2011 Chevrolet Colorado Oil Type & Capacity

The 2011 Chevrolet Colorado oil type depends on the engine: the 2D Pickup, 2.9 9, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2D Pickup, 2.9 9, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2D Pickup, 2.9 9, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2D Pickup, 2.9 9, RWD, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 2D Pickup, 3.7 E, 4WD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 2D Pickup, 3.7 E, RWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, RWD, Standard takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.7 E, 4WD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.7 E, RWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 5.3 P, 4WD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 5.3 P, RWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup, 2.9 9 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup, 3.7 E, 4WD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup, 3.7 E, RWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup, 5.3 P, 4WD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 4D Pickup, 5.3 P, RWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.

Factory-spec answer

It depends on the engine:

2D Pickup, 2.9 9, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
2D Pickup, 2.9 9, 4WD, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
2D Pickup, 2.9 9, RWD, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
2D Pickup, 2.9 9, RWD, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
2D Pickup, 3.7 E, 4WD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
2D Pickup, 3.7 E, RWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, 4WD, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, RWD, Automatic: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, RWD, Standard: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.7 E, 4WD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.7 E, RWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 5.3 P, 4WD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 5.3 P, RWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup, 2.9 9: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup, 3.7 E, 4WD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup, 3.7 E, RWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup, 5.3 P, 4WD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
4D Pickup, 5.3 P, RWD: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter

Oil capacity by engine

Engine	Oil Type (viscosity)	Capacity w/ Filter	Capacity w/o Filter	Notes
2D Pickup, 2.9 9, 4WD, Automatic — 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
2D Pickup, 2.9 9, 4WD, Standard — 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
2D Pickup, 2.9 9, RWD, Automatic — 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
2D Pickup, 2.9 9, RWD, Standard — 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
2D Pickup, 3.7 E, 4WD — 3.7L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
2D Pickup, 3.7 E, RWD — 3.7L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, 4WD, Automatic — 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, 4WD, Standard — 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, RWD, Automatic — 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, RWD, Standard — 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.7 E, 4WD — 3.7L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.7 E, RWD — 3.7L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 5.3 P, 4WD — 5.3L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup Extra Cab, 5.3 P, RWD — 5.3L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup, 2.9 9 — 2.9L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	5.00 QTS.	4.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup, 3.7 E, 4WD — 3.7L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup, 3.7 E, RWD — 3.7L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup, 5.3 P, 4WD — 5.3L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.
4D Pickup, 5.3 P, RWD — 5.3L Eng	API - SAE 5W-30	6.00 QTS.	5.50 QTS.	The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos1 specification. Oils meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos certification mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50. Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29Deg. C (-20Deg. F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to always select an oil that meets the required specification, dexos.

Buy the right oil

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More specs & repair guides for your Colorado

2011 Chevrolet Colorado factory service manual All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)

Coolant capacity

10.4 quarts (9.84 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water. After refill, the level must be checked. Add enough engine coolant so that the fluid is within the proper operating range.

Frequently asked questions

What type of oil does a 2011 Chevrolet Colorado take?

It depends on the engine: 2D Pickup, 2.9 9, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; 2D Pickup, 2.9 9, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-30; 2D Pickup, 2.9 9, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-30; 2D Pickup, 2.9 9, RWD, Standard uses 5W-30; 2D Pickup, 3.7 E, 4WD uses 5W-30; 2D Pickup, 3.7 E, RWD uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, RWD, Standard uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.7 E, 4WD uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.7 E, RWD uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 5.3 P, 4WD uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 5.3 P, RWD uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup, 2.9 9 uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup, 3.7 E, 4WD uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup, 3.7 E, RWD uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup, 5.3 P, 4WD uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup, 5.3 P, RWD uses 5W-30.

How much oil does a 2011 Chevrolet Colorado take?

Capacity depends on the engine: 2D Pickup, 2.9 9, 4WD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2D Pickup, 2.9 9, 4WD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2D Pickup, 2.9 9, RWD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2D Pickup, 2.9 9, RWD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 2D Pickup, 3.7 E, 4WD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 2D Pickup, 3.7 E, RWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, 4WD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, 4WD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, RWD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 2.9 9, RWD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.7 E, 4WD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 3.7 E, RWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 5.3 P, 4WD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup Extra Cab, 5.3 P, RWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup, 2.9 9 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup, 3.7 E, 4WD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup, 3.7 E, RWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup, 5.3 P, 4WD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup, 5.3 P, RWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter.

Can I use synthetic oil in my 2011 Chevrolet Colorado?

Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.

Other Chevrolet Colorado years

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