How to change the oil filter of a Holden Colorado?

The oil filter in your Holden Colorado keeps the engine running clean and smooth—but poor filter quality or wrong installation can cause real problems.

Yes, you can change the oil filter yourself, but choosing the right one makes all the difference. I recommend using a high-performance filter designed for the Holden Colorado to avoid leaks, damage, or time-consuming installation.

If you’re thinking of replacing the oil filter yourself—or trying to support your fleet or workshop clients better—stick with filters that guarantee proper fit and durability. Here’s everything you need to know, with insights from real distributor stories and my experience at Runex Auto.

Can I change the oil filter myself?

Changing the oil filter on a Holden Colorado is not difficult—but it can be frustrating if the part isn’t right or the design is outdated.

Yes, you can change the oil filter yourself. But choosing a high-quality, certified filter with easy-fit features like anti-drain-back valves can cut your install time and reduce error.

Why filter design matters more than you think

When I first started working with a UK distributor, he told me his mechanics were wasting too much time wrestling with hard-to-reach oil filters on the Holden Colorado. The biggest pain point? The filters had no grip and drained out too fast during removal.

That’s where our Runex Auto solution helped. We offer oil filters with the following:

Feature	Benefit
Anti-drain-back valve	Prevents dry starts, extends engine life
Easy-grip hex or textured ends1	Faster install/removal, no tools slipping
OEM compatibility	Direct fit for Holden Colorado 2012–2020
ISO/TS16949 certification2	Guaranteed reliability for global fleet and retail use

Our filters reduced installation time and led to zero complaints. That same client doubled his next order and became a long-term partner.

Tips if you're changing it yourself

• Let the engine cool slightly before changing.
• Use a tray to catch old oil.
• Always replace the oil filter gasket.
• Prime the new filter with a little oil before fitting.
• Torque to spec and check for leaks after starting.

Where is the oil filter on a 2015 Colorado?

You can’t change what you can’t find. And on a 2015 Holden Colorado, the oil filter placement isn't always obvious.

The oil filter on a 2015 Holden Colorado is located on the passenger side of the engine, near the front, slightly below the intake manifold. It may be hidden behind wiring or other components.

Know what you’re looking for

Some clients I worked with assumed the Colorado used a spin-on filter. It doesn’t. The 2015 model uses a cartridge-style filter³, housed inside a permanent casing. That’s why Runex Auto’s OE-fit filter cartridges are designed with:

• Exact housing tolerance
• Heat-resistant sealing rings
• Quick-alignment tabs for faster insert

Many generic filters on the market don’t fit this housing properly, which can cause slight oil seepage—leading to long-term engine wear.

Field solution

One UK distributor had frequent complaints from fleet garages about slow filter replacement. We offered pre-lubricated seals⁴ and better instruction labeling for Holden Colorado kits. After implementation, replacement time was cut by 15–20%, and warranty calls dropped to zero.

If you're working under the hood yourself, always:

• Disconnect battery (optional, but helpful)
• Remove intake pipe for easier access
• Have a low-profile oil pan ready

What size socket for Colorado oil filter?

Choosing the right socket can save you stripped housings and a lot of frustration.

To remove the oil filter housing on a 2015 Holden Colorado, you’ll need a 27mm or 1-1/16 inch socket, ideally a low-profile one, paired with a long ratchet extension.

Small tool, big impact

Some aftermarket filter caps⁵ deform under torque. That’s why we at Runex Auto reinforced our cartridge caps to resist distortion, so customers could safely apply torque without cracking.

Component	Tool Needed	Torque Spec
Filter housing cap	27mm socket	25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
Drain plug	15mm socket	30–35 Nm (22–26 lb-ft)
New filter element	Insert by hand	Ensure seated

One workshop customer once cracked a third-party cap and had to tow the vehicle. After switching to our Runex Auto⁶ kits, which included reinforced caps, that issue never came back.

Practical tip

• Always verify cap torque spec in vehicle manual
• Never over-tighten—housing cracks are costly
• Use gloves and non-slip socket wrenches if working in tight spaces

How often should you change the fuel filter on a 2015 Holden Colorado?

Neglecting the fuel filter can lead to injector damage, poor mileage, and expensive repairs—especially on diesel Colorados.

For a 2015 Holden Colorado, change the fuel filter every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers or once a year, whichever comes first. More frequent changes are needed in dusty or high-load environments.

Diesel engines are sensitive

The fuel system on the 2015 Colorado is high-pressure and very sensitive to contaminants. That’s why Runex Auto’s fuel filters⁷ include:

• Multi-stage filtration media: Removes particles down to 5 microns
• Water separation barrier: Protects against injector corrosion
• OE-quality housing: Ensures seal integrity and long service life

One of my distributor partners in the Australian outback had constant fuel contamination issues. After switching to our filters⁸ with water separators and sensor ports, downtime across his fleet was reduced by 40%.

Maintenance intervals by condition

Driving Condition	Recommended Change Interval
Normal Urban Driving	Every 20,000 km
Heavy Towing or Load Use	Every 15,000 km
Dusty or Off-Road Areas	Every 10,000–12,000 km
Biofuel or Low-Quality Fuel	Every 8,000–10,000 km

Don't ignore fuel filters—they’re often the reason behind loss of power or hard starts in the Holden Colorado.

Conclusion

Changing the oil or fuel filter ⁹ on a Holden Colorado is doable if you know where to look and what tools to use. But even more important is using a filter that fits properly, lasts longer, and makes your job easier. At Runex Auto, we focus on designing filters that solve real-world problems—like hard-to-reach housings, leaking seals, or fitment issues. Whether you’re maintaining your own truck or managing a fleet, the right filter means less downtime and fewer complaints.