For the 2019 GMC Sierra 3500 Pickup with the 6.6L 8-cylinder L5P Diesel Turbo engine, the oil capacity is 10 quarts (including filter replacement). The preferred viscosity for temperatures above -18°C is SAE 15W-40, though 5W-40 is recommended for all temperatures when ambient conditions are below 0°F (-18°C) to improve cold starting. AMSOIL recommends using Signature Series 15W-40 Max-Duty Diesel Oil or 15W-40 Heavy-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil paired with high-efficiency oil filters.
What oil does a 2019 GMC Sierra 3500 6.6L L5P take?
The 2019 GMC Sierra 3500 with the 6.6L L5P diesel engine requires an oil meeting the CJ-4 specification. For standard operating temperatures above -18°C (0°F), SAE 15W-40 is preferred. However, if you operate in environments where ambient temperatures frequently drop below 0°F (-18°C), using a 5W-40 viscosity is recommended to improve cold starting performance.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup for your 2019 GMC Sierra 3500, the following products are recommended to maintain engine health and performance.
Engine Oil Options
| Product Name | Viscosity | Code |
|---|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Max-Duty Diesel Oil | 15W-40 | DMEQT-EA |
| AMSOIL 15W-40 Heavy-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil | 15W-40 | ADPQT-EA |
Note: The AMSOIL lookup notes an oil grade of CJ-4.
Oil Filter Options
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Oil Filter | EAO52-EA |
| WIX XP Oil Filter | 57202XP-EA |
| WIX Oil Filter | 57202-EA |
Air & Coolant Recommendations
| Component | Product Name | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Air Filter | WIX Air Filter [1] | WA10695-EA |
| Coolant | AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| Coolant | AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Oil Grade | CJ-4 |
| Preferred Viscosity | 15W-40 (Above -18°C) |
| Cold Weather Viscosity | 5W-40 (All Temps below -18°C) |
Oil Change Capacity and Torque
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 10 quarts (with filter) |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 18 ft/lbs |
Note: Always check the oil level after refilling.
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines operating under heavy loads or in extreme climates face unique lubrication challenges. The following table outlines common concerns for this engine type.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Starting | Thick oil can hinder lubrication during startup in freezing temps. | 5W-40 Viscosity options | Improves flow at low temperatures. | Requires correct viscosity selection. |
| Engine Wear | Contaminants and friction can damage critical components. | DMEQT-EA | Delivers up to 6X more wear protection. | Requires regular maintenance. |
| Contamination | Small particles can cause abrasive wear. | EAO52-EA | 99% efficiency at 20 microns. | Filter must be replaced per interval. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
Maintaining a Duramax L5P requires attention to several key systems beyond just the engine oil:
- Oil Filtration: Using high-efficiency filters like the AMSOIL Oil Filter (EAO52-EA) can help provide greater capacity for small, wear-causing contaminants.
- Cooling System: Ensure coolant levels and quality are maintained to protect all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. The AMSOIL lookup lists options like the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze for heavy-duty applications.
- Air Intake: A clean air filter is vital for engine longevity; WIX premium media filters are noted to help reduce engine wear.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA research indicates that there have been recalls associated with the 2017-2019 GMC Sierra/Chevrolet Silverado models equipped with Duramax 6.6L diesel engines.
Summary of NHTSA Recall Data
- Engine Block Heater: Certain vehicles may experience an electrical short-circuit in the engine-block heater cable or terminals, which can increase the risk of fire.
- Engine Components: Short-circuits in the heater cord/terminals may also damage engine components and increase fire risks.
Important: These are summaries of official recall records. Owners should always verify their specific vehicle’s status by checking the open recalls using their unique VIN through the GMC website or NHTSA.gov.
About this vehicle
The 2019 GMC Sierra 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck manufactured by General Motors, serving as the professional-grade counterpart to the Chevrolet Silverado. The 3500 designation indicates its classification for high-capacity towing, hauling, and commercial applications.
This vehicle is equipped with the 6.6L 8-cylinder L5P diesel engine, a modern iteration of the Duramax diesel lineage. This engine family is designed to meet the rigorous demands of heavy-duty work environments. Owners typically focus on maintaining high-performance diesel standards, which includes monitoring fuel quality, managing exhaust aftertreatment systems, and ensuring robust cooling performance during heavy towing tasks.
Because specific technical specifications for the L5P engine’s exact horsepower or torque are not detailed in all provided research snippets, owners should verify exact manufacturer service manuals for precise tuning and load capacities. Maintenance research for this vehicle generally centers on diesel-specific requirements such as specialized oil filtration, fuel filter replacement intervals, and coolant management to protect the turbocharger and heavy-duty engine components.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
How much oil does my 2019 GMC Sierra 3500 L5P take?
It takes 10 quarts of oil when performing a service that includes the oil filter replacement.
What is the best oil viscosity for cold weather?
When ambient temperatures are below 0°F (-18°C), using a 5W-40 viscosity is recommended to improve cold starting.
Can I use any diesel oil in my Duramax engine?
The AMSOIL lookup specifies an oil grade of CJ-4 for this application. It is important to use an oil that meets the required specifications for your engine.
How often should I change my oil filter?
While specific intervals depend on driving conditions, using high-capacity filters like the WIX XP or AMSOIL options can help manage contaminants effectively between changes.
What is the torque spec for the oil drain plug?
The oil drain plug should be torqued to 18 ft/lbs.
How do I check for open recalls on my Sierra 3500?
You should contact a GMC dealer or visit the NHTSA website and provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to confirm any active safety recalls.
Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always consult your official GMC owner’s manual or a certified service technician before performing maintenance.