What oil does a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado 2.8L Diesel take?
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado with the 2.8L 4-cylinder LWN 1 Diesel Turbo engine requires a 5W-30 viscosity oil. For a standard oil change including the filter, the capacity is 5.9 quarts. AMSOIL recommends using AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil (DP530QT-EA) paired with a WIX Oil Filter (WL10286-EA).
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado 2.8L Diesel, the following products are recommended for your maintenance needs:
Engine Oil & Filter
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil | DP530QT-EA |
| WIX Oil Filter | WL10286-EA |
Air & Coolant
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| WIX Air Filter | WA10427-EA |
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
Transmission Fluid
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | OTLQT-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications & Details
Proper lubrication is critical for the 2.8L Duramax diesel engine to ensure longevity and performance under various temperature extremes.
Oil Viscosity and Grade
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 5W-30 (All TEMPS) |
| AMSOIL lookup oil grade | SEOA5 |
Note: The AMSOIL lookup note states that vehicles equipped with diesel engines that originally used GM Dexos2 may use a GM Dexos D licensed engine oil of the appropriate viscosity grade.
Oil Capacity & Torque
| Component | Capacity/Torque |
|---|---|
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 5.9 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 18 ft/lbs |
Always check the oil level after refilling.
Transmission & Transfer Case Specifications
Automatic Transmission (6L50)
| Fill Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Initial Fill | 6.7 quarts |
| Total Fill | 11.2 quarts |
Transfer Case (U/K TR)
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4 pints |
| Drain Plug Torque | 18 ft/lbs |
| Fill Plug Torque | 18 ft/lbs |
For the transfer case, the AMSOIL lookup lists ATLPK-EA.
Coolant Specifications
The cooling system requires specific protection for metals, gaskets, and hoses. The capacity is 11.1 quarts.
| Product Option | Formulation Type |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze | 50/50 Pre-mix (Ethylene Glycol) |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze | Concentrated (Requires mixing with distilled water) |
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL product from this lookup | How it may help | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Wear | Diesel engines face high pressure and friction. | DP530QT-EA | Delivers up to 6X more wear protection than leading industry standards. | Based on third-party OM646LA cam wear test. |
| Temperature Extremes | Cold starts or high heat can affect viscosity. | DP530QT-EA | Excels in hot and cold temperature extremes. | Not confirmed from source data for specific extreme limits. |
| Transmission Heat | Heavy towing increases fluid stress. | ATLPK-EA | Withstands rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures. | Diagnosis/repair may be required for mechanical failure. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Oil Level Verification: Always check the oil level after refilling to ensure accuracy.
- Filter Importance: Using premium media filters like WIX can help reduce engine wear and offer OEM drain intervals.
- Coolant Compatibility: AMSOIL’s OAT formulation is compatible with all other antifreeze and coolant colors.
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Based on owner reports, several areas may require attention:
- Electrical & Steering Systems: Some owners have reported warnings such as “Service Power Steering” or “Steering Assist is Reduced.”
- Braking Performance: There are reports regarding brake vacuum pump issues that can affect braking reliability.
- Charging System: Reports of battery drain and charging system faults suggest monitoring electrical components.
Note: NHTSA complaints are owner reports and should not be treated as verified defects.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA Recall Information: A recall was identified regarding seat belt fastening locations (Campaign 20V811000). Incorrect bolts may have been used, which could prevent the seat belt from properly restraining an occupant during a crash. GM provides free remedy for this issue. Owners should verify open recalls by VIN through official Chevrolet channels.
About this vehicle
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck that serves as a successor to the long-running Chevrolet S-10 compact series. As part of General Motors’ diverse truck lineup, the Colorado shares significant mechanical commonality with its sibling, the GMC Canyon. This vehicle occupies a specific niche in the GM ecosystem, sitting below the full-size Chevrolet Silverado in terms of scale and utility, while offering more maneuverability and efficiency suitable for various work and recreational tasks.
Regarding the powertrain, this specific model features a 2.8L 4-cylinder diesel engine equipped with a turbocharger. It is categorized under the GM Duramax umbrella. Owners of these diesel variants typically focus on specialized maintenance requirements that differ from gasoline counterparts, particularly concerning fuel system integrity and emissions components common to modern turbo-diesel engines.
Because this vehicle belongs to a lineage of mid-size trucks with global variations—such as the Holden Colorado produced in Thailand—it is important for owners to ensure they are referencing North American specific service intervals. Maintenance research for this 2.8L diesel engine often prioritizes Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) requirements, fuel filter replacement intervals, and turbocharger lubrication health.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
How much oil does my 2021 Colorado 2.8L Diesel take?
It takes approximately 5.9 quarts of oil when performing a change with the filter.
What is the correct oil viscosity for this engine?
The recommended viscosity is 5W-30 for all temperature ranges.
Can I use Dexos D oil in my Colorado diesel?
Yes, the AMSOIL lookup note indicates that vehicles originally using GM Dexos2 may use a GM Dexos D licensed engine oil of the appropriate viscosity grade.
What is the torque spec for the oil drain plug?
The oil drain plug should be torqued to 18 ft/lbs.
Does AMSOIL offer a solution for heavy towing?
Yes, ATLPK-EA is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures.
How do I verify if my vehicle has an open recall?
Owners should always verify current recalls by checking their specific VIN through official manufacturer or NHTSA websites.
Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always consult your owner’s manual and professional mechanics for specific maintenance requirements and to confirm compatibility.