2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Fluid Specs

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (5.3L V8, 6.2L V8)	SAE 0W-20, dexos1 Gen 2	8.0 quarts
Engine Oil (2.7L Turbo)	SAE 5W-30, dexos1 Gen 2	6.0 quarts
Engine Oil (3.0L Duramax Diesel)	SAE 0W-20, dexosD	7.0 quarts
Engine Coolant	DEX-COOL (OAT), GM 6277M	11.4 - 17.4 quarts
Automatic Transmission Fluid	DEXRON VI (6-speed) / DEXRON ULV (8/10-speed)	~11-13 quarts (service fill varies)
Transfer Case Fluid	DEXRON VI	~1.6 quarts
Front Differential Fluid	SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil, GM 9986115	~1.0 quart
Rear Differential Fluid	SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil, GM 9986115	~2.75 quarts
Brake Fluid	DOT 3	As needed
Power Steering	Electric Power Steering (No fluid)	N/A
Washer Fluid	Good quality solvent	~1 gallon
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	API Certified ISO 22241	~5.3 gallons

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Engine Oil

For the 2019 Silverado 1500, the correct engine oil is critical for ensuring the longevity of the engine's complex systems, like Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM). Using the wrong oil can lead to lifter failure and other costly repairs.

• 5.3L V8 & 6.2L V8: These engines require a full synthetic SAE 0W-20 oil that meets the GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification. The Gen 2 spec was specifically designed to combat Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) in modern turbocharged and direct-injection engines.
• 2.7L Turbo I4: This engine uses SAE 5W-30 full synthetic oil, also meeting the dexos1 Gen 2 specification.
• 3.0L Duramax I6 Turbo-Diesel: The diesel model requires a specific diesel-rated oil, SAE 0W-20 meeting the dexosD specification. Do not use dexos1 or dexos2 oils in this engine.

Capacity (with filter):

• V8 Engines: 8.0 quarts
• 2.7L Turbo: 6.0 quarts
• 3.0L Duramax: 7.0 quarts

Notes: Always use a high-quality oil filter. Change intervals should follow the truck's Oil Life Monitoring system, but a good rule of thumb is not to exceed 7,500 miles, especially under severe service conditions (towing, frequent short trips, dusty environments).

Engine Coolant

The 2019 Silverado uses a specific Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant.

• Type: ACDelco DEX-COOL coolant, which meets GM specification GM 6277M.
• Color: Orange

Notes: It is critical not to mix DEX-COOL with other coolant types, such as conventional green Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT) or Hybrid OAT (HOAT) coolants. Mixing can cause the coolant to gel, leading to blockages in the radiator, heater core, and cooling passages, which will cause severe engine overheating. Always use pre-mixed 50/50 DEX-COOL or mix concentrated DEX-COOL with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid

The correct automatic transmission fluid depends on which transmission the truck is equipped with.

• 6-Speed Automatic (6L80): Requires DEXRON VI (Dexron 6) Automatic Transmission Fluid.
• 8-Speed (8L90) & 10-Speed (10L80) Automatics: These transmissions require a specific low-viscosity fluid, ACDelco DEXRON ULV (Ultra Low Viscosity).

Notes: Using the wrong fluid can cause severe shift quality issues and premature transmission failure. DEXRON VI and DEXRON ULV are not interchangeable. There is no such thing as a "universal" ATF that is appropriate for these modern transmissions. Fluid should be changed according to the owner's manual, typically around the 45,000 to 60,000-mile mark for severe service.

Drivetrain Fluids (4WD)

Transfer Case

• Type: DEXRON VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Note that this is the same as the 6-speed transmission fluid, but different from the ULV fluid in the 8/10-speed transmissions.

Front & Rear Differentials

• Type: SAE 75W-90 full synthetic gear oil meeting GM specification 9986115.

Notes: Some older trucks or those with the Max Trailering Package may have specific limited-slip differentials requiring an additive. However, for most 2019 models, a high-quality synthetic 75W-90 without a separate friction modifier is specified. Always verify with your VIN or owner's manual if you have an optional locking differential (G80) to confirm the exact fluid requirement. These fluids are often neglected but should be changed every 50,000 miles to prevent premature wear.

Brake Fluid

• Type: DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid.

Notes: While DOT 4 fluid has a higher boiling point and is compatible with DOT 3 systems, it is also more hygroscopic (absorbs moisture faster). For most users, sticking with the factory-specified DOT 3 and flushing the system every 2-3 years is the best practice to prevent moisture contamination and ensure optimal braking performance.

Power Steering

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is equipped with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. It does not use hydraulic fluid. No service or fluid checks are required.

Washer Fluid

• Type: Any good quality commercial washer fluid solvent.

Notes: In winter climates, use a fluid with an appropriate freezing point to prevent damage to the reservoir and lines.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) (3.0L Duramax)

For models equipped with the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, Diesel Exhaust Fluid is required for the emissions system.

• Type: Must be API Certified and meet the ISO 22241 specification.

Notes: DEF is a solution of urea and deionized water. It is critical to use only high-quality, certified DEF to prevent damage to the sensitive Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. The DEF tank holds approximately 5.3 gallons and will need to be refilled periodically, as indicated by the driver information center.

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This guide is for informational purposes. Always consult your owner's manual or OEM service information for procedures and specifications specific to your vehicle's VIN.

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