2012–2017 2nd generation
2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox Oil Type and Capacity
The 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox takes 5W-30 engine oil, 5 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter ACDelco PF457G (cartridge). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
Last verified
Quick answer
The 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox (2.4L 4-cylinder (LEA Ecotec, direct injection)) takes 5W-30 engine oil, 5 quarts with a filter change (OEM filter ACDelco PF457G (cartridge)). Other engines differ. See the table below.
2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L 4-cylinder (LEA Ecotec, direct injection) oil
Verified| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Allowed alternates | 0W-30 (Permitted for sustained cold below about -20°F/-29°C) |
| Oil standard | dexos1 licensed (dexos1 Gen 3 current; virtually all dexos1 oils sold today are full synthetic) |
| Capacity (with filter) | 5 qt / 4.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | ACDelco PF457G (cartridge) |
| Aftermarket filters | Wix 57082 / 57082XP, Fram CH9018, Baldwin P7442 |
| Change interval | Per GM Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months; many owners run 5,000 mi given this engine's oil-consumption history |
| Drain plug torque | 18 ft-lbs |
Cartridge filter in a housing on the front of the block, replace the O-ring with the element. This engine is the subject of GM's oil-consumption special coverage: check the dipstick every 1,000 miles and never let it run low.
2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox 3.0L V6 (LFW, FlexFuel) oil
Verified| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | dexos1 licensed |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6 qt / 5.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | ACDelco PF63E (spin-on) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG10575 (Ultra) |
| Change interval | Per GM Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months |
| Drain plug torque | 18 ft-lbs |
GM bulletin stresses using the specified PF63E (long) filter on these high-feature V6s for proper filtration.
2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox 3.6L V6 (LFX) oil
Verified| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | dexos1 licensed |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6 qt / 5.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | ACDelco PF63E (spin-on) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG10575 (Ultra) |
| Change interval | Per GM Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months |
| Drain plug torque | 18 ft-lbs |
Direct-injected LFX replaced the 3.0L for 2013 with more power and similar economy.
Which Chevrolet Equinox model years does this cover?
These oil specifications apply to every Chevrolet Equinox built from 2012 through 2017 — the 2nd generation, compact/mid-size crossover suv (theta platform). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2012Last year for the 3.0L LFW V6 option
- 20133.6L LFX V6 (301 hp) replaces the 3.0L; MyLink touchscreen infotainment added
- 2016Facelift begins: new projector-beam headlights across the lineup with LED running lamps on LT/LTZ; Teen Driver mode and an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot added GM-wide this model year
- 2016–2017Facelift: new front/rear fascias, grille and wheels; mechanical specs (oil, filters, wipers, bulbs) carry over unchanged
- 2017Final year of the 2nd generation: carries over with minimal changes after 2016's refresh; LTZ trim renamed Premier, new Midnight Edition and Sport appearance packages added
2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox take?
- It depends on the engine. The 2.4L 4-cylinder (LEA Ecotec, direct injection) takes 5 quarts; The 3.0L V6 (LFW, FlexFuel) takes 6 quarts; The 3.6L V6 (LFX) takes 6 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox take?
- 5W-30 meeting dexos1 licensed (dexos1 Gen 3 current; virtually all dexos1 oils sold today are full synthetic). Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.
Can you use a different viscosity in a 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox?
- The manufacturer also permits 0W-30 (Permitted for sustained cold below about -20°F/-29°C). Anything outside that list is a decision you are making against the factory specification.
How often does a 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox need an oil change?
- Per GM Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months; many owners run 5,000 mi given this engine's oil-consumption history. Short trips, towing, extended idling, and dusty or very cold conditions all put the vehicle on the severe-service side of that interval.
What oil filter does a 2012–2017 Chevrolet Equinox take?
- The OEM filter is ACDelco PF457G (cartridge). Common equivalents: Wix 57082 / 57082XP, Fram CH9018, Baldwin P7442. Torque the drain plug to 18 lb-ft. An overtightened plug strips an aluminium pan.
Sources
- AMSOIL product lookup, 2013 Equinox 2.4L LEA (oil viscosity/capacity/torque)
- AMSOIL product lookup, 2015 Equinox 3.6L LFX (6 qt, 5W-30)
- NHTSA TSB library, GM Special Coverage N192291100, excessive oil consumption
- ClassAction.org, Equinox/Terrain oil-consumption settlement details (SCA 15285)
- NHTSA recall 16V-582, 2013 Equinox windshield wiper motor
- NHTSA recall report 22V-165, 2014–2015 Equinox/Terrain wiper module
- TirePressure.org, 2013 Equinox placard tire sizes and pressures
- fueleconomy.gov, 2014 Equinox EPA ratings
- FinditParts, ACDelco PF457G cross-reference (Wix 57082, Baldwin P7442)
- TerrainForum, GM bulletin on ACDelco PF63E filter for high-feature V6
- Turan-Foley Chevrolet, Equinox lug nut torque (140 lb-ft) by year