2021 Buick Encore GX Essence AWD First Oil Change. L3T 1.3L DOHC with 0W20 Dexos 1 GEN III (3)

Well it's time for my wife's Buick to have it's first oil change! In this video I'll show you how easy the oil change can be...if you have the correct tools lol. I will show what oil I use as well as what filter. This Encore GX takes 4.5L of Dexos 0W20 engine oil as well as a Delco PF66 filter. I know... the first couple of oil changes are covered under our warranty but I decided to buy the product and show you guys how easy it is and the fancy new drain plug on these vehicles.
Here is a link to the wrench I bought to do the next oil change!
amzn.to/3KN77d6
Thanks for watching!!

[@confidential9807]

Thank you so much you’ve saved me from spending 100 dollars at the dealership because I used up my two free ones and the dealer is doing some highway robbery with those prices

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Glad I was able to help. Thanks for watching.

[@grantdale9074]

Honestly when I’m considering a new car or truck one of the first videos I watch is an oil change video. My Chevy Cruze from 2013 my wife currently drives is up for replacement in a while. This video was nice and not shaky or blasting music like others. Helped me learn a little about the small turbo engine on a few of these GM models.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Thank you so much. We love our Encore GX.

[@rudytomasik6516]

I have watched a few of your videos and I enjoy your down home way of explaining the "how to". Thank you for posting these informative videos. Your dog isn't lazy, he is just doing what dogs do, eat and sleep with a little bit of running around.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I am really glad you are enjoying the videos. Thank you for the kind comment. As for the dog...he sure does "dog things" lol

[@alfonsoesparzajr7242]

I bearly got a 2023 Buick Encore GX but it should be the same way but thank you so much , this was way helpful 🙌🏻

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Thanks for watching.

[@respectthetaste477]

Ive had it leak twice after oil changes without changing the o-ring. I bought extras on Amazon and just change the whole plug every oil change now

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

What do you pay for a plug on Amazon? Dealer has them $7.00 part number 12713651. Just curious.

[@VTRex]

I have the original Encore with the 1.4 turbo. I can change the oil without raising the car at all and the filter is on top which makes it even easier. You're lucky the oil wasn't that hot otherwise you would have had a serious burn. This whole process looks like a lot more work than the old 1.4 engine. Can't speak to longevity but I change my turbo oil feed tube every 5th oil change. It costs $25 and takes about 10 minutes. Cheap insurance on the number one failing item on this engine. Still going strong at 120k. I am looking at trading in for the new Encore GX which is obviously a much nicer car but after watching your video it may be that my days of doing my own oil changes in the driveway are over. Thanks for the heads up.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

We had the 2017 before this one with the 1.4. Easier oil change yes for sure but this new one is much more powerful for a three cylinder. Trust me, if you can do an oil change on the 1.4, you can most definitely do this engine. Thanks for watching.

[@sambelcamino9303]

I did myself for the first time & I found it very easy. The oil filter cup is 76mm.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

That’s awesome!! Thanks for the cup size and thanks for the comment. 😊

[@deionhughes6867]

01:30 9 speed transmission is used on AWD models, FWD models will have a CVT transmission.

[@ericweaver3997]

Not all, depends what plant came from my 2022 Fwd has the 9 spd

[@illus471]

Great video, doing my wife’s first one, thankfully I have a socket style oil filter wrench, mine was too tight to get off by hand also. Next time I’m going to leave the oil full cap ON until after I remove the drain plug and filter, just to see if it slows down the initial dump of oil onto my hands.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Thanks for the comment. I’m glad the video was helpful. Gel test job getting it done!!!

[@ronaldlapointe1219]

Dear Northern, i loved your video, and your way of doing! 👍

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I’m glad you liked it. Thank you for watching!

[@vitosimone4618]

Excellent video thank you. Do you think these 3 cylinders will last to 200,000 miles? Liking the trailblazer. Great job ty

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

200,000 miles I'm sure would not be a problem. All depends on maintenance I suppose. I hope the video helped and thanks for watching!

[@slidewaze]

Just thinking, if you add the Ttrailblazer RS to your title, your video might get more play. Amazing little 3 cyl..

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

That's a great idea! Thanks for the comment!

[@slidewaze]

@@NorthernHomeGarage Most welcome!! Thanks for the video!

[@RickRick-bj1zy]

Just a quick tip from an old timer change your oil and filter every 3000 miles. Cheap insurance towards a longer lasting engine.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Thanks for the tip.

[@triathlete39]

My 2022 GX filter was super tight also.

[@triathlete39]

I started to crush it also so I let the dealer change my oil, first one is free, bought a proper cap end wrench yesterday ill see how it goes today…

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I bought the wrench as well. Thanks for watching and commenting. I truly appreciate it.

