The oil filter on a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is located in a cartridge-style housing mounted to the engine, typically toward the front on the driver’s side and accessible from underneath once the front splash shield is removed. Exact positioning can vary slightly depending on the engine option (1.5L turbo or 2.0L turbo as used in some markets).
Engine options and filter type
1.5L turbocharged engine
For the 1.5L turbo variant, the filter is not a traditional spin-on canister; it sits inside a small oil filter housing attached to the engine block. Access is from beneath the vehicle, usually behind the front splash shield, with the filter cartridge inside the housing.
Here is how to locate it and confirm the setup on this engine:
- Park on level ground and allow the engine to cool, then raise the front of the vehicle and secure it with stands if needed.
- Remove the front splash shield or lower engine shield to expose the underside of the engine.
- Look for a small housing mounted to the side of the engine block or near the oil pan area, with a removable cap or cover that conceals the filter cartridge.
- Inspect the housing to identify the cartridge-style filter inside and the orientation of the cap, which will indicate how to remove and replace the cartridge.
Concluding: On the 1.5L turbo, the oil filter lives inside a housing on the engine’s underside and requires removing the housing cap to access the cartridge.
2.0L turbocharged engine
In regions where the 2.0L turbo is offered, the oil filter is typically cartridge-style as well and housed in a dedicated canister on the underside of the engine, near the front. Access usually involves removing the splash shield and locating the housing on the engine block.
Here is how to locate it and confirm the setup on this engine:
- Ensure the vehicle is safely supported and the engine is cool before working underneath.
- Remove the front shield to gain a clear view of the engine’s lower area.
- Identify the oil filter housing mounted to the engine block, which will have a cap or plug that can be loosened to expose the cartridge.
- Follow the housing to confirm you’re opening the correct filter area before attempting removal or replacement.
Concluding: The 2.0L turbo also uses a cartridge-style filter in an under-hood housing that is accessible from beneath with the splash shield out of the way.
General tips for locating and servicing the filter
If you’re unsure exactly which engine you have or can’t find the housing easily, consult your owner’s manual or a GM service manual for the exact engine code and filter location. Some models may require a specific cap tool or seal replacement. Always use the correct replacement cartridge and replace any O-rings or seals as recommended by GM.
Summary
For a 2020 Equinox, the oil filter is not a traditional external spin-on; it resides inside a cartridge-style housing mounted to the engine block and is generally accessed from beneath the vehicle behind the front splash shield. The exact location can vary slightly by engine option (1.5L turbo or 2.0L turbo), but in both cases you’ll need to remove the under-vehicle shield to access the filter housing and replace the cartridge according to GM specifications.