Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Engine Oil

To ensure proper engine performance and long life, careful attention must be paidto engine oil. Following these simple, but important steps will help protect yourinvestment:

Always use engine oil approved to the proper specification and of the proper viscositygrade. See “Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in this section.Check the engine oil level regularly and maintain the proper oil level. See “CheckingEngine Oil” and “When to Add Engine Oil” in this section.Change the engine oil at the appropriate time. SeeEngine Oil Life System.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See “What to Do with Used Oil” in this section.Checking Engine Oil

It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each fuel fill. In order to getan accurate reading, the vehicle must be on level ground. The engine oil dipstickhandle is a loop. SeeEngine Compartment Overviewfor the location of the engine oil dipstick.

Obtaining an accurate oil level reading is essential:

If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and allow several minutesfor the oil to drain back into the oil pan. Checking the oil level too soon afterengine shutoff will not provide an accurate oil level reading.

Warning:The engine oil dipstick handle may be hot; it could burn you. Use a towel or gloveto touch the dipstick handle.

Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it backin all the way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.When to Add Engine Oil2.4L L4 Engine

3.6L V6 Engine

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If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at the tip of the dipstick, add 1 L (1qt) of the recommended oil and then recheck the level. See “Selecting the Right EngineOil” in this section for an explanation of what kind of oil to use. For engine oilcrankcase capacity, seeCapacities and Specifications.

Caution:Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above or below the acceptable operating rangeshown on the dipstick are harmful to the engine. If you find that you have an oillevel above the operating range, i.e., the engine has so much oil that the oil levelgets above the cross-hatched area that shows the proper operating range, the enginecould be damaged. You should drain out the excess oil or limit driving ofthe vehicle and seek a service professional to remove the excess amount of oil.

SeeEngine Compartment Overviewfor the location of the engine oil fill cap.

Add enough oil to put the level somewhere in the proper operating range. Push thedipstick all the way back in when through.

Selecting the Right Engine Oil

Selecting the right engine oil depends on both the proper oil specification and viscositygrade. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants.

Specification

Use and ask for licensed engine oils with the dexos1® approved certification mark.Engine oils meeting the requirements for the vehicle should have the dexos1 approvedcertification mark. This certification mark indicates that the oil has been approvedto the dexos1 specification.

Caution:Failure to use the recommended engine oil can result in engine damage not coveredby the vehicle warranty. Check with your dealer or service provider on whether theoil is approved to the dexos1 specification.

Viscosity Grade

SAE-5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscositygrade oils such as SAE-10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50.

Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature fallsbelow −29°C (−20°F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An oil of this viscosity gradewill provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. Whenselecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, always select an oil of the correctspecification. See “Specification” earlier in this section for more information.

Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes

Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils with the dexos specificationand displaying the dexos certification mark are all that is needed for good performanceand engine protection.

Engine oil system flushes are not recommended and could cause engine damage not coveredby the vehicle warranty.

What to Do with Used Oil

Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be unhealthy for your skin andcould even cause cancer. Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Cleanyour skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properlydispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's warningsabout the use and disposal of oil products.

Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure todrain all the oil from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by puttingit in the trash or pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into streams or bodiesof water. Recycle it by taking it to a place that collects used oil.