2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Fluid Type Specs

This comprehensive guide covers all factory-spec fluid types and capacities for the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Using the correct fluid is critical for the longevity and performance of your truck. Always verify specifications in your owner's manual or with OEM service information before performing any service.

Quick Reference Fluid Chart

Fluid	Type/Specification	Typical Capacity
Engine Oil	5.3L/6.2L: SAE 0W-20 dexos1	8.0 quarts
	4.3L: SAE 5W-30 dexos1	6.0 quarts
Engine Coolant	DEX-COOL Orange OAT (GM 6277M)	14.2 - 17.2 quarts
Automatic Transmission Fluid	6-Speed (6L80): DEXRON-VI	~6.0 quarts (pan drop)
	8-Speed (8L90): DEXRON-HP	~7.4 quarts (pan drop)
Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)	DEXRON-VI ATF	1.6 quarts
Front Differential Fluid (4WD)	SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil	1.8 quarts
Rear Differential Fluid	SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil	2.4 quarts
Brake Fluid	DOT 3	As needed
Power Steering Fluid	N/A (Electric Power Steering)	N/A
Windshield Washer Fluid	All-Season Washer Fluid	~1 gallon

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Engine Oil

For the 2017 model year, Chevrolet specified two different oil viscosities depending on the engine. The 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines require SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade oil. The 4.3L V6 engine uses SAE 5W-30.

Crucially, the oil must meet General Motors' dexos1 specification. At the time of release, this was dexos1 Gen 2. However, this has been superseded by dexos1 Gen 3, which is fully backward-compatible and the recommended choice today. Using a dexos1-licensed oil ensures proper lubrication, protection against sludge, and optimal fuel economy. Look for the dexos1 logo on the bottle.

• Capacity (with filter change):
  • 4.3L V6 (LV3): 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters)
  • 5.3L V8 (L83): 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters)
  • 6.2L V8 (L86): 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters)

Service Notes: Do not rely on old-school 3,000-mile intervals. Your Silverado is equipped with an Oil Life Monitoring (OLM) system. This system calculates the optimal change interval based on your specific driving habits, engine hours, and mileage. A "Change Engine Oil Soon" message will appear when the oil life reaches a critical level. However, GM recommends an oil change at least once every 12 months, regardless of what the OLM indicates.

Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)

The 2017 Silverado 1500 is factory-filled with ACDelco DEX-COOL Orange Antifreeze. This is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant that meets the GM 6277M specification. It has a long service life of up to 5 years or 150,000 miles.

Common Pitfall: Never mix DEX-COOL with conventional green (IAT) or hybrid (HOAT) coolants, such as those found in older vehicles or some other brands. Mixing coolant chemistries can cause them to gel, leading to clogged coolant passages, overheating, and significant engine damage. If you are topping off the system, use only a pre-mixed 50/50 DEX-COOL compatible coolant or mix the concentrated formula with distilled water. Using tap water can introduce minerals that lead to scale and corrosion inside the cooling system.

• System Capacity: Varies from 14.2 to 17.2 quarts depending on the engine and radiator package. Always add fluid slowly and re-check the level in the overflow reservoir after a heat cycle.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Identifying the correct transmission fluid is absolutely critical, as two different transmissions were available in 2017.

• 6-Speed Automatic (6L80): This transmission requires fluid that is licensed and approved for the DEXRON-VI specification. Do not use older DEXRON-III or "universal" transmission fluids.

• 8-Speed Automatic (8L90): This unit requires a specific, lower-viscosity fluid: DEXRON-HP (High Performance), also sold as ACDelco 19300536 or Mobil 1 LV ATF HP. Using standard DEXRON-VI in this transmission can lead to shift quality issues and potential long-term damage.

Service Notes: The listed capacities (~6.0 qts for 6-speed, ~7.4 qts for 8-speed) are for a typical pan-drop service. This only replaces a portion of the total fluid. A complete fluid exchange requires specialized equipment. Check fluid levels according to the manufacturer's procedure, which is often done with the engine running at a specific transmission fluid temperature.

Transfer Case & Differential Fluids

Transfer Case (4WD Models): The automatic transfer case in the 2017 Silverado 1500 uses DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. This is the same fluid used in the 6-speed automatic transmission.

• Capacity: Approximately 1.6 quarts.

Front Differential (4WD Models): The front axle requires SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant. The OEM fluid meets GM specification 9986115.

• Capacity: Approximately 1.8 quarts.

Rear Differential: The rear axle also uses SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lubricant.

• G80 Locking Differential Note: A common point of confusion is whether a limited-slip additive is needed for trucks equipped with the G80 automatic locking differential. With the specified full synthetic gear oil, no friction modifier additive is required. The G80's mechanism is purely mechanical and does not use clutch packs that require special additives.
• Capacity: Approximately 2.4 quarts.

Brake Fluid

Chevrolet specifies DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid for the 2017 Silverado. While DOT 4 fluid has a higher boiling point and is technically compatible, it is more hygroscopic (absorbs moisture faster) and will require more frequent changes. Never, under any circumstances, use DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid, as it is incompatible with the seals and components of a DOT 3 system.

Service Notes: Brake fluid should be flushed and replaced every 2-3 years. As the fluid absorbs moisture, its boiling point drops, which can lead to a soft pedal and reduced braking performance under heavy use.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS). This system uses an electric motor to provide steering assistance, completely eliminating the need for a hydraulic pump, hoses, and power steering fluid. There is no power steering fluid to check or change.

Other Fluids

• Windshield Washer Fluid: Use any quality, name-brand washer fluid. In colder climates, ensure the fluid has a low freezing point to prevent damage to the reservoir and lines.

• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF): The 2017 Silverado 1500 was not offered with a diesel engine. Therefore, it does not have a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and does not require DEF. This fluid is only used in the Silverado HD models with the Duramax diesel engine.

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