2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD takes either 6.0 quarts of 5W-30 oil for the 6.0L gas V8, or 10.0 quarts of 15W-40 oil for the 6.6L Duramax diesel engine. As a heavy-duty truck, the fluids and filters you choose are critical to keeping this rig pulling strong, whether you are hauling equipment to a job site or towing a camper across the country.

Below is your comprehensive master-tech guide to the oil capacity, filter part numbers, and service specifications for the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD.

Quick answer

Here are the primary oil and filter specifications for the two engines available in the 2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD:

For the 6.0L V8 (Gasoline):

• Capacity: 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) with filter change
• Recommended Weight: 5W-30
• Oil Spec: dexos1 Gen 3 (or API SP)
• OEM Oil Filter: ACDelco PF48E
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram PH10060, Wix 57060, Mobil 1 M1-113A

For the 6.6L V8 Duramax L5P (Diesel):

• Capacity: 10.0 quarts (9.5 liters) with filter change
• Recommended Weight: 15W-40 (5W-40 is recommended for temperatures below 0°F)
• Oil Spec: API CK-4 / CJ-4 (low ash for DPF compatibility)
• OEM Oil Filter: ACDelco PF26
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram PH9100, Wix 57740, Mobil 1 M1-303a

Capacity by engine option

Depending on which powerplant your heavy-duty Sierra is equipped with, you'll need drastically different amounts of oil. Always check your dipstick after a refill to ensure proper levels.

Oil change interval

Your 2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD is equipped with GM's Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system, which calculates oil degradation based on engine operating conditions. However, best practices dictate the following:

• Normal Duty: Follow the OLM. This typically results in an oil change every 7,500 miles. For diesel engines, highway cruising will yield the longest intervals.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently tow heavy loads, idle extensively (very common with diesel work trucks), or drive in dusty environments, do not wait for the OLM to hit 0%. Change the oil every 5,000 miles to protect against fuel dilution, soot loading, and thermal breakdown.

Drain plug torque

• 6.0L Gas V8: 18 lb-ft (25 Nm)
• 6.6L Duramax Diesel: 18 lb-ft (25 Nm)

Note: Always inspect the drain plug seal or crush washer. The L5P Duramax uses a drain plug with an integrated rubber O-ring/seal. If this seal is flattened, cracked, or missing, replace the plug or the seal to prevent annoying driveway drips.

How to change the oil

1. Prepare the truck: Park on a level surface. Ensure the engine is warm (but not scalding hot) to help the oil flow easily and suspend contaminants.
2. Drain the oil: Locate the drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Place a large enough catch pan underneath (remember, the Duramax holds 10 quarts!). Remove the 15mm drain plug and let it drain completely.
3. Replace the filter: Locate the oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen it. Check that the old rubber gasket came off with the old filter and isn't stuck to the engine block. Prime the new filter with fresh oil (especially crucial on the massive Duramax filter) and lube the new rubber gasket. Hand-tighten the new filter until snug, plus another quarter to half turn.
4. Reinstall drain plug: Install the drain plug and torque to 18 lb-ft.
5. Refill: Add the required amount of specified oil through the fill cap.
6. Verify: Start the engine and let it run for a minute to build oil pressure. Check underneath for any leaks. Turn off the truck, wait 5 minutes, and check the dipstick to ensure the level is at the "FULL" mark.
7. Reset OLM: Navigate your dashboard menu to the Oil Life screen and hold the checkmark/reset button until it reads 100%.

Common issues / tips

• L5P Duramax Filter Access: 2017 was the first year of the L5P Duramax. The oil filter is easily accessible from underneath, but it holds a significant amount of oil itself. Keep your drain pan positioned directly under the filter housing when removing it, or you'll have a mess on your hands.
• Soot and Fuel Dilution (Diesel): If your truck undergoes frequent active regenerations (due to lots of stop-and-go driving), fuel can slip past the rings and dilute the oil. This is why sticking to a 5,000-mile severe duty schedule is highly recommended for city-driven diesels.
• Gas Engine Oil Consumption: The 6.0L is a legendary and robust engine, but high-mileage units can consume a small amount of oil between changes. Check your dipstick every 1,000 miles to ensure you aren't running low.

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