2018 Chevrolet Equinox Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox takes between 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters) for the 1.5L engine and 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) for the 2.0L gas and 1.6L diesel engines when performing an oil and filter change.

If you are gearing up to maintain your third-generation Equinox, this comprehensive ASE-certified guide covers everything you need to know about fluid capacities, oil specifications, filter cross-references, and torque specs to do the job right.

Quick Answer: Oil Specs & Filter Part Numbers (1.5L Engine)

Since the 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder is the most common engine for the 2018 Equinox, here is the quick reference for that specific powertrain:

• Oil Capacity: 4.2 quarts (4.0 L) with filter
• Recommended Weight: 0W-20
• Oil Specification: GM dexos1™ Gen 3 (or API SP)
• OEM Oil Filter: ACDelco PF64
• Popular Aftermarket Filters:
  • Fram XG10060 (Ultra Synthetic)
  • Wix 57060
  • Mobil 1 M1-113A

Note: If you have the 2.0L Gas or 1.6L Diesel engine, see the table below for your specific viscosity and capacity.

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2018 Equinox was offered with three different engine options. Make sure you check under your hood or consult your VIN if you aren't sure which powertrain you have.

(For the 1.6L Diesel, the OEM filter is generally ACDelco PF1089. Always double-check part numbers at the parts counter for the diesel variant.)

Oil Change Interval

The 2018 Equinox is equipped with GM's Oil Life System (OLS), which calculates oil degradation based on driving conditions. However, we recommend following these mileage-based guidelines as a safety net to prevent timing chain and turbocharger wear:

• Normal Duty: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, or when the Oil Life Monitor indicates it's time (whichever comes first).
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Severe duty includes extensive idling, towing, driving in dusty conditions, or frequent short trips where the engine does not reach full operating temperature.

Drain Plug Torque

• Drain Plug Torque: 18 lb-ft (25 Nm)
• Crush Washer Note: The drain plug relies on a rubber O-ring or a soft metal seal. Inspect the seal closely; if it is flattened, cracked, or missing, replace the drain plug or the seal before reinstalling to prevent leaks.

How to Change the Oil

1. Warm up the engine: Run the vehicle for a few minutes so the oil flows smoothly, then park on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and raise the front of the vehicle safely on jack stands.
2. Drain the oil: Locate the 15mm oil pan drain plug. Position your drain pan underneath and remove the plug. Allow the oil to drain completely.
3. Replace the filter: Locate the oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench or flute socket to remove the old filter. Lubricate the rubber gasket on the new filter with a dab of fresh oil, and install it hand-tight (usually 3/4 to 1 full turn after the gasket makes contact).
4. Reinstall drain plug: Clean the drain plug and its sealing surface, then reinstall and torque it to 18 lb-ft.
5. Refill: Remove the oil filler cap under the hood and add the correct capacity of fresh dexos-approved oil.
6. Check and reset: Start the engine and look for leaks underneath. Turn off the engine, wait 5 minutes, and check the dipstick to ensure the level is correct. Finally, reset your Oil Life Monitor via the dashboard menu.

Common Issues / Tips for the 2018 Equinox

• Direct Injection Fuel Dilution: Both the 1.5L and 2.0L engines are Gasoline Direct Injected (GDI). GDI engines are prone to fuel dilution in the oil, particularly if you take a lot of short trips. This lowers the oil's viscosity and protective properties. Sticking to a strict 5,000-mile interval helps combat this.
• Turbocharger Feed Lines: The turbochargers on these engines require incredibly clean oil to cool and lubricate their bearings. Neglecting oil changes will lead to sludge buildup in the turbo feed lines, causing premature (and expensive) turbo failure.
• Filter Fitment Check: The ACDelco PF64 is critical for the gas engines due to its specific bypass valve pressure rating (22 PSI). Using an incorrect aftermarket filter with a lower bypass rating can starve the engine of filtered oil under heavy load.

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