The 2011 Cruze oil filter location and part number
The oil filter on a 2011 Chevy Cruze sits on the driver's side of the engine, mounted vertically on the engine block itself. You'll find it below the intake manifold, roughly in line with the middle of the engine bay. The factory filter is a Motorcraft FL-400S or equivalent Chevrolet-branded filter, which measures about 3 inches tall and 2.75 inches in diameter.
Before you buy a replacement, confirm your engine size. The 2011 Cruze came with either a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. Both use the same filter type and size, so you don't need to worry about mixing them up. Any major auto parts store — AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts — carries compatible filters under multiple brand names, usually between $6 and $12 per filter.
Key Takeaways
- The oil filter is mounted vertically on the driver's side of the engine block, below the intake manifold and easily accessible without removing other parts.
- The factory filter is a Motorcraft FL-400S, but any filter rated for a 2011 Cruze will work, and you can find them at any auto parts store for under $15.
- You'll need an oil filter wrench (a straightforward $5 to $10 tool) to unscrew the old filter without stripping it or your hands.
- The filter drains into the engine block, so have a drain pan ready and expect a small amount of oil to spill when you remove the old filter.
- After installing the new filter, run the engine for 30 seconds to pressurize the system, then check the oil level on the dipstick before driving.
Tools and supplies you'll need
Changing the oil filter takes almost no equipment. You need an oil filter wrench — a metal or plastic tool that grips the filter so you can unscrew it by hand. The most common type is a strap wrench or a cup wrench sized for your filter diameter. A strap wrench costs $5 to $10 and works on almost any filter size; a cup wrench is slightly cheaper but only fits one size. Either one is fine for a one-time job.
You'll also need a drain pan to catch the oil that spills when you unscrew the old filter. Any shallow pan or old baking dish works — you don't need a commercial drain pan. Have some rags or paper towels nearby, and wear clothes you don't mind getting oil on. If you're doing a full oil change at the same time, you'll need the new oil, a drain plug wrench, and a jack or ramps to lift the car safely.
How to locate and access the filter
Open the hood and look toward the driver's side of the engine. The filter is a cylindrical canister about the size of a soda can, mounted vertically on the engine block. You can reach it from above without removing the wheel or getting under the car. On some 2011 Cruzes, the air intake box sits slightly in front of the filter, but it doesn't block access — you can work around it.
If you're having trouble spotting it, trace the thick rubber hose that runs from the top of the engine down toward the oil pan. The filter is mounted just above where that hose connects. Once you've found it, position your drain pan underneath to catch the oil that will drip out when you unscrew the filter.
Removing the old filter step by step
Place your drain pan directly under the filter. Fit your filter wrench around the filter body — if you're using a strap wrench, wrap it around the middle of the filter and pull the strap tight; if you're using a cup wrench, slide it over the top of the filter until it seats firmly. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the filter. It should turn freely after a quarter turn or so.
Once it's loose enough, unscrew it by hand, turning slowly to avoid spilling oil on the engine. The filter will be warm if the engine has run recently, so be careful. As you unscrew it, tip the filter slightly so any remaining oil drains into the pan rather than onto the engine block. Once it's free, lift it straight up and out, and set it in the drain pan to finish draining.
Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine block with a clean rag. You'll see a rubber O-ring gasket left behind on the block — remove it by hand or with a rag. If the old gasket sticks, use a plastic scraper or an old credit card to gently pry it off. Do not use a metal tool, as you can scratch the mounting surface and cause leaks.
Installing the new filter
Before you install the new filter, coat the rubber gasket on the new filter with a thin layer of fresh oil. Use your finger to wipe a small amount of new oil around the gasket. This helps the seal work properly and makes removal easier next time. Do not over-oil it — a light coat is all you need.
Screw the new filter onto the mounting stud by hand. Turn it clockwise until the gasket contacts the engine block, then turn it an additional three-quarter turn. Do not use the filter wrench to tighten it — hand-tight is correct. Over-tightening can damage the gasket and make the filter impossible to remove later without stripping it.
Checking your work and running the engine
Once the new filter is installed, start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. This pressurizes the oil system and fills the new filter. You should see the oil pressure light on the dashboard go out within a few seconds of starting. If it stays on for more than 10 seconds, shut the engine off when ready and check that the filter is tight and the gasket is seated properly.
After the engine has run for 30 seconds, turn it off and wait two minutes for the oil to drain back into the pan. Then pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and pull it again to check the oil level. If you're doing a filter-only change without draining the old oil, the level should be the same as before. If the level is low, add oil as needed. Do not drive the car until the oil level is correct.
Disposing of the old filter
The old filter contains used oil and should not go in the trash. Most auto parts stores that sell filters will take your old filter for free — just bring it in. If you changed the oil as well, you'll have a pan of used oil to dispose of too. Many stores accept used oil for free or charge a small fee, usually $2 to $5 per gallon. Some recycling centers and municipal hazardous waste facilities also accept used oil and filters at no charge.
If you're unable to reach a store or facility right away, store the filter in a sealed container in a safe place away from children and pets. Do not pour used oil down the drain or into the ground — it contaminates water supplies and is illegal in most places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the oil filter without changing the oil?
Yes. The filter and oil are separate maintenance items. You can change the filter alone, though most people change both at the same time because you're already under the hood. If you change only the filter, expect a small amount of old oil to spill, so have a drain pan ready.
What if the old filter is stuck and won't unscrew?
Tap the filter wrench gently with a hammer to help it grip better, or try wrapping a rubber band around the filter to increase friction. If it's still stuck, let the engine cool for 30 minutes — metal contracts as it cools and sometimes frees a stuck filter. Never force it hard enough to strip the filter or damage the mounting stud.
How often should I change the oil filter on a 2011 Cruze?
Chevrolet recommends changing the filter every time you change the oil. For a 2011 Cruze, that's typically every 3,000 to 5,000 miles with conventional oil, or every 7,500 to 10,000 miles with synthetic oil, depending on your driving conditions. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your car.
Is there a difference between cheap and expensive oil filters?
Most filters rated for your car will work fine. Expensive filters sometimes have better internal materials or longer service life, but for a 2011 Cruze, a $6 filter from a major brand works as well as a $12 filter. The important thing is that it's rated for your engine size and year.
What happens if I forget to change the oil filter?
The filter will eventually become clogged with dirt and debris. When that happens, a bypass valve opens to let oil flow around the filter to keep the engine lubricated, but the oil circulating is unfiltered and carries more contaminants. Over time, this can increase engine wear. Changing the filter on schedule prevents this.