[@triathlete39]

@@NorthernHomeGarage I crawled under the truck take the filter cover off and put the wrench up to it and it was too big, I'm thinking it fits my OEM filter from the store so luckily it comes off, I think they used the filter for the 1.2 liter instead of the 1.3 liter, another reason I do my own oil changes anyway the cap wrench worked great.

[@paulelliott7373]

Same thing applied to our Envision. It was impossible to get off with an oil filter wrench, so, I decided to take it to the dealership, since the initial was free. Only one free oil change with the Envision.

[@nikpalekar5147]

We own a 2022 Encore GX AWD Essence and we love it. We bought it primarily to tow behind our Motorhome. It's one of the most economical (for fuel consumption) cars for pulling, as it weighs just over 3200 lbs. and Blue Ox and Demco make a base plate for the vehicle. We love this luxurious little SUV. My daughter loved ours so much, she just bought a 2024 Encore GX AWD in the Avenir trim. The 2024 has had an awesome body re-design but is mechanically the same. Your video is excellent and straight forward. I always change my own oil but I had no idea what to expect when I got under the car. Now I know what tools to take 'down under' with me. Too bad about the oil filter. I had that happen on my truck but I hadn't changed the oil and filter in about 18 months as I don't drive it much. I wonder if one of those socket type oil filter wrenches would have worked or was it crazy tight? I hope it goes better for me. Thanks again for your video. It really helps. All the best.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

That's great to hear! I'm glad you love it as much as we do and that the video was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@rolando2742]

Thanks for this video. I have a question, How many miles has it nowday and the oil carter is in good conditions? Tell me if it has the factory timing belt, that is a wet timing belt.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

It has 33,000kms on it now. I am still using the same oil plug and seal. For the timing belt are you asking if it’s a chain or belt? Thanks for watching.

[@skitzdaniel3314]

I would like to see transmission oil change including the filter on top of the trans. There is a cable right about the filter cap. Does that cable easily snap off out of the way, or some other way?

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

We only have 34,000kms (21,000Mi) on ours so it's not close to needing that service. I did check it out and in order to remove the filter cap to get at the filter, it's quite involved. They mention to remove the passenger engine brace. To get to the bolts you need to remove the washer fill tube. Then they mention you will need to disconnect the shifter cable that goes over the cap and move it out of the way. To do that, they say to remove the air cleaner box. Again, I'm only reading the factory instructions so I'm sure there are many people out there that have found short cuts. Another hurdle is the dump and fill. Because it has no dipstick, there is a very lengthy fill procedure where the fluid temp needs to be correct so as not to cause an overfill or underfill condition. After reading all that, I would really have think hard about doing it my garage with home tools I have. Thanks for watching!

[@nicksrandomviews1296]

Get your self a pliers style oil filter wrench or oil filter pliers whatever their called they work really well.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I ended buying an adjusting socket that tightens when you apply torque. Next oil change is almost due. Can’t wait to see if it works. Thanks for watching!

[@Zach492]

Thanks for the vid! Never do the 1st oil change. The filters are always way too tight. Guess the factory doesn’t oil the gasket or something.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Well now you tell me lol. Thanks for watching.

[@ericweaver3997]

I have a 2022 trailblazer lt, same engine, the oil drain plug is definitely easier, it's also weird, I may be wrong but I believe gm recommends using a new one at every oil change

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

You're correct. The Trailblazer with the 1.3 L3T has the same part number drain plug. I find it strange that you're the second person that tells me that the plug should be replaced. GM's service manual states " Inspect the oil drain plug and ring seal , replace only if damaged." The part number for the plug is 12713651 and most dealers should have it in stock but it's not necessary to change it every oil change. Thanks for watching.

[@jimcintron5325]

Nice video. You didn't mention or show the oil plug being re installed but I assume you did. I will be able to find out, but you didn't mention the size of the 7 bolts to access the oil filter. Good video thanks

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Thanks for watching

[@absmaitland6465]

It's a nice little car. I have the same one with the turbo. I don't like the fact that it has plastic oil pans. I live in the mid west, cold to hot makes plastic brittle. I'm sure if you hit a good speed bump it would crack it. I'm wanting to service my transmission and it's AWD. Does this car have a transmission filter?

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I really love this little car. Ours has the M3F 9spd transmission and it does have a filter very much like the engine oil filter. It's a cartridge style but it looks like the transmission has to come out to access it, so I'm thinking it's probably not part of the maintenance schedule.

[@slidewaze]

Thanks for posting this video. Nicely done. This is exactly the same as our 2021 Chevy Trailblazer RS. Same car different labels etc. Badge engineering at it's finest.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Glad it helped

[@SSMan-jo6tf]

My original filter was way too tight and the o ring stuck to the receiver. Hate the plastic plug,i am paranoid its not tight enough but it is locked in. We will see

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I agree with the plug. In going to replace mine next oil change just for a bit of security.

