The oil filter on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT sits in a housing on the underside of the engine block, on the passenger side. It is accessed from beneath the vehicle, typically by removing the front underbody splash shield or raising the car for clearance. The filter is cartridge-style inside a housing, not a traditional top-mounted filter, so you’ll remove the housing cap to replace the cartridge.
In this article, we describe the exact location, how to reach it safely, what tools you’ll need, and the step-by-step process to replace the filter and complete an oil change for the Cruze LT. The 1.4L turbo engine commonly used in 2016 Cruze LT uses a cartridge-type filter housed low on the engine, which is why access from below is often easier than reaching from the top.
Where to locate the oil filter in the Cruze LT
For the 2016 Cruze LT, the oil filter is a cartridge-style element inside a housing located on the passenger side of the engine, low near the oil pan. Access from beneath the vehicle is typically easiest after removing the front undercarriage splash shield. The housing cap is what you loosen to remove the old cartridge and install a new one. Because builds can vary slightly by production date, if you can’t spot it right away, consult the owner's manual or a service manual for your exact VIN.
Quick cues to spot the filter
Look for a cylindrical canister attached to the engine block on the passenger side, with a cap or access point on the top or side of the housing. The canister sits low near the oil pan, and you’ll often see oil lines and the exhaust side of the engine nearby. The exact appearance can vary, so if you’re unsure, refer to the service manual for your vehicle’s VIN.
What you’ll need to perform the oil filter replacement
- New oil filter cartridge compatible with the 1.4L Cruze engine
- Correct engine oil for the change (as specified in the owner's manual)
- Oil filter cap wrench or strap wrench (if required by the housing)
- New O-ring or gasket for the housing cap, if applicable
- Drain pan, rags, and degreaser for cleanup
- Jack and stands or ramps, plus wheel chocks for safety
- Basic hand tools (socket set, pliers, screwdrivers) as needed
Having the right filter and replacement parts and a clean workspace helps ensure a leak-free installation and a successful oil change.
Follow these steps to access the filter housing, replace the cartridge, and complete the oil change.
- Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and let the engine cool before starting work.
- Raise the front of the car and secure it on jack stands, then remove or loosen the front undertray/splash shield if equipped.
- Position a drain pan under the engine to catch any residual oil, and locate the oil filter housing on the passenger side near the oil pan.
- Loosen and remove the oil filter housing cap to relieve pressure and access the cartridge.
- Extract the old cartridge and dispose of it in accordance with local regulations.
- Install the new cartridge and any new O-ring or gasket, then reinstall the housing cap and tighten to the specification listed in your service manual.
- Refill the engine with the recommended oil quantity and viscosity, then replace the oil filler cap.
- Start the engine and let it run briefly to circulate the new oil, then check for leaks around the housing and filter. Recheck the oil level and top off if needed.
- Lower the vehicle, reset the oil life indicator if desired, and clean up the work area.
After the procedure, dispose of used oil and the old filter according to local regulations and perform a quick test drive to confirm proper operation and absence of leaks.
Summary
The 2016 Cruze LT’s oil filter is located low on the engine, on the passenger side, inside a cartridge-style housing that you access from underneath. With the car safely raised and the undertray removed, you can remove the housing cap, replace the cartridge, then refill the oil and verify there are no leaks. Always refer to the owner's manual or service manual for exact torque specs and oil capacity for your VIN, and seek professional assistance if you’re unsure about performing the replacement yourself.