2018 GMC Yukon Oil Capacity & Filter Guide

The 2018 GMC Yukon takes exactly 8.0 quarts (7.6 liters) of 0W-20 engine oil when performing a standard oil change with a filter replacement. Whether you are driving the standard SLE/SLT with the 5.3L V8 or the top-tier Denali equipped with the 6.2L V8, General Motors engineered both EcoTec3 engines to share the exact same oil capacity and viscosity requirements.

Quick Answer: 2018 GMC Yukon Oil Specs

• 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 Gen 2) / API SP
• OEM Oil Filter: ACDelco PF63E (or PF63)
• Aftermarket Filters: Fram XG10575 (Ultra Synthetic), WIX WL10255, Mobil 1 M1-212A

Capacity by Engine Option

For the 2018 model year, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL were offered with two different V8 engines. Both utilize the same high-capacity oil pan.

Note: Always verify your oil level on the dipstick after refilling and running the engine for a few minutes.

Oil Change Interval

The 2018 GMC Yukon is equipped with the GM Oil Life System (OLS), which calculates oil deterioration based on driving conditions. However, as an ASE master technician, I strongly recommend setting maximum mileage intervals to protect the active fuel management systems on these engines:

• Normal Duty: Follow the Oil Life Monitor, but do not exceed 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Severe duty applies if you frequently tow heavy trailers, idle extensively, drive in dusty conditions, or make repeated short trips in freezing weather.

Drain Plug Torque

• Torque Spec: 18 lb-ft (25 Nm)
• Crush Washer Note: The factory drain plug features an inset rubber gasket rather than a traditional crush washer. Inspect this rubber seal during every oil change. If it is flattened, cracked, or missing, replace the entire drain plug to prevent leaks. Do not over-torque, as the aluminum oil pan threads can strip easily.

How to Change the Oil

1. Prepare the Vehicle: Park on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and raise the front end using ramps or a jack and jack stands.
2. Drain the Oil: Locate the 15mm drain plug on the rear passenger side of the oil pan. Position a large catch pan (minimum 10-quart capacity) and remove the plug. Allow the oil to drain completely.
3. Replace the Filter: Move to the front driver side of the engine to locate the oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old filter. Wipe the engine mounting surface clean. Prime the new ACDelco PF63E filter with fresh 0W-20 oil and lubricate the rubber O-ring. Install the new filter by hand, tightening it 3/4 to 1 full turn after the gasket makes contact.
4. Reinstall Drain Plug: Install the 15mm drain plug and torque it to 18 lb-ft.
5. Refill: Remove the oil filler cap on the top of the engine and pour in exactly 8.0 quarts of 0W-20 dexos1 Gen 3 oil. Replace the cap.
6. Test and Reset: Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds. Check underneath for any leaks. Turn off the engine, let the vehicle sit for 5 minutes, and verify the oil level on the dipstick. Finally, reset the Oil Life Monitor via the steering wheel controls and driver information center.

Common Issues / Tips for the 2018 Yukon

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Sensitivity: The 5.3L and 6.2L EcoTec3 engines rely heavily on clean, well-pressurized oil to operate the AFM/DFM lifters. Neglecting oil changes or using non-dexos approved oil can lead to lifter failure, which is a costly repair. Stick to high-quality full synthetics and never run past your oil life monitor.
• Oil Cooler Line Leaks: On towing-package equipped Yukons, pay close attention to the oil cooler lines routing near the driver's side of the engine block. The crimps on these lines are known to weep oil around the 60,000 to 80,000-mile mark.
• Use the Right Filter: Always use the longer PF63/PF63E filter (or equivalent cross-reference) rather than the older, shorter PF48. The PF63 provides the correct bypass valve pressure specification (22 psi) required for this generation of GM V8s.

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