Changing the engine oil on a 2021 Hyundai Palisade keeps its 3.8-liter V6 engine running smoothly for years. Doing this job at home saves you time and money while letting you inspect the underside of your SUV for early signs of wear.
The 2021 Palisade requires 6.5 quarts of 0W-20 synthetic oil that meets the API SP specification. Gathering your tools and supplies ahead of time ensures the job goes smoothly from start to finish.
Tools and Supplies Needed
Before sliding under your Palisade, make sure you have the right equipment on hand. Using incorrect tools can strip bolts or damage delicate components.
- Hydraulic floor jack and heavy-duty jack stands (or sturdy drive-on ramps)
- Wheel chocks
- 17mm socket and ratchet or wrench
- Oil filter wrench (cap style or low-profile band wrench)
- Genuine Hyundai OEM oil filter or equivalent high-end filter (such as Wix or Fram Ultra)
- 6.5 quarts of 0W-20 API SP certified synthetic motor oil
- Large oil drain pan (at least 8-quart capacity)
- Long-neck funnel
- Torque wrench
- Clean rags, disposable gloves, and safety glasses
Locating Components Underneath
The 2021 Palisade sits high enough that you might spot components easily, but lifting the vehicle safely is non-negotiable. Park on a flat, level concrete surface, pull the electronic parking brake, and block the rear wheels with chocks.
Raise the front end securely using jack stands placed beneath the factory-designated pinch weld lift points. Never crawl under a car supported solely by a hydraulic jack.
Once elevated, slide your drain pan beneath the oil pan located toward the center-rear of the engine bay. The metal belly pan has a convenient cutout flap or removable access cover secured by small bolts or plastic clips, allowing direct access to the oil drain plug and oil filter housing without removing the entire shield.
Draining the Old Oil
- Locate the 17mm metal oil drain plug on the side or bottom of the oil pan.
- Position your drain pan slightly downstream from the plug because the stream will initially shoot out horizontally before falling straight down.
- Loosen the 17mm bolt counterclockwise with your socket wrench. Once loose, spin it out by hand while quickly pulling your fingers away to avoid hot oil splashing onto your skin.
- Inspect the crush washer on the drain plug. If it looks flattened, deformed, or cracked, swap it out for a fresh aluminum or copper crush washer to prevent slow leaks.
- Allow the old oil to drain completely for about 10 to 15 minutes until it slows to a steady drip.
- Wipe the drain plug mating surface clean with a rag, thread the plug back in by hand to avoid cross-threading, and torque it down to 26 to 34 lb-ft using your torque wrench.
Replacing the Cartridge Oil Filter
The 3.8L V6 uses an eco-friendly cartridge filter housed inside a reusable plastic cap assembly located near the front passenger side of the engine block.
- Place your drain pan directly beneath the filter housing to catch any residual oil trapped inside the lines.
- Use your filter wrench to loosen the plastic housing cap carefully. Once cracked open, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand.
- Pull the old paper filter element straight down out of the cap or housing.
- Remove the old rubber O-ring gasket from the grooves of the plastic cap using a pick or your fingers. Never stack a new O-ring on top of an old one.
- Lubricate the new rubber O-ring with a dab of fresh engine oil and seat it properly into the upper groove of the cap.
- Snap the new filter element firmly into the housing cap until it clicks into place.
- Screw the entire assembly back onto the engine block by hand. Ensure it threads smoothly without resistance, then tighten it snugly. Most caps feature alignment marks or torque specs printed directly on them (typically around 18 to 22 lb-ft).
Refilling with Fresh Oil
- Pop the hood and twist off the yellow engine oil filler cap located on top of the valve cover.
- Insert your clean funnel into the opening to prevent spills on top of the plastic engine cover.
- Slowly pour in 6 quarts of 0W-20 synthetic oil. Hold back the final half-quart to avoid overfilling.
- Remove the funnel, screw the oil filler cap back on tightly, and wipe away any accidental drips.
Checking Fluid Levels and Resetting the Monitor
Before lowering the vehicle, run a quick leak check and verify your fill level.
- Start the engine and let it idle for 30 to 45 seconds. Watch the dashboard to ensure the oil pressure warning light turns off immediately.
- Look underneath with a flashlight to verify that neither the drain plug nor the filter housing is leaking.
- Turn the engine off, wait five minutes for the oil to drain back down into the oil pan, and pull out the dipstick.
- Wipe the dipstick with a clean rag, reinsert it fully, and pull it out again. The oil film should rest right at the upper F (Full) notch. Add small splashes of the remaining half-quart if it sits closer to the low mark.
- Recycle your used motor oil responsibly by packing it into sealed jugs and dropping it off at a local auto parts store or municipal recycling center.
- Turn on your Palisade's infotainment screen, navigate to User Settings > Service Interval, and reset the maintenance reminder so your dashboard tracks future milestones accurately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced DIYers can run into minor snags during a routine service. Keeping these pitfalls in mind saves you from messy cleanups and costly repairs:
- Forgetting the old O-ring: Leaving the old rubber gasket stuck in the filter cap groove while installing a new one causes a severe, high-pressure oil leak the moment you start the engine.
- Over-tightening the drain plug: Cranking down too hard on the aluminum oil pan threads can strip them completely, requiring an expensive thread repair kit or a brand-new oil pan.
- Neglecting the crush washer: Reusing a worn-out crush washer often leads to slow, persistent drips that stain your driveway.
- Overfilling the crankcase: Pouring the entire 6.5-quart bottle in blindly without checking the dipstick can push internal seals past their limits, leading to blown gaskets or frothy oil aeration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the oil in a 2021 Hyundai Palisade?
Hyundai recommends changing the oil every 7,500 miles or 12 months under normal driving conditions. If you frequently drive in dusty environments, make short trips under 5 miles in freezing weather, or spend a lot of time idling in heavy stop-and-go city traffic, you should follow the severe maintenance schedule and shorten intervals to every 3,750 miles or 6 months.
Can I use conventional oil instead of synthetic in my Palisade?
No. The 3.8L Lambda II V6 engine is engineered specifically for low-viscosity synthetic oils. Using conventional oil degrades lubrication performance, harms fuel economy, and can void your powertrain warranty if engine damage occurs due to lubrication failure.
What happens if I accidentally put 5W-30 oil in my Palisade?
Using 5W-30 in an emergency won't destroy your engine immediately, but it is thicker than what Hyundai specifies. You will likely experience a slight drop in fuel efficiency, and the variable valve timing system may sluggishly respond during cold winter mornings. You should drain it and refill it with the correct 0W-20 oil as soon as possible.
Where can I drop off my used motor oil for recycling?
Most major auto parts retailers—such as AutoZone and Advanced Auto Parts—accept used motor oil and old filters free of charge during normal business hours. Never pour used automotive fluids down storm drains or onto soil.
