Oil Filter Chevrolet Traverse 3.6L 2009-2017 Location

In this video, I show you the exact location of the engine oil filter on a 2009-2017 Chevrolet Traverse equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine.

Finding the oil filter on this 3.6L High Feature V6 can be a bit tricky if you are looking from underneath the vehicle like on a traditional car. Instead, GM positioned this filter on the front passenger side of the engine bay, threaded vertically onto an aluminum oil filter adapter housing. It sits directly behind the radiator cooling fan shroud and right below the front engine mount bracket. Knowing the best angle to reach it and how to catch the escaping oil before it drains onto your front engine mount or exhaust will save you a massive cleanup mess.

Common Problems of a Neglected or Collapsed Oil Filter:

• Dirty Engine Oil: A clogged filter triggers an internal bypass valve, allowing unfiltered oil to circulate through the engine, drastically increasing wear on internal bearings.
• Low Oil Pressure Warning: Restricted oil flow can trigger the dashboard oil pressure light or store code P0521.
• Engine Ticking or Valvetrain Noise: Poor oil filtration and flow can cause hydraulic lifters or the timing chain assemblies on this 3.6L engine to starve for oil and chatter.
• Oil Leaks: A worn, pinched, or double-stacked rubber gasket (when the old gasket sticks to the housing) will cause a severe, pressurized oil blowout.

Safety & Cleanliness First

Always prioritize safety before opening or servicing any part of your vehicle’s lubrication system. Make sure the vehicle is safely parked on a flat, level surface, the emergency brake is securely engaged, and the engine is completely turned off.

You must allow the engine to cool down completely before reaching for the oil filter. The filter housing sits directly adjacent to the front exhaust manifold plumbing and catalytic converter; reaching into this tight space while the engine is hot will cause severe burns to your forearm and hand. Pro Tip: Pack a thick bundle of shop rags or a form-a-funnel directly underneath the oil filter before unthreading it. Because the filter sits high up on the block, oil will naturally pour out down the front of the engine casing and directly onto the front motor mount structure, which can degrade the rubber mount over time if left uncleaned. Protect your eyes and skin by wearing safety glasses and fluid-resistant nitrile gloves.

Need Help? Ask an Expert

I am an experienced mechanic, and I am here to help you guide your vehicle projects to a successful finish. If you hit a snag trying to break loose a stubborn, over-tightened filter in that cramped space, want to know the best oil filter wrench style to grab it without cracking the nearby sensors, or need to verify the exact oil capacity and oil weight for your specific model year, leave a message in the comments below. Let me know what you are running into, and I will help you solve your car’s problem!