1996 Geo Metro Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (3.5 quarts)
The 1996 Geo Metro takes 5W-30 motor oil — 3.5 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 3.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 2D Hatchback, 1.0 6 — 1.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| Base, 2D Hatchback, 1.3 9 — 1.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| Base, 4D Sedan, Automatic — 1.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| Base, 4D Sedan, Standard — 1.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| LSi, 2D Hatchback, 1.0 6 — 1.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| LSi, 2D Hatchback, 1.3 9, Automatic — 1.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| LSi, 2D Hatchback, 1.3 9, Standard — 1.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| LSi, 4D Sedan, Automatic — 1.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| LSi, 4D Sedan, Standard — 1.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F) | 3.50 QTS. | — | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 1996 Geo Metro
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Metro
🛞 1996 Geo Metro Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1996 Geo Metro Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1996 Geo Metro Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1996 Geo Metro Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
4.1 quarts (3.88 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean water (preferably distilled)
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1996 Geo Metro take?
The 1996 Geo Metro takes 5W-30 motor oil (SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (Above 0Deg.F)), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1996 Geo Metro?
The 1996 Geo Metro oil capacity is 3.5 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 1996 Geo Metro?
Most 1996 Geo Metro owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Geo recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1996 Geo Metro?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1996 Geo Metro. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.