How to Drop the Oil Pan in a Chevy Avalanche

The Chevy Avalanche features a 1500 and 2500 model selection. The 1500 vehicle is the most common and model dates range from 1999 through the present. There are also several engine sizes available on the Avalanche. To remove the oil pan from the 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L engines, follow these steps in order.

Instructions

1

Raise the Avalanche off the ground either by placing it on ramps or by using a jack and jack stands. Choose and use jack stands according the manufacturer's requirements and specifications.

2

Remove the negative battery cable, the under body shield and the oil pan shield from the underside of the vehicle by loosening the bolts holding them in place with a wrench. For vehicles with four-wheel drive, also remove the front differential and the cross brace if the vehicle is equipped with it.

3

Drain the oil from the engine by placing an oil drip pan under the oil pan, under the vehicle. The oil pan is a rectangular shaped metal pan located between the tires of the vehicle directly below the engine. Remove the oil plug from the oil pan using a wrench, which will allow all oil to spill from the oil pan into the drip pan you've placed below it.

4

Remove the transmission to oil pan bolts using a wrench. Disconnect the oil level sensor electrical connector and the two front wiring harness retainer bolts.

5

Follow this by removing the rest of the bolts holding the oil pan in place, including the engine oil cooler pipe to oil pan bolts, transmission oil cooler pipe retainer and the closeout covers located on each side of the engine. Loosen each bolt with a wrench and remove.

6

Loosen and remove the engine mount bolts on each side of the oil pan next. Finally, the oil pan will fall off at this point with the gasket (the gasket in this model is riveted in place and replacement must occur).