2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 requires 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) of oil for the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines, or 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) for the 4.3L V6 engine, when including a standard filter change. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service these third-generation (K2XX) trucks. Providing your Sierra with the correct oil type and premium filtration is critical to the longevity of the advanced Active Fuel Management (AFM) systems found in these engines.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the oil capacity, filter cross-references, and torque specs to maintain your 2017 Sierra properly.

Quick answer

• Oil Capacity: 8.0 quarts (5.3L and 6.2L V8) / 6.0 quarts (4.3L V6)
• Recommended Weight: SAE 0W-20 (5.3L & 6.2L) / SAE 5W-30 (4.3L)
• Oil Specification: GM dexos1™ Gen 2 or Gen 3 (API SP)
• OEM Oil Filter: ACDelco PF63 (formerly PF63E)
• Aftermarket Oil Filters: Fram Ultra Synthetic XG10575, Wix WL10255, Mobil 1 M1-212A

Capacity by engine option

The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 was offered with three different EcoTec3 engines. Always verify which engine your truck is equipped with before purchasing your oil.

Oil change interval

Your Sierra is equipped with the GM Oil Life System (OLS), which calculates oil degradation based on engine RPM, operating temperature, and driving habits. However, as a rule of thumb:

• Normal Duty: Follow the OLS, but do not exceed 7,500 miles or 12 months between oil changes.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently tow heavy loads, idle extensively, drive in dusty environments, or make short trips in freezing weather, change your oil every 5,000 miles. Frequent changes are cheap insurance for your engine's valvetrain.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Spec: 18 lb-ft (25 Nm)
• Socket Size: 15mm

Tech Note: Always inspect the rubber O-ring gasket integrated into the factory drain plug. If it is flattened, cracked, or missing, replace the entire drain plug. Do not overtighten, as stripping the aluminum oil pan is an expensive mistake.

How to change the oil

1. Prepare the truck: Park on a level surface, set the parking brake, and warm the engine slightly to help the oil flow.
2. Drain the oil: Locate the 15mm drain plug at the rear of the oil pan. Remove it and let the old oil drain completely into an appropriately sized catch pan (keep in mind you are catching up to 8 quarts).
3. Replace the filter: Locate the oil filter near the oil pan. Remove it using a filter wrench. Pre-fill the new filter with a little fresh oil, lubricate the rubber gasket, and install it hand-tight (usually 3/4 to 1 full turn after the gasket makes contact).
4. Reinstall drain plug: Install the drain plug and torque to 18 lb-ft. Wipe away any excess oil.
5. Refill: Pour in the required amount of dexos1 approved oil.
6. Verify and Reset: Start the engine and check for leaks. Turn off the engine, wait 5 minutes, and check the dipstick to ensure the level is correct. Finally, navigate your driver information center to reset the oil life monitor to 100%.

Common issues / tips

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifters: The 5.3L and 6.2L engines feature AFM, which deactivates cylinders to save fuel. The lifters that control this system are highly dependent on clean, correct-viscosity oil. Neglecting oil changes is the #1 cause of premature lifter failure on the K2XX platform trucks.
• Filter Sizing Update: GM updated the specified oil filter for these engines from the PF48 to the longer PF63 style to increase bypass valve pressure and filtration media capacity. Make sure you are using a PF63 equivalent.
• Catch Cans: The EcoTec3 engines are direct-injected. Because fuel doesn't wash over the intake valves, carbon buildup can occur. Many owners install an oil catch can in the PCV system to help prevent oil vapors from caking the intake valves.

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