2012–2013 GMT900 (2nd generation)
2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Oil Type and Capacity
The 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 takes 5W-30 engine oil, 4.5 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter ACDelco PF61E. Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.
Last verified
Quick answer
2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.3L Vortec V6 (LU3) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | dexos1 (GM6094M before 2011) |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.5 qt / 4.3 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | ACDelco PF61E |
| Change interval | Per Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months (typically 5,000–7,500 mi) |
| Drain plug torque | 18 ft-lbs |
Old-school iron-block Vortec 4300, no AFM, no direct injection. GM has required dexos1-licensed oil since the 2011 model year.
2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4.8L Vortec V8 (L20) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | dexos1 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6 qt / 5.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | ACDelco PF48E |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG10060 (Ultra), Wix 57060, Mobil 1 M1-113A |
| Change interval | Per Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months |
The 4.8L never had Active Fuel Management. It avoids the AFM lifter/oil-consumption issues entirely. Paired with the 4-speed 4L60E automatic.
2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5.3L Vortec V8 (LMG iron / LC9 aluminum, AFM) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | dexos1 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6 qt / 5.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | ACDelco PF48E |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG10060 (Ultra), Wix 57060, Mobil 1 M1-113A |
| Change interval | Per Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months; many owners run 5,000 mi because of AFM oil consumption |
Has Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation). Check the dipstick between changes; these engines are documented oil burners (see common problems). Paired with the 6-speed 6L80.
2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 6.2L Vortec V8 (L9H) oil
High confidence| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 |
| Oil standard | dexos1 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 6 qt / 5.7 L |
| Synthetic required | See owner's manual |
| OEM filter | ACDelco PF48E |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram XG10060 (Ultra), Wix 57060, Mobil 1 M1-113A |
| Change interval | Per Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months |
The L9H does not have AFM. Rare in Silverado 1500s (more common in Sierra Denali).
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years does this cover?
These oil specifications apply to every Chevrolet Silverado 1500 built from 2012 through 2013 — the GMT900 (2nd generation), full-size half-ton pickup (regular, extended, crew cab). 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 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2012Carryover year; Silverado Hybrid (6.0L two-mode, LZ1) still available in limited numbers
- 2013Final GMT900 year. Max trailering ~10,700 lb with 6.2L and tow package; most 5.3L configs rate 9,100–10,400 lb
2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 oil: common questions
How many quarts of oil does a 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 take?
- It depends on the engine. The 4.3L Vortec V6 (LU3) takes 4.5 quarts; The 4.8L Vortec V8 (L20) takes 6 quarts; The 5.3L Vortec V8 (LMG iron / LC9 aluminum, AFM) takes 6 quarts; The 6.2L Vortec V8 (L9H) takes 6 quarts, all figures include a new filter.
What kind of oil does a 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 take?
- 5W-30 meeting dexos1 (GM6094M before 2011). Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.
Can you use a different viscosity in a 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
- The factory specification is 5W-30 and no alternate grade is listed for this engine. Modern variable-valve-timing hardware is sized around the specified viscosity, so substituting a thicker oil is not a free choice.
How often does a 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 need an oil change?
- Per Oil Life Monitor, max 12 months (typically 5,000–7,500 mi). 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 2012–2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 take?
- The OEM filter is ACDelco PF61E. Torque the drain plug to 18 lb-ft. An overtightened plug strips an aluminium pan.
Sources
- AMSOIL product lookup, 2012 Silverado 1500 4.3L capacities
- Riverside Chevrolet, Silverado 1500 oil type & capacity guide 2007–2026
- Costa Oils, 2012 Silverado 6.2L (L9H) oil change guide
- O'Reilly Auto Parts, 2012 Silverado 1500 battery fitment (Group 48, 615 CCA OE)
- Wheel-Size.com, 2012 Silverado 1500 OE tire fitments
- Otto Wiper Blades, 2012 Silverado 1500 wiper sizes (22/22)
- Edmunds, 2013 Silverado 1500 specs (26-gal tank, towing)
- SilveradoSierra forum, GMT900 cabin air filter retrofit kit
- GM-Trucks forum, GMT900 oil life reset (accelerator method)