[@theoriginalfuzzlemutt7526]

Where did you position the jack to lift the vehicle

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I use the K frame rear mount where the bolt is to lift the front. Thanks for watching.

[@barryraven4745]

I changed my oil myself as well. Strongman must be putting the oil filter on because mine was tough too. I have heard the 1.4 liter on the Encore is a terrible engine. I hope my 1.3 liter on the Encore GX is better but the power is waaaay better than the 1.4 turbo. I get 34 mpg highway but between 25 and 27 city. I don't accelerate fast either. I have the CVT. Overall I love how it drives. I'll just see how reliable it is over time.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

We are totally loving the GX. I liked the 2017 as well but this one is way more fun to drive. Thanks for watching!

[@rocketshiftgaming5693]

The 1.4 is ok if you change the oil every 3-5k mi. My cousin has 167k mi on his 1.4 and has had no issues cause he regularly changes oil and air filters. Just change the oil every 5k mi with FULL SYNTHETIC gf-6 oil and you’ll be good to go.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

@@rocketshiftgaming5693 I had the 1.4 in my 2017 Encore. Was a good little engine as well. Really good on fuel. The encore GX has the 1.3L L3T or L3Z. There is also a 1.2L LIH code but I'm not sure where that one is used. Maybe Europe or South America. Both 1.3L engines require the fully synthetic 0W20 as you mentioned. This 3 cyl kicks the 1.4L butt! Very strong little motor. Thanks for watching.

[@louistart1173]

Lol, nice job on the oil filter. You should recommend the use of a funnel to keep from spilling oil.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I was almost ready to jam a screw driver through it lol. Thanks for watching!

[@louistart1173]

@@NorthernHomeGarage i am guilty of that maneuver 🤣

[@leeproulx7412]

I think the drain plug is well suited to be replicated on a 3D printer, just in case it ever got lost. Still laughing at, “ Dogs are lazy”. 🤣

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

He's a BIG pain but he is cute!

[@tonywhite425]

Keep the oil clean 5k or 6 months turbo's are really hard on oil n spark plugs

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Great advice!

[@sledhead8625]

The oil filter came off by hand for me. Got lucky, but made a heck of a mess when the oil plug came out.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

That’s what I thought would happen with my filter. Lol. Nope! Thanks for watching!

[@robertperez4047]

You need to replace the o ring every other oil change on the plug im on my 4th oil change and its leaking

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

That would be a good practice and precaution.

[@robwinemiller9712]

THANKS FOR SHARING HOW TO CHANGE OIL, MY DAUGHTER JUST BOUGHT A 2023, GUESSING THE SAME WAY, SAME ENGINE. THE DRAIN PLUG SEEMS COOL, ONLY THING I SEE IS MAYBE THE RUBBER O-RING NEEDING REPLACED, JUST HAVE TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO TURN TO HARD AND RUIN THE SOCKET HOLE. BUT NICE TO SEE THAT MADE IT EASY, MY 2011 BUICK ENCLAVE OIL FILTER IS A PAIN IN THE A__ TO CHANGE, NOT VERY EASY TO DO. JUST CURIOUS, HOW MANY MILES DID YOU WAIT TO CHANGE OIL, I KNOW THERE IS A LIGHT THAT COMES ON, WITH MY DAUGHTERS BEING NEW WASN'T SURE OF MILES, I'M OLD SCHOOL 3000 MILES, BUT I KNOW THE FULL SYNTH IS LONGER

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

It was super easy. The plug turns out without any effort. We had roughly 3900 miles on it. The monitor had just turned 0% the day before. 3000 miles is a good mileage to do the oil in my opinion. Glad the video helped.

[@wearethelandrovers9014]

That drain plug got my attention. Back some fifty plus years ago, oil pans were stamped metal and the place you screwed the drain plug into was a nut spot welded to the inside of the pan. I came across a plug that had been way overtightened and it broke that inside nut loose. Took me an hour to hook it and get it to where I could tread the oil plug back in. Your plastic plug would make that problem impossible to happen.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Looks like plastic plugs are the unsung heroes of the modern era, preventing oil pan dramas since... well, the plastic plug era! he he!

[@amg6098]

Hi - thank you so much for the video! By any chance do you know of a video on how to drain the ATF and change the Transmission Filter? I have 2021 Encore GX. Thanks!

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I'm glad you liked the video. I have not seen a video for the ATF fluid. I'm far from that maintenance item lol.

[@terryterrell9351]

great oil change i learned a lot.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

That’s great to hear!! Thanks for the comment.

