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How do I change the Oil on the V6 CTS (3.6 L)?

thanks louiefl99

Note: This is for the 3.6 liter engine. The 3.2 liter oil change procedure is different

I bought a 5 quart jug + 1 quart of Mobil 1 and a Napa Gold 7090 filter for a total of $33.50. Other filters I found were Purolator L25274, AC Delco PF2129, and Fram CH8765.

The filter canister is removed with either a 24mm or 15/16” socket. I expected oil to pour down the side of the engine when I unscrewed it, but the canister was dry inside, not a drop spilled on the engine. The filter element stayed attached to the canister cover.

The drain plug is 13mm and is best accessed from behind the front passenger tire. I used a long extension and didn’t have to jack up the car or crawl under too far.

Wiped up the bolt and flange on the pan; tightened it using a short open end wrench (didn’t want to over tighten . I wiped the filter cover and reinstalled the filter - it appears that the new element is symmetrical, and either end snugly fits into the cover. Added 6 quarts of oil, ran around the block, let everything drain back and needed another ½ quart to hit the top of the full hash mark.

This is the simplest (and cleanest) oil change I have ever done. Plenty of room around the filter, no drips; oil pan drain doesn’t cascade over any portion of the frame or exhaust system. I used one paper towel and my hands were pretty clean. Total time 30 minutes including pictures, next time will be about half that.

Torque specs

  • The oil pan drain plug is 20 Nm or 15 lb ft
  • The oil filter cap is 25 Nm or 18 lb in.














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