For the 2018 GMC Canyon equipped with the 2.8L 4-cylinder LWN 1 Diesel Turbo engine, the oil capacity is 6 quarts (including filter replacement). The recommended viscosity is 5W-30 for temperatures above -29°C and 0W-40 for temperatures below -29°C. AMSOIL recommends using AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil (DP530QT-EA) paired with a WIX Oil Filter for optimal protection.
What oil does a 2018 GMC Canyon 2.8L Diesel take?
The 2018 GMC Canyon with the 2.8L LWN 1 diesel engine requires an oil grade of SEOA5. The specific viscosity depends on your operating environment: use 0W-40 for temperatures below -29°C and 5W-30 for temperatures above -29°C. Always check the oil level after refilling.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup data, the following products are recommended for your 2018 GMC Canyon diesel engine and related systems.
Engine Oil & Filter
| Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil | DP530QT-EA |
| WIX Oil Filter | WL10286-EA |
Air & Cooling Systems
| Product Name | Part 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 & Brake Fluids
| Product Name | Part Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | OTLQT-EA |
| AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid | BFLVCN-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications
| Detail | Specification/Value |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Lookup Oil Grade | SEOA5 |
| Viscosity (Below -29°C) | 0W-40 |
| Viscosity (Above -29°C) | 5W-30 |
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
| Component | Capacity / Torque |
|---|---|
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 6 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 18 ft/lbs |
Automatic Transmission Fluid Requirements
For the 6-speed 6L50 automatic transmission, maintenance requires specific fluid volumes. The total fill capacity is 11.2 quarts, while the initial fill is 6.7 quarts.
| Fluid Type | Part Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient ATF | OTLQT-EA |
Coolant Specifications
The cooling system has a capacity of 11.1 quarts. AMSOIL offers both pre-mix and concentrated options for this application.
| Product | Formulation Note |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze | 50/50 Ethylene glycol pre-mix |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze | Concentrated (requires mixing) |
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines face unique stresses. Below is a summary of how specific AMSOIL products can support engine health.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Wear | Diesel combustion is high-pressure. | DP530QT-EA | Delivers up to 6X more wear protection than leading industry standards. | Requires regular intervals. |
| Temperature Extremes | Cold starts or high heat can degrade oil. | DP530QT-EA | Excels in hot and cold temperature extremes. | N/A |
| Transmission Heat | Heavy towing causes fluid breakdown. | ATLPK-EA | Withstands rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures. | N/A |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Oil Level Check: Always check the oil level after refilling to ensure correct capacity.
- Filter Importance: Using premium media filters like WIX can help reduce engine wear and offer OEM drain intervals.
- Air Filtration: Regular air filter replacement helps maintain proper airflow and reduces engine wear.
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Based on NHTSA consumer reports, owners of the 2018 GMC Canyon have noted several areas for monitoring:
- Power Train/Transmission: Some users reported a “rumble” sensation at speeds around 45mph, which may involve the transmission or torque converter.
- 4WD Systems: There are reports of 4WD inoperability and “Service 4WD” messages.
- Fuel System/Emissions: Some complaints mention engine power reduction related to the DEF system.
Note: NHTSA complaints are owner reports and should not be treated as verified defects.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA Recall Alert: A recall (Campaign 18V358000) was identified regarding the high-pressure fuel pump. The pump may detach from its mounting flange, potentially damaging the fuel line and increasing fire risk. GM has offered a remedy to replace the pump and pipe free of charge.
Important: Always verify your specific vehicle’s open recalls by contacting a dealer with your VIN.
About this vehicle
The 2018 GMC Canyon is a mid-size pickup truck that shares significant mechanical commonality with the Chevrolet Colorado. This model features a 2.8L 4-cylinder diesel engine, which belongs to the broader GM Atlas engine family. The Atlas series is known for utilizing aluminum cylinder blocks and heads with replaceable steel cylinder liners, a design characteristic important for long-term maintenance.
This specific diesel variant utilizes a turbocharger paired with the 2.8L configuration. Because the Atlas engine family includes various configurations (including straight-4, 5, and 6-cylinder versions), it is vital for owners to ensure they are using parts specifically rated for the diesel LL8 or similar variants rather than gasoline counterparts. The inclusion of dual balance shafts in the 4-cylinder version is also a key mechanical detail relevant to managing engine vibration.
Owners of these diesel models typically focus on maintaining fuel system integrity and managing emissions components. Given the complexity of modern diesel turbo engines, regular monitoring of fuel quality and oil change intervals is critical for long-term durability.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
How much oil does my 2018 GMC Canyon 2.8L Diesel take?
It takes 6 quarts of oil when performing a service that includes the filter replacement.
What is the correct oil viscosity for my diesel Canyon?
The AMSOIL lookup recommends 5W-30 for temperatures above -29°C and 0W-40 for temperatures below -29°C.
Can I use Dexos2 oil in my diesel engine?
The vehicle 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 transmission fluid capacity for the 6L50 transmission?
The total fill capacity is 11.2 quarts, with an initial fill requirement of 6.7 quarts.
Does AMSOIL offer a diesel-specific oil change kit?
Yes, AMSOIL offers kits that include synthetic diesel oil and a WIX oil filter to simplify the process.
How do I check for active recalls on my GMC Canyon?
You should contact a local GM dealer or visit the official GM website with your VIN to verify any open recalls, such as the high-pressure fuel pump recall.
Disclaimer: All technical specifications, capacities, and torque values are sourced from provided manufacturer/lookup data. Always consult your official GMC owner’s manual or a certified professional before performing maintenance.