2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD takes either 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) of oil for the 6.0L V8 gas engine or 10.0 quarts (9.5 liters) for the 6.6L Duramax diesel engine, including the filter. As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service these heavy-duty trucks, and keeping up with correct fluid specifications is the single most important thing you can do to ensure your HD truck lasts for the long haul.

Below is your comprehensive guide to oil capacities, filter part numbers, and specifications for the 2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD.

Quick answer

Here is the essential information you need before heading to the parts store:

For the 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel V8 (L5P):

• Capacity: 10.0 quarts (9.5 L) with filter change
• Recommended Weight: 15W-40 (for temperatures above 0°F) or 5W-40 (for all temperatures/extreme cold)
• Oil Spec: API CK-4 / CJ-4 or GM dexosD™ / dexos2™
• OEM Filter: ACDelco PF26
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram PH9100, Wix 57202, Mobil 1 M1-303A

For the 6.0L V8 Gas (L96):

• Capacity: 6.0 quarts (5.7 L) with filter change
• Recommended Weight: 5W-30
• Oil Spec: GM dexos1™ Gen 2 or Gen 3 / API SP
• OEM Filter: ACDelco PF48E
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram PH10060, Wix 57060, Mobil 1 M1-113A

Capacity by engine option

The 2019 GMC Sierra 2500HD was offered with two distinctly different powertrains. Always verify which engine you have before buying oil.

Oil change interval

Your 2019 Sierra 2500HD is equipped with the GM Oil Life System (OLS), which calculates oil degradation based on engine RPM, temperature, and operating hours. However, as a rule of thumb:

• Normal Duty: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Rely on the OLS, but never exceed 10,000 miles or one year.
• Severe Duty (Heavy towing, idling, dusty conditions): Every 5,000 miles. Diesel models used for frequent heavy hauling generate significant soot and shear stress on the oil. I highly recommend sticking to a 5,000-mile interval if you are regularly towing heavy payloads.

Drain plug torque

• Drain Plug Torque: 18 lb-ft (25 Nm) for both the 6.0L Gas and 6.6L Diesel engines.
• Crush Washer Note: The factory drain plug features an integrated rubber gasket/seal. Inspect this seal during every oil change. If it is flattened, cracked, or missing, replace the entire drain plug. Do not attempt to stack a standard crush washer on top of a damaged integrated seal, as it will leak.

How to change the oil

1. Warm up the engine: Run the truck for 5 minutes to warm the oil, allowing it to drain faster and suspend contaminants.
2. Access the drain plug: Locate the oil pan (skid plates may need to be removed or bypassed depending on your trim package).
3. Drain the oil: Place a large drain pan (at least 12-quart capacity for the Duramax) underneath. Remove the 15mm drain plug.
4. Replace the filter: While the oil drains, move to the oil filter. Use a filter wrench to remove the old filter. Wipe the engine mounting surface clean with a lint-free rag.
5. Install the new filter: Prime the new filter by pouring a little fresh oil into it (especially important for the massive Duramax filter) and lubricate the rubber O-ring with fresh oil. Spin it on until hand-tight, then tighten an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn.
6. Reinstall drain plug: Install the drain plug and torque to 18 lb-ft.
7. Refill and check: Fill the engine with the required capacity. Start the engine, let it run for 30 seconds to build oil pressure, and check for leaks. Turn off the engine, wait 5 minutes, and verify the final level on the dipstick.
8. Reset OLS: Reset your Oil Life System via the steering wheel controls and driver information center.

Common issues / tips

• L5P Duramax Oil Filters: The L5P diesel oil filter (PF26) is located in a somewhat tight spot on the passenger side. It is notoriously tight from the factory, so a high-quality end-cap style filter wrench is a lifesaver.
• Check the Zerk Fittings: While you are under the truck changing the oil, don't forget that the 2500HD platform still uses greaseable Zerk fittings on the steering linkage (tie rod ends, pitman arm, idler arm). Give them a shot of chassis grease at every oil change.
• Fuel Filter Reminder: For Duramax owners, the fuel filter needs replacing roughly every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. It's good practice to check the fuel filter life monitor while resetting the oil life monitor.

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