2016 GMC Yukon Oil Capacity, Filter & Change Guide

The 2016 GMC Yukon takes exactly 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) of full synthetic engine oil when performing a standard oil and filter change. Whether you are driving the standard SLE/SLT trims or the premium Denali, keeping the massive V8 engine in your Yukon properly lubricated is critical to its longevity. As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve performed hundreds of oil changes on GM's K2XX platform SUVs. Below is everything you need to know to service your 2016 Yukon correctly.

Quick answer

Here are the fast facts for the 2016 GMC Yukon oil change:

• Oil Capacity: 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) with filter change
• Recommended Oil Weight: 0W-20 Full Synthetic
• Oil Specification: GM dexos1™ Gen 3 (supersedes previous generations) / API SP
• OEM Oil Filter: ACDelco PF63E (or PF63)
• Popular Aftermarket Filters: Fram XG10575, Wix WL10255, Mobil 1 M1-212A

Capacity by engine option

For the 2016 model year, the GMC Yukon was offered with two different EcoTec3 V8 engines. Fortunately, both share the exact same oil capacity and viscosity requirements.

Oil change interval

Your 2016 Yukon is equipped with the GM Oil Life System (OLS), which calculates oil degradation based on driving conditions, engine temperatures, and idle time. However, I always recommend following strict mileage intervals based on how you use the truck:

• Normal Duty: Up to 7,500 miles or when the Oil Life Monitor drops below 10% (whichever comes first). This applies to mostly highway driving without heavy payloads.
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles. You should follow the severe schedule if you frequently tow, idle for extended periods, drive in dusty environments, or make mostly short trips where the engine doesn't reach full operating temperature.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Spec: 18 lb-ft (25 Nm)
• Tool Required: 15mm socket or wrench

Note: The factory GM drain plug utilizes an integrated rubber O-ring seal rather than a traditional crush washer. Inspect this O-ring every time you remove the plug. If the rubber is flattened, cracked, or missing, replace the entire drain plug to prevent frustrating driveway drips.

How to change the oil

1. Prepare the vehicle: Park on level ground, apply the parking brake, and safely raise the front end using ramps or a jack and jack stands.
2. Drain the oil: Position a large drain pan (at least 10-quart capacity) under the oil pan. Remove the 15mm drain plug and let the oil drain completely.
3. Replace the filter: Locate the oil filter near the oil pan. Use a filter wrench to loosen it. Let the residual oil drain, then remove the filter. Wipe the engine mounting surface clean. Apply a light film of fresh oil to the new filter's rubber gasket and hand-tighten it (typically 3/4 to 1 full turn after the gasket makes contact).
4. Reinstall drain plug: Clean the drain plug, check the seal, and torque to 18 lb-ft.
5. Refill: Lower the vehicle. Pour exactly 8.0 quarts of 0W-20 dexos1 Gen 3 oil into the oil filler neck.
6. Verify and reset: Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to check for leaks. Turn it off, wait 3 minutes, and verify the oil level on the dipstick. Finally, reset your Oil Life Monitor via the steering wheel controls and driver information screen.

Common issues / tips

• The PF63 vs PF48 confusion: Earlier GM V8s used the shorter PF48 filter. Your 2016 Yukon requires the taller PF63 (or PF63E) filter. The PF63 has a specific internal bypass valve pressure rating designed for the EcoTec3 engines. Do not use the shorter filter.
• Active Fuel Management (AFM): Both the 5.3L and 6.2L engines feature AFM (cylinder deactivation). The system relies heavily on oil pressure to activate and deactivate lifters. Low oil levels or dirty oil can cause lifter failure—a very costly repair on these engines. Check your dipstick every 1,000 miles to monitor for normal consumption.
• Direct Injection soot: Because these engines are direct-injected, your oil will look dark black much faster than on older port-injected trucks. This is normal and doesn't mean the oil is ruined—rely on your mileage and OLM, not the oil's color.

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