[@bklynpaul]

Same motor as the Chevrolet Trailblazer 👍

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Sure is!

[@billmccoy3666]

Great video!

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@georgec9590]

Less concerned about the plug. Highly concerned about the oil pan/engine seal in the long term.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Time will tell. So far so good for us.

[@techniker1337]

I'm looking to get a used 2021 GX Essence with 15k km on it for my wife. How do you guys like your cars so far? Any issues?

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

This is currently my favorite Buick we have Leased. We have had no issues with it so far. It's only got about 7800KMS. It's comfortable, nicely optioned and surprising roomy. The only thing I can think of mentioning is that I thought the HWY fuel economy would be a little better with the three cylinder. I mean, 6.9L/100kms is great but I was hoping for a little better. Oh, and it looks good too! I would definitely not hesitate to buy this one out.

[@techniker1337]

@@NorthernHomeGarage 6.9L/100km is much better than the 12L/100km (91 octane) she gets with her current car. Actually, 6.9 is great since the specs say 8L. I'm just worried about the longevity of the turbo charged engine.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

So far so good. Very powerful little engine.

[@henryd1981]

@@NorthernHomeGarage I found that the number you gave equates to about 34-35 mpg. I've gotten as high as 36 mpg on a road trip with all highway driving in mine. I think that's great for what it is. I'm sure if that engine were in a sedan, it could hit 40 mpg on the highway. The GX is still a crossover and not the most aerodynamic shape.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

@@henryd1981 maybe I’m being a bit tough in the fuel mileage. I was just hoping for a bit better. Similar to our 2017 encore. It’s close, just not there. Thanks for watching.

[@bklynpaul]

Nice video. You may want to wear disposable gloves when you do the oil change.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for the tip. :).

[@HoneySparkles2]

Hmm.. weird and problem..cuz after it will start flaying due to plastic..?

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I hope not! Thanks for watching!

[@chrisstancer5857]

What I don't like about that drain plug is it's so messy. You have no control of the oil stream coming out and it splashes everywhere.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

My oil flow comes out supper smooth after the plug comes out. Make sure your oil cap is off first to vent the crank case. Maybe that’s why?

[@chrisstancer5857]

​@@NorthernHomeGarage Oh it comes out fast! My point is it all gushes out and makes a damn mess, there's no controlling it.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

@ Oh I get it! It is messy for sure!

[@mileycywuskleiner978]

I own yhis car and the problem with the car is because of the turbo its easy to put load on the engine. So i try to drive is under 3500 on a daily baises

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I'm curious why you think this? Have you had a bad experience with the turbo?

[@mileycywuskleiner978]

@@NorthernHomeGarage the engine orginally was n/a in europe and it was a good solid engine but when they put the turbo in it for American consumers it gave it high placement on a small 1.2 l engine so it will get up and go but it will tear down the engine and transmission faster. My encore gx is at 18k miles and i just took it on a 12 hour road trip to wv and came back with it too and it did great and the oil was still clean. They say 7500 miles to do oil change but im thinking every 5k because of the high displacement.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I agree with the oil schedule. 7500 mile is way too long. We love ours!

[@rickretro81]

i see a problem with the drain plug in the future. if the gasket isnt changed regularly i see oil leaks in the future.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I sure hope not 😳

[@got2getit204]

Naw the oil plug is to just get your money!

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I sure hope not !!!

[@nicksrandomviews1296]

I have a 2022 buick envision with the same oil drain plug and I hate it such a crap design. Also those drain plugs are supposed to be a 1 time use. I found them on Amazon for just under 7 dollars each.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

For the Encore GX it says ( Note: Inspect the oil drain plug (1) and ring seal (2), replace only if damaged.) For your 2022 Buick Envision 2.0L it's not necessary to replace the plug every oil change. The manual states (Inspect the oil pan drain plug seal (4) and replace as necessary.) Hope this helps.

[@nicksrandomviews1296]

@Northern Home Garage I bought 5 new ones because they definitely won't last as long as a steel drain plug but thanks for the info because the dealer said to change it every oil change. I figured they were full of it because it hasn't leaked after 4 oil changes.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

@@nicksrandomviews1296 at least you’ll be ready if you ever have problems. Unlike myself that will be stuck on a Sunday with no plug. Lol.

[@KennyboyGM]

Plastic oil pan. I can see that cracking over the years.

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

I sure wouldn't want to bump a rock or a piece of ice on the road during the winter!!

[@bigdavedayday1581]

That plastic pan will last maybe 5 years before starts cracking never seen metal oil pans go bad just your typical gm product its easier to do oil changes with it but wont last long

[@NorthernHomeGarage]

@@bigdavedayday1581 I sure hope not. We might keep this one after the lease. Thanks for watching!