How much oil does a 2.4 L 4 cylinder engine take?
There isn’t one universal number for all 2.4 L inline-4 engines. In practice, most 2.4 L four-cylinders take about 4.5–5.5 quarts (4.3–5.2 liters) of oil when a new filter is installed, but the exact capacity varies by engine family and vehicle. Always verify the specification for your specific make and model.
The 2.4 L displacement spans several engine families across different brands, so the official oil capacity can differ depending on the design of the engine block, the size of the oil filter, and whether the specification includes or excludes the filter. This article explains the typical range and provides practical steps to determine your exact capacity for safe maintenance.
Typical capacity range for 2.4L engines
The following range offers a general guide for most 2.4-liter inline-four engines. Actual capacity for your vehicle should be confirmed in the owner's manual or service data.
- With a new oil filter installed: approximately 4.5–5.5 quarts (4.3–5.2 L).
- Without counting the filter, or with a smaller/larger filter: typically around 4.0–4.8 quarts (3.8–4.6 L).
- Some designs with extra oil-cooler capacity or larger filters may require up to about 5.5 quarts (5.2 L).
These figures are intended as a practical starting point. The exact capacity for a given vehicle can differ by year, market, and engine specification, so always confirm with your official data.
How to determine the exact capacity for your car
To pinpoint the precise oil capacity for your specific 2.4L engine, follow these steps:
- Identify the engine code and model year of your vehicle (for example, Toyota 2AZ-FE, Honda K-series 2.4, Ford Duratec 2.4, GM Ecotec 2.4).
- Consult the owner's manual or the official service manual for the explicit “oil capacity” entry, usually listed as “oil capacity with filter.”
- If you don’t have the manual, use the manufacturer’s website or a reputable automotive database to find the exact specification for your exact model and engine code.
- During an oil change, add oil gradually to the recommended level and recheck with the dipstick after the engine has run and cooled, ensuring the level sits within the proper range.
Following these steps will ensure you use the exact amount required for your vehicle and avoid overfilling or underfilling.
Notes for maintenance and accuracy
Keep in mind that oil capacity is stated as “with filter” in most official documents. If you replace the filter with a differently sized one, or if your engine has unique cooling or oil routing features, the capacity could shift slightly. When in doubt, rely on the official specification and verify with a dipstick after a complete oil change.
Summary
In short, there is no single answer for all 2.4 L inline-four engines. The typical range is about 4.5–5.5 quarts (4.3–5.2 L) of oil with a new filter, but the exact figure depends on the engine family and vehicle. Always check your owner’s manual or manufacturer data for the precise capacity, and use a careful fill-and-check process to reach the correct level.
Is the 2.4 L 4-cylinder a good engine?
A 2.4L four-cylinder engine is generally considered good for a balance of fuel efficiency and adequate power for most daily driving. Its "goodness" depends on whether it is naturally aspirated or turbocharged and the specific vehicle it is in; however, modern versions are often praised for strong low-end torque and reliability, especially turbocharged and hybrid models.
Pros
- Fuel efficiency: These engines are generally more fuel-efficient than larger engines.
- Reliability: Many 2.4L engines are known for being reliable.
- Torque: Many modern 2.4L engines, particularly turbocharged or hybrid versions, deliver strong low-end torque, making them feel responsive in city driving.
- Smoothness: Some modern 2.4L engines are designed to be smoother and quieter than older counterparts.
Cons
- Performance: Naturally aspirated 2.4L engines may lack power for certain situations, like towing or high-speed passing, especially compared to larger engines.
- Oil consumption: Some modern 2.4L engines, especially turbocharged ones, can experience higher oil consumption due to design choices made for emissions and efficiency. This is often manageable with regular oil checks and maintenance.
- Maintenance: Complex engines with features like turbochargers and hybrid systems may have more potential failure points than simpler, older designs.
How many quarts of oil does a 2.4 L engine take?
And max line which is good since the oil is still settling to the oil pan i'm measuring a little fast after stopping the engine. So feel free to check again at home after a little while longer.
How many quarts of oil does a 2015 Chevy Equinox 2.4 L take?
A 2015 Chevy Equinox with a 2.4L engine takes 5 quarts of oil when changing the filter. The recommended oil type is 5W-30 synthetic motor oil, which meets the GM Dexos1 specification.
- Capacity: 5 quarts (with filter change)
- Oil Type: 5W-30 synthetic
- Specification: GM Dexos1
Can I put 5w-40 oil instead of 5w-30?
Engine Compatibility: It's important to use the oil recommended by the vehicle's manufacturer. Using 5W40 instead of 5W30 could potentially cause issues in engines not designed for the higher viscosity, particularly in terms of oil flow and engine protection.
