2016 GMC Acadia V6 Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

Quick Answer: How Much Oil Does a 2016 GMC Acadia Take?

The 2016 GMC Acadia with the 3.6L V6 engine requires 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) of synthetic blend or full synthetic 5W-30 motor oil that meets the dexos1 Gen 2 (or newer) specification.

• Oil Capacity: 6.0 qts / 5.7 L
• Recommended Oil Weight: SAE 5W-30
• Required Oil Specification: dexos1® Gen 2 (or newer, like dexos1 Gen 3)
• Oil Filter (OEM): ACDelco PF63F or PF63E
• Oil Filter (Aftermarket):
  • Fram PH10575
  • Wix 57045 / Wix WL10023 (newer)
  • Mobil 1 M1-212A

Capacity by Engine Option

For the 2016 model year, GMC simplified the Acadia lineup by offering only one engine, making it easy to know what your vehicle needs.

Oil Change Interval for the 2016 Acadia

Your 2016 Acadia is equipped with an Oil Life Monitoring (OLM) system. This is the most reliable way to determine your oil change interval. The system tracks engine revolutions, operating temperature, and other factors to calculate the remaining oil life. When the "CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON" message appears, you should have the oil changed within the next 600 miles.

However, it's crucial not to exceed one year or 7,500 miles between changes, even if the OLM has not activated.

• Normal Service: Follow the Oil Life Monitor, but do not exceed 7,500 miles or 1 year.
• Severe Service: If you frequently drive in heavy stop-and-go traffic, tow trailers, operate in extreme temperatures, or make many short trips, your OLM will likely recommend shorter intervals. Many technicians advise a 3,000 to 5,000-mile interval for vehicles under severe duty to ensure maximum engine protection.

Drain Plug Torque & Crush Washer

Properly tightening the drain plug is critical to prevent oil leaks. Over-tightening can strip the threads in the aluminum oil pan, leading to a costly repair.

• Drain Plug Size: M12 x 1.75
• Recommended Torque: 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm)
• Crush Washer: While many technicians reuse the gasket on the plug, it is best practice to replace the drain plug gasket if it is a separate, replaceable washer to ensure a perfect seal. Consult your dealer for the specific part number.

How to Change the Oil (Simplified Steps)

Changing the oil on the 3.6L V6 Acadia is a straightforward process.

1. Warm Up: Run the engine for a few minutes to warm the oil, which helps it drain completely.
2. Lift Vehicle: Safely raise the front of the vehicle using ramps or a jack and jack stands.
3. Position Drain Pan: Place a drain pan under the oil pan drain plug, located on the passenger side of the engine.
4. Drain Oil: Remove the 15mm drain plug and allow the old oil to drain fully.
5. Replace Filter: The oil filter is a canister-style filter located on the front of the engine, near the bottom. Use a filter wrench to remove the old filter. Lightly lubricate the gasket of the new filter with fresh oil and screw it on until it's hand-tight, then give it another quarter-turn.
6. Reinstall Plug: Clean the drain plug and surrounding area, install a new gasket if necessary, and tighten the plug to 18 ft-lbs.
7. Add New Oil: Using a funnel, pour in 6.0 quarts of 5W-30 dexos1-spec oil.
8. Check Level & Reset: Start the engine, let it run for 30 seconds to circulate oil, then shut it off. Wait a minute, then check the dipstick and add oil if needed. Finally, reset the Oil Life Monitor through the vehicle's information menu.

Common Issues & Tips for This Generation

• Timing Chain Wear: The 3.6L LFX engine is a significant improvement over its predecessor (the LLT), but it can still be susceptible to timing chain stretch, particularly with extended oil change intervals. Using high-quality, dexos1-spec synthetic oil and adhering to a 5,000-7,500 mile change interval is the best defense against this expensive repair.
• PCV Orifice Clogging: The driver's side valve cover has a small, fixed PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) orifice that can become clogged. This can lead to increased oil consumption and pressure issues. Some owners have had success cleaning this orifice, but the official repair is to replace the valve cover. Clean oil is key to preventing sludge buildup that causes this.
• Oil Consumption: While not as common as on earlier models, some 3.6L engines may consume oil between changes. It's wise to check your oil level every 1,000 miles to ensure it stays within the safe range on the dipstick.

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