1/16" socket to loosen the filter housing cap counterclockwise. Pull the cap up and out — the filter element comes with it.

Pull the old O-ring off the cap groove. The replacement O-ring is included with the new 26300-35504 filter kit. Install the new O-ring carefully, making sure it sits flush and isn't pinched. Press the new filter element into the housing cap until it snaps or sits firmly in place.

Always replace the O-ring. This is the most common source of post-service oil drips on Hyundai/Kia cartridge filter engines.

5. Reinstall the Drain Plug

Install the new 21513-23001 aluminum crush washer on the drain plug. Thread in by hand until seated, then torque to 26 lb-ft (35 Nm).

6. Reinstall the Filter Housing Cap

Thread the filter cap clockwise back into the housing and torque to 17.4–18 lb-ft (24 Nm). Use a torque wrench here — the plastic housing cap threads are easy to overtighten by feel.

Reinstall the underbody panel and secure all retainers and bolts.

7. Add Oil

Pour in 4.0 quarts of 0W-30 through the engine oil filler cap. Start the engine — the oil pressure light should extinguish within 5 seconds. Idle for 60 seconds, shut off, and wait 5 minutes. Check the dipstick and top up to the full mark. The G4FJ holds 4.4 quarts total with filter, so you'll add approximately 0.3–0.4 quarts on the final top-off.

8. Start and Inspect

Run the engine at idle for 2–3 minutes. Check the drain plug area for any drips. Check the filter housing area at the top of the engine. Take a short 5–10 minute drive and do a final visual inspection on a level surface.

9. Reset the Hyundai Oil Life Indicator

In the 2023 Tucson, navigate using the steering wheel trip button to the Oil Life display. Press and hold the OK or reset button until the mileage resets and the indicator clears. On some trims, the path is Settings → Vehicle → Oil Life Reset via the center touchscreen.

G4FJ T-GDI Notes

The G4FJ T-GDI is a gasoline direct injection engine. Consistent oil changes with a quality full synthetic reduce blowby contamination that accelerates deposit formation on intake valves. If you also maintain a Kia Sorento or Elantra, the 2022 Kia Sorento 2.5T oil change guide and the 2023 Hyundai Elantra 2.0L oil change guide walk through the same filter hardware on related engines — useful if you're buying parts in bulk.

For a broader look at how Hyundai/Kia's Oil Life Indicator works across the lineup, see the OwnerDrop oil change guides. For the complete 2023 Tucson service schedule, see the OwnerDrop maintenance schedules guide.

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