2011 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra Oil Type & Capacity

The 2011 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra oil type depends on the engine: the 2D Pickup, 6.0 G, 4WD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the 2D Pickup, 6.0 G, RWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the 2D Pickup, 6.6 L, 4WD takes 15W-40 (10.0 quarts qt with filter); the 2D Pickup, 6.6 L, RWD takes 15W-40 (10.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Pickup, 6.0 G, 4WD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Pickup, 6.0 G, RWD takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Pickup, 6.6 L, 4WD takes 15W-40 (10.0 quarts qt with filter); the 4D Pickup, 6.6 L, RWD takes 15W-40 (10.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.

Factory-spec answer

It depends on the engine:

Oil capacity by engine

EngineOil Type (viscosity)Capacity w/ FilterCapacity w/o FilterNotes
2D Pickup, 6.0 G, 4WD — 6.0L EngAPI - SAE 5W-306.00 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. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures.
2D Pickup, 6.0 G, RWD — 6.0L EngAPI - SAE 5W-306.00 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. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures.
2D Pickup, 6.6 L, 4WD — 6.6L EngAPI - SAE 15W-4010.00 QTS.9.20 QTS.Oil designated as API CJ-4 are required for the vehicle. The CJ-4 designation can appear either alone or in combination with other American Institute (API) designations, such as API CJ-4/SL. These letters show API levels of quality. When it is very cold, below 0Deg. F (-18Deg.C), you should use SAE 5W-40 to improve cold starting. Do not use other viscosity such as SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, or SAE 20W-50.
2D Pickup, 6.6 L, RWD — 6.6L EngAPI - SAE 15W-4010.00 QTS.9.20 QTS.Oil designated as API CJ-4 are required for the vehicle. The CJ-4 designation can appear either alone or in combination with other American Institute (API) designations, such as API CJ-4/SL. These letters show API levels of quality. When it is very cold, below 0Deg. F (-18Deg.C), you should use SAE 5W-40 to improve cold starting. Do not use other viscosity such as SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, or SAE 20W-50.
4D Pickup, 6.0 G, 4WD — 6.0L EngAPI - SAE 5W-306.00 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. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures.
4D Pickup, 6.0 G, RWD — 6.0L EngAPI - SAE 5W-306.00 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. For areas of extreme cold, where temperatures fall below -20Deg.F (-29Deg.C), it is recommended a SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil or a SAE 10W-30 oil. Both will provide easier cold starting and better protection for your engine at extremely low temperatures.
4D Pickup, 6.6 L, 4WD — 6.6L EngAPI - SAE 15W-4010.00 QTS.9.20 QTS.Oil designated as API CJ-4 are required for the vehicle. The CJ-4 designation can appear either alone or in combination with other American Institute (API) designations, such as API CJ-4/SL. These letters show API levels of quality. When it is very cold, below 0Deg. F (-18Deg.C), you should use SAE 5W-40 to improve cold starting. Do not use other viscosity such as SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, or SAE 20W-50.
4D Pickup, 6.6 L, RWD — 6.6L EngAPI - SAE 15W-4010.00 QTS.9.20 QTS.Oil designated as API CJ-4 are required for the vehicle. The CJ-4 designation can appear either alone or in combination with other American Institute (API) designations, such as API CJ-4/SL. These letters show API levels of quality. When it is very cold, below 0Deg. F (-18Deg.C), you should use SAE 5W-40 to improve cold starting. Do not use other viscosity such as SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, or SAE 20W-50.
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Cab & Chassis Sierra

🛞 2011 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2011 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2011 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2011 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)

Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.

Coolant capacity

16.8 quarts (15.89 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water. All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level. Recheck the fluid level after filling.

Frequently asked questions

What type of oil does a 2011 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra take?

It depends on the engine: 2D Pickup, 6.0 G, 4WD uses 5W-30; 2D Pickup, 6.0 G, RWD uses 5W-30; 2D Pickup, 6.6 L, 4WD uses 15W-40; 2D Pickup, 6.6 L, RWD uses 15W-40; 4D Pickup, 6.0 G, 4WD uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup, 6.0 G, RWD uses 5W-30; 4D Pickup, 6.6 L, 4WD uses 15W-40; 4D Pickup, 6.6 L, RWD uses 15W-40.

What is the oil capacity of a 2011 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra?

Oil capacity depends on the engine: 2D Pickup, 6.0 G, 4WD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 2D Pickup, 6.0 G, RWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 2D Pickup, 6.6 L, 4WD holds 10.0 quarts with filter; 2D Pickup, 6.6 L, RWD holds 10.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup, 6.0 G, 4WD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup, 6.0 G, RWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup, 6.6 L, 4WD holds 10.0 quarts with filter; 4D Pickup, 6.6 L, RWD holds 10.0 quarts with filter.

How often should I change the oil in my 2011 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra?

Most 2011 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra 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 — GMC recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.

Can I use synthetic oil in my 2011 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra?

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

Other GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra years

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