Introduction
This guide will teach you how to change your oil and oil filter for the 02-09 Chevrolet (Chevy) Traiblazer. This is based on the process for the 02–09 LL8 4.2 L I6 motor (4.2-liter, in-line six-cylinder, Vortec 4200 engine, GMT360 platform).
The LL8 (Vortec 4200) is one of the most reliable engines that GM has produced. It was listed on Ward’s Best Engines list from 2002 to 2005. With proper care, it can lost for well over 200k miles.
The author recommends to always use a full synthetic motor oil, and to change every 5k-10k miles. However, there are many varying opinions on oil changes online, and a simple google search will prove overwhelming. Just remember: it is always better to change your oil too soon, rather than too late.
Useful sources: “GMTNation,” “Trailvoy” forums for general advice and questions. “Bob is the Oil Guy” forums for oil information. “Truedelta” for aggregrated vehicle ratings and common issues. And, as always, iFixit for all your right-to-repair content!
Note: Do NOT rely on these instructions for any of the V8 engines, or any other model year of Chevy Trailblazer. A different engine will take different amounts of oil and may vary in design. A model year outside of the 02-09 range will take different amounts of oil and vary in design. Use caution.
What you need
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Begin first by driving your vehicle around until it reaches normal operating temperature. Usually 15 minutes of driving is sufficient.
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Park your vehicle and allow it to cool off. The goal is for the oil to be warm, but not hot.
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Place the hydraulic floor jack underneath the front of the vehicle. Jack the vehicle up from the front frame crossmember. Place jack stands underneath the frame, to the rear of the front wheels. Lower the vehicle such that it is resting on the jack stands.
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Pop the hood of the vehicle. Remove the oil cap. Crawl under the vehicle. Remove the panel covering the drain plug. Place the oil drain plan directly underneath the drain plug.
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Using a 15mm socket, remove the drain plug and allow all oil to flow into your oil drain pan.
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Place your oil filter wrench on the oil filter. Twist to remove, making sure not to spill any oil, as the oil filter will be full.
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Coat your new oil filter's gasket with some new oil. Hand-thread it on, and torque as the oil filter instructions indicate.
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Clean the threads of the drain plug. Re-insert the drain plug and tighten to 19 ft-lbs. Reassemble the oil pan cover.
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Raise the vehicle again with the hydraulic jack, remove the jack stands and wheel chocks, and slowly lower to the ground.
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Place a funnel into the oil-inlet hole at the top of the engine. Fill with 7 quarts of 5w-10 oil. Replace the oil cap.
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Start the engine. Ensure that there is no oil leaking and that there are no abnormal noises (metal scraping, knocking, etc). Reset the oil change light in the dashboard. Take the vehicle for a drive.
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You’re all done! Replace your oil every 3-5k miles for conventional oil, or every 5k-10k miles for synthetic oil. Opinions on oil change frequency vary widely, but always remember to never have your oil changed at a “quick change,” “quick lube,” or car wash business. Always do it yourself using the proper tools and proper supervision, or have a reputable mechanic perform the change.
You’re all done! Replace your oil every 3-5k miles for conventional oil, or every 5k-10k miles for synthetic oil. Opinions on oil change frequency vary widely, but always remember to never have your oil changed at a “quick change,” “quick lube,” or car wash business. Always do it yourself using the proper tools and proper supervision, or have a reputable mechanic perform the change.
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