For the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado equipped with the 2.8L 4-cylinder LWN 5 Diesel Turbo engine, the oil capacity is 6 quarts (including filter replacement). The recommended viscosity for all temperatures is 5W-30, though 0W-40 may be used for temperatures below -29°C. AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil (DP530QT-EA) paired with a WIX Oil Filter (WL10286-EA) for optimal protection.
What oil does a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 2.8L Diesel take?
The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado with the 2.8L 4-cylinder LWN 5 Diesel Turbo engine requires specific diesel-grade lubrication. The AMSOIL lookup identifies an oil grade of SEOA5. For optimal performance across all temperatures, a 5W-30 viscosity is recommended.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup data, the following products are recommended for your 2.8L Diesel Colorado maintenance needs:
| Component | Product Name | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil | AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil | DP530QT-EA |
| Oil Filter | WIX Oil Filter | WL10286-EA |
| Air Filter | WIX Air Filter [1] | WA10427-EA |
| Coolant (Pre-mix) | AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| Coolant (Concentrate) | AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
| Automatic Transmission | AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| Automatic Transmission | AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | OTLQT-EA |
| Transfer Case | AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications
| Viscosity | Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| 5W-30 | All Temperatures |
| 0W-40 | Below -29°C |
Note: The AMSOIL lookup note states that vehicles originally using GM Dexos2 may use a GM Dexos D licensed engine oil of the appropriate viscosity grade.
Engine Oil Capacity & Torque
| Description | Value |
|---|---|
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 6 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 18 ft/lbs |
Always check the oil level after refilling.
How much transmission fluid does it take?
For vehicles equipped with the 6-speed 6L50 automatic transmission, capacities vary depending on whether you are performing an initial fill or a total system service. Ensure you use the correct synthetic fluid to maintain smooth shifting.
| Service Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Initial Fill | 6.7 quarts |
| Total Fill (6L50) | 11.2 quarts |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Oil Filter: The WIX Oil Filter (WL10286-EA) is designed to offer OEM drain intervals and help reduce engine wear.
- Air Filter: The WIX Air Filter (WA10427-EA) provides improvements over OEM-branded filters and helps reduce engine wear.
- Coolant: The cooling system capacity is 11.8 quarts. AMSOIL offers both a 50/50 pre-mix (ANTPC1G-EA) and a concentrated version (ANT1G-EA) that requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water.
- Transfer Case: For the U/K TRC application, the capacity is 4 pints. The drain and fill plugs both require 18 ft/lbs of torque.
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Maintaining a turbocharged diesel requires addressing specific thermal and mechanical stresses.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turbocharger Wear | High heat and speed require constant lubrication. | DP530QT-EA | Delivers up to 6X more wear protection than leading industry standards. | Requires regular oil changes. |
| Extreme Temperatures | Cold starts or high heat can affect viscosity. | DP530QT-EA | Excels in hot and cold temperature extremes. | Not confirmed for all extreme climates. |
| Engine Sludge/Cleaning | Diesel soot can lead to deposits. | DP530QT-EA | Minimizes oil consumption and maintains viscosity. | Does not replace mechanical repair. |
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Based on the vehicle profile, owners of the 2.8L diesel variant should prioritize several key areas:
- Fuel System Integrity: Protecting the high-pressure common rail system via regular fuel filter replacement is critical.
- Turbocharger Health: Ensuring proper oil viscosity and cleanliness to prevent turbocharger lubrication failure.
- Cooling System: Monitoring for leaks or degradation, as turbocharged diesel engines generate significant thermal loads.
- Emissions Systems: Regular upkeep of emissions components is a standard requirement for modern diesel platforms.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA research indicates the following recall information for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado:
- Frontal Air Bags: A recall (Campaign 17V621000) was issued because driver’s frontal air bags may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment.
- Fuel System: A recall (Campaign 18V358000) noted that high-pressure fuel pumps may detach from their mounting flange, potentially damaging the fuel line and increasing fire risk.
- Console Latch: A recall (Campaign 15V807000) was issued for certain vehicles manufactured between August and September 2015 regarding a console compartment lid latch that may fail to stay closed in a crash.
Disclaimer: Always verify open recalls by using your specific VIN through official Chevrolet customer service or the NHTSA website.
About this vehicle
The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado represents the second generation of Chevrolet’s mid-size pickup truck lineup. Designed to succeed the compact S-10 series, it provides a more robust platform that shares significant mechanical commonality with its GMC sibling, the Canyon. This specific model features a 2.8L 4-cylinder diesel engine equipped with a turbocharger, placing it within the GM Duramax diesel family context.
As a mid-size diesel truck, this vehicle is typically utilized for a mix of light-duty work, towing, and daily commuting. Owners often focus their maintenance research on diesel-specific requirements, such as fuel system integrity, turbocharger health, and emissions system upkeep. Because this vehicle sits in a segment that bridges the gap between compact utility and full-size capability, maintaining proper fluid intervals is critical for longevity.
Technical data regarding the ‘1 LWN 5’ designation should be verified through official service manuals. Users are encouraged to confirm specific filter micron ratings and oil weights tailored specifically to the 2.8L engine rather than gasoline variants.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the oil capacity for my 2016 Colorado 2.8L Diesel?
The capacity is 6 quarts when performing an oil change with a new filter. Always check the level after refilling.
Can I use 0W-40 in my diesel engine?
Yes, the AMSOIL lookup indicates 0W-40 viscosity is appropriate for temperatures below -29°C.
What torque should I use for the oil drain plug?
The confirmed torque specification for the oil drain plug is 18 ft/lbs.
Does my Colorado need a specific transmission fluid?
For the 6-speed 6L50 automatic transmission, AMSOIL lists ATLPK-EA and OTLQT-EA as options.
How often should I change my coolant?
AMSOIL products like ANTPC1G-EA are engineered for protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first.
Is there a recall for my fuel system?
NHTSA records show a recall (Campaign 18V358000) regarding high-pressure fuel pumps potentially detaching. Please check your VIN to confirm if your vehicle is affected.
Verification Disclaimer: While this information is gathered from AMSOIL and NHTSA data, always consult your owner’s manual or a certified mechanic before performing maintenance.