The 2016 Cruze uses a cartridge-style filter mounted on top of the engine
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has an oil filter that sits inside a plastic housing on the top of the engine, not a spin-on filter screwed to the side. This cartridge design means you unscrew a large cap, pull out the filter element, and drop in a new one — no wrench needed on the filter itself. The housing is located near the front of the engine, and you can reach it from above without getting under the car.
This design is cleaner than traditional spin-on filters because the old filter stays contained inside the housing and doesn't drip oil across your engine bay when you remove it. The trade-off is that you need to buy the correct cartridge element rather than a complete filter unit, and you may need to replace a rubber seal ring at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- The 2016 Cruze filter is a cartridge type housed in a plastic cap on top of the engine, not a spin-on filter on the side.
- You will need a filter wrench to unscrew the housing cap, a new filter element, and usually a replacement rubber seal ring.
- The entire job takes 10 to 15 minutes and requires no special tools beyond the filter wrench and a drain pan to catch spilled oil.
- The correct filter element part number varies slightly by engine size, so confirm which engine your Cruze has before ordering.
What you need before you start
Gather a filter wrench (a socket-style wrench sized for the 2016 Cruze housing cap, typically 74 mm or 86 mm depending on engine), a new cartridge filter element, a replacement rubber seal ring, a drain pan or old container to catch oil drips, and a clean rag or paper towels. You do not need to lift the car or remove any wheels.
The filter element part number depends on your engine. The 1.4L turbo and 1.6L turbo models use different elements, and the 1.8L naturally aspirated engine uses yet another. Check your owner's manual or the parts sticker inside the driver's door jamb to confirm your engine size, then order the matching element. Most auto parts stores can cross-reference the part number if you give them your vehicle identification number (VIN).
Step-by-step filter replacement
Step 1: Locate the filter housing. Open the hood and look toward the front of the engine. You will see a black plastic cap with a large center bolt. This is the filter housing. On some Cruzes it sits on the passenger side of the engine; on others it is more central. If you cannot find it, trace the oil filler cap (where you pour new oil) and look nearby — the filter housing is usually within a few inches.
Step 2: Position your drain pan. Place the drain pan or container directly under the housing cap. When you unscrew the cap, a small amount of oil will drip out — usually less than a cup, but enough to make a mess if you skip this step.
Step 3: Unscrew the housing cap. Fit the filter wrench onto the center bolt of the housing cap and turn counterclockwise. The cap will come free after a few turns. Lift it straight up and set it aside on a clean surface. Inside the cap, you will see the old filter element and a rubber seal ring stuck to the underside of the cap.
Step 4: Remove the old filter and seal. Pull the old filter element out of the housing. It may stick slightly — gentle wiggling helps. Peel the rubber seal ring off the underside of the cap. Do not reuse this ring; it hardens over time and will not seal properly on the next oil change.
Step 5: Clean the housing interior. Wipe the inside of the plastic housing with a clean rag to remove any loose debris or old oil residue. Pay special attention to the sealing surface where the cap screws back on.
Step 6: Install the new seal and filter. Press the new rubber seal ring onto the underside of the housing cap, centering it in the groove. Slide the new filter element into the housing, making sure it sits flat and fully inserted. The element should not be forced; it should slide in smoothly.
Step 7: Screw the cap back on. Hand-thread the cap onto the housing first to avoid cross-threading. Once it is hand-tight, use the filter wrench to snug it down. Do not over-tighten — snug is enough. Over-tightening can crack the plastic housing or damage the seal.
Filter element part numbers for 2016 Cruze engines
| Engine | Common Filter Element Part Numbers |
|---|---|
| 1.4L Turbo | GM 55594867, Fram CH10165, Mobil 1 M1-110 |
| 1.6L Turbo Diesel | GM 55594867, Fram CH10165 |
| 1.8L (naturally aspirated) | GM 55594867, Fram CH10165, Mobil 1 M1-110 |
Part numbers can vary by supplier and year of manufacture. If you are unsure which element fits your car, bring your VIN to an auto parts store and ask them to look it up in their system. This takes two minutes and eliminates the risk of buying the wrong part.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most frequent error is over-tightening the housing cap. The plastic threads are not as strong as metal, and cranking too hard can strip them or crack the cap. Snug the cap until you feel resistance, then stop. You should not need to use force.
Another common mistake is forgetting to replace the rubber seal ring. Reusing the old ring will cause oil to seep out around the cap after a few days of driving. The ring costs just a few dollars and takes 10 seconds to swap, so always install a new one.
A third error is installing the filter element upside down or not fully seating it. The element should slide in smoothly and sit flat against the bottom of the housing. If it feels stuck or crooked, remove it and try again. A filter that is not fully seated will not filter properly and may allow unfiltered oil to bypass into the engine.
What to do after you finish
Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds, then turn it off. Wait one minute and check the oil level on the dipstick. Top up if needed — you typically add the same amount of oil you drained, but the dipstick is the final word. Run the engine again for another 30 seconds and check for leaks around the filter housing cap. If oil is dripping, turn off the engine, let it cool for five minutes, and snug the cap a bit more.
Dispose of the old filter element and seal ring according to your local rules. Many auto parts stores will take them for free if you ask. Do not throw them in the trash or pour old oil down the drain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the oil filter without changing the oil?
Yes. The filter and oil are separate maintenance items on the 2016 Cruze. You can change the filter alone if you want, though most people do both at the same time since you have the drain pan out anyway. If you change only the filter, you will lose a small amount of oil (usually less than a cup), so check your level afterward and top up if needed.
What size wrench do I need for the filter housing cap?
The wrench size is typically 74 mm or 86 mm depending on your engine, but the easiest approach is to buy a cartridge filter wrench at an auto parts store and let the staff confirm the size for your Cruze. These wrenches cost $10 to $20 and work on many vehicles, so it is a worthwhile investment if you plan to do your own oil changes.
How often should I change the filter?
Chevrolet recommends changing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For a 2016 Cruze, that is typically every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. Check your owner's manual for the exact interval for your driving conditions, as severe driving may require more frequent changes.
Is the rubber seal ring included with the new filter element?
Usually not. Most filter elements come with just the cartridge. The seal ring is often sold separately or included with an oil change kit. When you order the filter element, ask the parts store whether the seal ring is included or if you need to order it separately. It is inexpensive, but you do not want to discover you need it after you have already opened the housing.
What if the housing cap is stuck and won't unscrew?
explore penetrating oil (like WD-40) around the base of the cap and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Then try again with the filter wrench. If it is still stuck, tap the wrench gently with a rubber mallet to help break the seal. Do not use excessive force, as you can crack the plastic housing. If it remains stuck after these steps, stop and take the car to a shop rather than risk breaking the housing.