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How to Change the Oil and Oil Filter on a 2011-2015 Chevy Cruze

Changing the oil and oil filter on your 2011-2015 Chevy Cruze is a regular automotive maintenance item that helps with engine performance and protection for longer engine life. Your oil filter pulls contaminants from the oil so they won’t be recirculated through your Cruze’s engine, so you should always change your oil filter any time you do an oil change. Your Chevy Cruze will alert you each time an oil change is due, as long as your oil light is reset after each oil change.

Tools & Materials List

Step-by-Step Instructions

Additional Resources

Tools & Materials

Syntec Motor Oil Motor Oil
Oil Filter Oil Filter
Crush Washer Crush Washer
safety glasses Eye Protection
Protective Gloves Nitrile Gloves
Filter Wrench Filter Wrench
Shop Towels Shop Towels
Ratchet & Sockets Ratchet & Sockets
Funnels Funnel
Torque Wrench Torque Wrench
Floor Jack Floor Jack
Jack Stands Jack Stands
Wheel Chocks Wheel Chocks
Drain Pan Drain Pan
Screwdriver Screwdriver

Step-By-Step Instructions to Change the Oil and Filter on a 2011-2015 Chevy Cruze

This procedure applies to most 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Chevy Cruze models, but be sure to know the specifics for your Cruze before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this oil change yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.
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Use a jack and jack stands to lift and support the front end.

Step 1: Lift and Support the Front End

Park on a level surface and open the hood. Chock the rear wheels, then use a jack and jack stands to lift and support the front end.
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You’ll need a 24mm socket to loosen the filter cartridge cap.

Step 2: Loosen the Filter Cartridge Cap

Use a ratchet and 24mm socket to loosen the cap on the oil filter cartridge, which is down in the engine bay behind the battery.
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Remove the old filter from the cap.

Step 3: Remove the Oil Filter

Remove the cap the rest of the way by hand, then remove the old filter from the cap.
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Remove the old o-ring so it can be replaced.

Step 4: Replace the O-Ring

Take off the old O-ring and install the new one, making sure it’s in the groove closest to the lip of the cap.
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Lubricate the new o-ring with fresh oil.

Step 5: Lubricate the O-Ring

Use a little fresh oil to lubricate the new O-ring.
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Install the new filter in the cap.

Step 6: Install the New Filter

Install your new oil filter in the cap and thread it back into place.
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Torque the cap to 18 foot-pounds.

Step 7: Tighten the Cap

Use a torque wrench to tighten the cap to 18 foot-pounds.
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Loosen the drain plug with a 16mm socket and ratchet.

Step 8: Loosen the Drain Plug

Now under the car, slide a catch basin underneath your oil drain plug and use a 16mm socket and ratchet to loosen the plug.
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Remove the drain plug the rest of the way by hand, and let the oil drain.

Step 9: Remove the Drain Plug

Remove the plug the rest of the way by hand and let the oil drain completely. Removing the oil fill cap in the engine bay can help the oil drain a little more quickly.

Do It Right: Remove the old crush washer from your drain plug using a small flathead screwdriver or pick, and replace it with a new one.

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Thread the drain plug back into place by hand before torquing to 124 inch-pounds.

Step 10: Reinstall the Drain Plug

Thread the drain plug back into place. Torque the drain plug to 124 inch-pounds.
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Add 4 3/4 quarts of 5W-30.

Step 11: Add Fresh Motor Oil

Back in the engine bay, if you haven’t already, remove the oil fill cap. Add four and three-quarters quarts of 5W-30. Since our Cruze has over 75,000 miles, we’re using Syntec Full Synthetic High Mileage motor oil.
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Put the fill cap back in place and run the engine till it’s warm, then check for leaks.

Step 12: Check Under the Car for Leaks

Put the fill cap back in place and run the engine till it’s warm. Check under the car for any leaks. If everything looks good, it’s safe to shut the engine off and slide the catch basin out from under the car.
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Lower the front end.

Step 13: Lower the Front End

Lower the front end and remove the wheel chocks.
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Double-check the oil level before shutting the hood.

Step 14: Double-Check the Oil Level

Double-check using the dipstick to make sure the oil level is within the appropriate range. Once you’ve checked the oil level, you can shut the hood.
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Step 15: Reset Your Oil Light

For Models With Infotainment Screens
Select Vehicle Status, then Maintenance, then Oil Life, and Reset. Now select Reset again to confirm, and the percentage will change to 100%.

For Models With Steering Wheel Controls
If your model has steering wheel controls on the right-hand side, display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the driver information center. Press and hold the SET/CLR button, or SEL button, which could also be a check-mark icon. Holding that button down for a few seconds will clear the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message and reset the oil life to 100%.

For Models With Turn Signal Lever Controls
Turn the ignition to RUN/ON, but leave the engine off. Press the Driver Information Center MENU button on the turn signal lever to enter the Vehicle Information Menu. Use the thumbwheel to scroll through the menu items until you reach REMAINING OIL LIFE. Press and hold the SET/CLR or check-mark button while the oil life display is active. After a few seconds, the oil life will be reset to 100%. Turn the ignition back to LOCK/OFF.

For Models With None of These Features
If your model has none of these features, turn the ignition to RUN with the engine off. Fully depress and release the gas pedal three times in about five seconds. Turn the key to OFF, then start the vehicle.

Do It Right: If in any case you start your engine after completing the reset procedure and your oil change indicator has NOT reset, turn your engine off and repeat the procedure.

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Additional Resources

What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On

What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On
Veriscan Device in Hand Testing Vehicle

Common Check Engine Light Codes and What They Mean
Dashboard Warning Lights

Dashboard Warning Lights

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.