How much oil does a GM 3.6 L V6 take?
The engine typically requires about five quarts of engine oil with a new oil filter.
The GM 3.6 L V6 family spans several variants used across many GM models, including different generations such as LLT and LFX. While five quarts is the standard figure for most applications, exact capacity can vary by model year and configuration. Always verify with your owner's manual or the under-hood label for your specific vehicle.
Typical oil capacity for the 3.6 L V6 family
Here is the standard capacity you should expect when performing an oil change on most GM 3.6 L V6 engines.
- 5 quarts (4.7 liters) of engine oil with a new filter.
Always confirm the exact figure for your vehicle by checking the owner's manual, the under-hood sticker, or by contacting a GM dealer.
Oil type and change intervals
Oil grade and change intervals depend on model year, driving conditions, and climate. Use Dexos1 Gen 2 compliant oil approved by GM, with viscosity specified by your model's manual (commonly 0W-20 or 5W-30 depending on year and region).
- Use Dexos1 Gen 2 compliant engine oil, with the viscosity recommended for your vehicle (often 0W-20 or 5W-30; check the manual for the exact specification).
For change intervals, GM typically recommends 5,000–7,500 miles (about 8,000–12,000 km) for conventional oil and longer intervals for synthetic oil, depending on driving conditions. Always follow the vehicle’s service reminders and the owner’s manual.
How to check and top up oil
Keeping the oil at the correct level between changes helps protect the engine and maintain performance.
- Park on level ground and let the engine cool for 5–10 minutes to allow oil to settle.
- Open the hood and locate the dipstick, pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it, then pull it again to check the level.
- If the level is below the "Full" mark, add oil gradually in 0.5-quart increments, rechecking after each addition.
- Once the level reaches the full mark, replace the dipstick, screw on the oil filler cap, and run the engine for about a minute to circulate the oil.
- Recheck the level with the engine off after a few minutes of cooling and top up if necessary, avoiding overfilling.
Overfilling can cause excessive pressure and engine damage, so proceed slowly and verify with the dipstick.
Summary
For most GM 3.6 L V6 engines, the standard oil capacity is 5 quarts with a filter. Always confirm the exact capacity for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or on the under-hood sticker, and use the Dexos1 Gen 2 approved oil with the viscosity specified for your model. Adhere to GM’s recommended change intervals and check the oil level regularly to ensure optimal engine performance.
