What oil does a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado 2.8L Diesel take?
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado with the 2.8L 4-cylinder (Engine Code LWN 1) diesel engine requires an oil capacity of 6 quarts when changing with a filter. The recommended viscosity is 5W-30 for temperatures above -29°C, or 0W-40 for temperatures below -29°C. AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil (DP530QT-EA) for this application.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup, the following products are recommended for your 2018 Chevrolet Colorado 2.8L Diesel:
| 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 Fluid | AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF | OTLQT-EA |
| Brake Fluid | AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid | BFLVCN-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications & Details
Proper lubrication is critical for the 2.8L Duramax diesel engine to protect internal components and the turbocharger.
Oil Viscosity Guide
| Temperature Range | Recommended Viscosity |
|---|---|
| Above -29°C | 5W-30 |
| Below -29°C | 0W-40 |
Engine Oil Capacity & Torque
| Description | Specification |
|---|---|
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 6 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 18 ft/lbs |
| 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.
Transmission & Cooling System Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid (6L50)
For the 6-speed 6L50 automatic transmission, maintenance requirements are as follows:
| Fill Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Initial Fill | 6.7 quarts |
| Total Fill | 11.2 quarts |
Coolant System
| Description | Specification |
|---|---|
| Coolant Capacity | 11.1 quarts |
| Formulation Note | Concentrated (requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water) for ANT1G-EA |
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines face unique stresses including soot loading and temperature extremes. The following table outlines how specific AMSOIL products can support engine health.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Important Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wear in extremes | Cold starts or high heat can increase engine wear. | DP530QT-EA | Excels in hot and cold temperature extremes. | Requires proper viscosity selection for ambient temp. |
| Heavy Towing Stress | High temperatures during towing can degrade fluids. | ATLPK-EA | Withstands rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures. | Diagnosis required if mechanical failure occurs. |
| Engine Wear | Diesel engines require high wear protection for longevity. | DP530QT-EA | Delivers up to 6X more wear protection than leading industry standards (per OM646LA test). | Based on third-party testing. |
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Based on owner reports and research, owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado diesel should monitor several areas:
- Emissions/DPF Systems: Some owners have reported issues related to the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or emissions systems causing the vehicle to enter “limp mode” or reduced power.
- Fuel System Integrity: Maintaining high-quality fuel filtration is essential for small-displacement turbo-diesel engines.
- Cooling System Health: Regular checks of coolant levels and integrity are recommended to protect gaskets and hoses.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA Recall Information:
A recall (Campaign 18V358000) was identified regarding the high-pressure fuel pump. The report indicates that the pump may detach from its mounting flange, potentially damaging the high-pressure fuel line and increasing fire risk. Owners should contact Chevrolet customer service or a dealer to verify if this remedy has been performed.
Note: Always verify open recalls using your specific VIN through official manufacturer channels.
About this vehicle
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado is part of the second generation of Chevrolet’s mid-size pickup truck lineup, designed to provide a robust platform that shares 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.
The inclusion of a Duramax diesel engine suggests a focus on improved fuel efficiency and increased torque compared to standard gasoline variants, which is often a priority for owners performing towing or hauling duties. Maintenance for this vehicle typically centers around the specific requirements of a small-displacement turbo-diesel engine, including specialized attention to fuel filtration and high-quality oil selection to protect the turbocharger and internal components.
Because the Colorado shares architecture with other GM products, many service procedures may overlap across platforms. However, users should always verify technical nuances and part compatibility using a specific VIN before performing maintenance.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
How much oil does my 2018 Colorado 2.8L Diesel take?
It takes 6 quarts of oil when performing an oil change with a new filter.
What is the correct oil viscosity for my diesel engine?
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 this vehicle?
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.
What is the torque spec for the oil drain plug?
The oil drain plug should be torqued to 18 ft/lbs.
Does my transmission need special fluid?
For the 6-speed 6L50 automatic transmission, AMSOIL lists ATLPK-EA or OTLQT-EA.
How often should I change my coolant?
While specific intervals vary, AMSOIL products like ANTPC1G-EA are designed to provide protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
Disclaimer: Information provided is based on available source data. Always consult your owner’s manual and verify all specifications and recalls using your VIN before performing vehicle maintenance.