The oil filter is located on the engine’s passenger side near the front of the engine block, and in most trims is accessible from underneath with the vehicle raised. The exact spot can vary by engine type and option package.
In practice, the Impala’s 2010 lineup includes multiple engines, and their filters are arranged in a cartridge-style setup inside a small housing on the passenger side of the engine block near the oil pan. Some trims require removing a shield or splash guard to access the filter housing. Always check your VIN-specific manual or a service diagram for the precise location.
Engine-specific oil-filter locations
The following guidelines reflect common placements for the 2010 Impala family. Use this to identify the general area before you locate the exact filter.
- 3.5L V6: The cartridge oil filter sits in a small housing on the passenger side of the engine, near the front of the block. Access often requires removing the lower splash shield; the housing cap usually comes off with a filter-cap tool to replace the cartridge.
- 3.9L V6: Similar cartridge-filter setup, located on the passenger side near the front of the engine; access may require shield removal to reach the housing.
- SS with a V8 (5.3L): The filter is on the front-right side of the engine block near the oil pan, typically accessible from underneath after removing related shields.
Note: Exact placement can vary by production date and options. Verify with the owner’s manual or a VIN-specific service diagram for your model.
Access tips
Before you start, have the car safely supported, the appropriate tools, and the correct replacement filter and oil type for your engine. If you’re working from below, a skim shield or wheel well clearance may be needed to reach the filter housing.
How to replace the oil filter (cartridge type)
These steps cover the typical cartridge-filter replacement process common to the 2010 Impala engines. If your model uses a spin-on filter, the steps are similar but involve removing the spin-on canister instead of a cap and cartridge.
- Position the vehicle and place a drain pan under the oil pan; drain the old oil if you’re due for an oil change.
- Locate and remove the oil filter housing cap or the filter canister using the correct tool; carefully extract the old cartridge or filter element.
- Install the new cartridge into the housing, reseal the cap, and torque to the manufacturer’s specification.
- Reinstall any shields or covers, refill the engine with the correct oil type and amount, then start the engine and check for leaks.
Always double-check for leaks after startup and recycle or dispose of the used oil and filter properly.
Summary
For a 2010 Chevy Impala, the oil filter location is on the engine’s passenger side near the front, but the exact position depends on the engine variant (3.5L/3.9L V6 or V8 in the SS). Accessing the filter may require removing a protective shield or splash guard. When in doubt, consult the owner’s manual or a VIN-specific service diagram for your model to confirm the precise location and replacement procedure.