2011 GMC Savana Special Oil Type & Capacity
The 2011 GMC Savana Special oil type depends on the engine: the 4.8 A takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 6.0 G takes 5W-30 (6.0 quarts with filter); the 6.6 L takes 15W-40 (10.0 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 4.8 A: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 6.0 G: 5W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- 6.6 L: 15W-40, 10.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8 A — 4.8L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 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. 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. |
| 6.0 G — 6.0L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.00 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. 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. |
| 6.6 L — 6.6L Eng | API - SAE 15W-40 | 10.00 QTS. | 9.20 QTS. | Engine Oil with the letters CJ-4 are required for your vehicle. The CJ-4 designation can appear either alone or in combination with other American Petroleum Institute (API) designations, such as API CJ-4/SL. These letters show API levels of quality. SAE 15W-40 is best for the vehicle. When it is very cold, below 0°F (-18°C), use SAE 5W-40 to improve cold starting. These numbers on the oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-30, SAE 10W-40, or SAE 20W-50. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Savana Special
2011 GMC Savana Special factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
12.4 quarts (11.73 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 Savana Special take?
It depends on the engine: 4.8 A uses 5W-30; 6.0 G uses 5W-30; 6.6 L uses 15W-40.
How much oil does a 2011 GMC Savana Special take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 4.8 A holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 6.0 G holds 6.0 quarts with filter; 6.6 L holds 10.0 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2011 GMC Savana Special?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2011 GMC Savana Special. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.