Changing the oil and oil filter on a Chevy Avalanche [updated for 2013]

Today I changed the oil on our 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche for the first time. A few notes on the process:

  • the oil drain plug (bolt) is located horizontally (sideways), not vertically (downward) like I’m used to.
  • the drain plug uses a 15mm wrench
    • to re-tighten the drain plug, I used 18 ft/lbs torque (the recommendations I found called for between 15-20 ft/lbs)
  • the oil filter is surprisingly small
  • access to the oil filter is generally good, but clearance is tight.
    • most oil filter wrenches probably will not fit, so use one of the flexible plastic loop oil filter wrenches/turners
  • after moistening the gasket on the new filter with oil, I then proceeded to hand tighten until contact was made, after that I tightened another 3/4 turn (most recommendations I found were for 1/2 to 1 turn after first seating the filter)
  • it took 5.5 qts to refill the oil before turning on the engine, and once run it will probably take another .5 qt after the oil filter etc. are filled

Anyone else with tips or suggestions feel free to chime in…

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15mm socket for oil drain plug on Chevy Avalanche

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CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON

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Fram Oil Filter for 2011 Chevy Avalanche

One comment

  • Brandon Morris

    Hi . well I have the same Chevy avalanche. Friday morning (July 1) I went to get a old change from a national chain and I got one for around 60 bucks. I went straight home after that and Saturday night my and my family took a trip to a near by city. Well all the dam oil slowly leaked out in till the computer came on and said shut off engine now! I was so pissed off, words can even describe how pissed off i was. My insurance towed me into town. Anyway I was wondering what all do i need to change it myself. And what do you think could have caused it to leak?

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