How To Change the Oil in a 2006 Chevy Colorado
by Tara KimballUpdated November 07, 2017Items you will need
Oil drain pan
Wrench set
Oil-filter wrench
Clean, dry cloth
Oil filter
6 quarts 5W-30 oil
The maintenance plan issued with your 2006 Chevrolet Colorado recommends that you change the oil every 3,000 miles. The truck is equipped with a maintenance-warning system that will notify you if you need to change the oil sooner due to driving conditions. You may be tempted to make a service-center appointment for the oil change. You can change the oil in your Colorado at home for a fraction of the cost. 5W-30 oil and replacement oil filters are available at most auto-parts stores.
Position a drain pan beneath the oil-pan drain plug about halfway back from the front of the engine on the driver side. Remove the oil-pan drain plug with a wrench.
Wait while the oil drains completely from the oil pan. Replace and tighten the oil-pan drain plug once the oil has stopped draining.
Locate the oil filter near the front of the engine compartment on the passenger side. Remove the old oil filter with an oil-filter wrench. Wipe the filter-mounting area with a clean, dry cloth.
Spread a thin layer of clean oil on the gasket of the new oil filter. Screw the new filter into the mounting area until it is hand-tight. Turn the filter an additional one-half turn to secure it in place.
Open the hood of your Colorado. Open the oil-fill cap and add up to six quarts of 5W-30 oil to the engine. Check the engine oil level between each quart to avoid overfilling the engine. Replace the fill cap when the oil level is full.
References
- “2006 Chevrolet Colorado Factory Service Manual”; General Motors Corporation; 2005
- GM: 2006 Chevrolet Colorado Owner Manual
Writer Bio
Tara Kimball is a former accounting professional with more than 10 years of experience in corporate finance and small business accounting. She has also worked in desktop support and network management. Her articles have appeared in various online publications.