3.6L V6 DOHC VVT Engine Complete Assembly for 2015-2020 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, & GMC
Product Notes Read before buying
This engine fits vehicles with the 3.6L V6 engine only (8th digit of VIN must be '3'). It is not compatible with the twin-turbo engine found in some Cadillac V-Sport models. For Chevrolet Impala models from 2015-2016, this part fits the 'Limited' body style (4th digit of VIN is 'W').
Voice or type your vehicle details and Wrenchy will confirm fitment in seconds.
Vehicle Fitment Guide
This part fits the following vehicles:
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Sedan | 2016 | V6 3.6L | FWD | Automatic |
| Leather | Sedan | 2016 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| Premium | Sedan | 2016 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| Sport Touring | Sedan | 2016 | V6 3.6L | FWD | Automatic |
| 2015 |
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury | SUV | 2015 - 2016 | V6 3.6L | FWD | Automatic |
| Premium | SUV | 2015 - 2016 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| Base | SUV | 2016 | V6 3.6L | FWD | Automatic |
| Luxury | SUV | 2016 | V6 3.6L | AWD | Automatic |
| Performance | SUV | 2016 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Sedan | 2015 - 2019 | V6 3.6L | FWD | Automatic |
| Livery | Hearse | 2015 - 2019 | V6 3.6L | FWD | Automatic |
| Livery | Limousine | 2015 - 2019 | V6 3.6L | FWD | Automatic |
| Luxury | Sedan | 2015 - 2019 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| Platinum | Sedan | 2015 - 2019 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| Premium | Sedan | 2015 - 2017 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| Premium Luxury | Sedan | 2017 - 2019 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| Livery | Sedan | 2018 - 2019 | V6 3.6L | FWD | Automatic |
| 2016 |
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT | SUV | 2015 - 2017 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| LTZ | SUV | 2015 - 2016 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| Premier | SUV | 2017 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT | Sedan | 2016 - 2020 | V6 3.6L | FWD | Automatic |
| LTZ | Sedan | 2016 | V6 3.6L | FWD | Automatic |
| LS | Sedan | 2017 - 2019 | V6 3.6L | FWD | Automatic |
| Premier | Sedan | 2017 - 2020 | V6 3.6L | FWD | Automatic |
| 2015, 2018 |
| SubmodelSUB- MODEL |
Body Style | Years | Engine | Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denali | SUV | 2015 - 2017 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| SLE | SUV | 2015 - 2017 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| SLT | SUV | 2015 - 2017 | V6 3.6L | AWD/FWD | Automatic |
| 2016 |
Know This Engine Before You Buy
The research behind our purchase interview — recalls, bulletins and real install economics for this engine family:
A quick look at your own vehicle makes sure the right engine shows up:
- Confirm the 8th digit of the VIN is 3.
- Verify if the vehicle is FWD or AWD to prepare for oil pan/bracket transfers.
- Confirm the exhaust downpipe bolts directly to a single integrated oval port on each cylinder head.
What the install really takes — plan and budget with confidence:
Special tools this job needs:
- EN-48383 / EN-46105 Camshaft Retaining Tool Set
- EN-49982 / EN-48313 Timing Chain Retention Tools
- Fuel line disconnect tools
- Torque wrench
- Harmonic balancer puller
Budget for these consumables at install:
- 6.0 quarts of Dexos1 approved full synthetic 5W-30 oil
- New oil filter
- GM-approved DEX-COOL coolant
- 6 new iridium spark plugs (gap 0.043 inches)
- Intake manifold gaskets (upper and lower)
- Valve cover gaskets
- Exhaust downpipe/flange gaskets
- Thermostat housing gasket
- Rear main seal
- High-temperature engine RTV sealant
- New serpentine belt
What your vehicle’s computers will need after the swap:
What’s involved: Crankshaft Position (CKP) System Variation Relearn & Security/VATS Relearn
A GM-compatible scan tool (Tech2, GDS2, or high-end aftermarket equivalent) is required to perform the CKP relearn to prevent false misfire codes (P0300/P0315) and ensure proper misfire detection.
Pro tips for a smooth first start-up — hand them to whoever does the install:
- Integrated Exhaust Manifolds: Exhaust downpipes bolt directly to a single oval port on the aluminum cylinder heads. Do not cross-thread or strip these holes.
- FWD vs. AWD Oil Pan: Must transfer original oil pan, pickup tube, and intermediate shaft support bracket if swapping between FWD and AWD configurations.
- Torque-to-Yield (TTY) Bolts: Cylinder head, main bearing cap, and harmonic balancer bolts are single-use only and must be replaced.
- A/C Compressor Rod Mount: Must unbolt the entire support bracket from the block to remove the compressor assembly.
- Subframe Drop: Standard replacement procedure requires dropping the entire front subframe with engine and transmission from underneath.
Easy to get right once you know them:
- Reusing stretched TTY bolts (especially the harmonic balancer bolt).
- Neglecting to inspect and modify/clean the PCV dirty-air orifice before installation.
- Failing to perform the mandatory Crankshaft Position (CKP) variation relearn.
- Not cleaning intake valve carbon buildup while the engine is out of the vehicle.
- Ordering a 3.6L engine from an incompatible model (like Acadia or Traverse) assuming all GM 3.6L LFX units are identical.
- Ignoring oil levels during operation, leading to oil starvation and timing chain failure.
Not issues with the units on this page — the manufacturer documented these for every engine of this family, wherever you buy one. Handy for your installer:
🔎 Recommended at install: Regular oil changes; replace timing chains if DTCs P0008, P0016-P0019 or cold-start rattle occur.
🔎 Recommended at install: Walnut-shell blasting or chemical cleaning of intake valves.
🔎 Recommended at install: Inspect and clean/drill out PCV dirty-air orifice in the valve cover.
🔎 Recommended at install: Replace externally driven water pump if shaft seal leaks.
🔎 Recommended at install: Follow diagnostic tips to determine if component repair or full replacement is needed.
🔎 Recommended at install: Reprogram TCM at dealer.
Researched from factory recalls, TSBs and OEM service data (reference unit 300-05836-5485108). Unit-specific details — mileage, condition, warranty, freight — are covered in the checkout interview.
Policies, in plain English.
Shipping & Handling
- Ships by LTL freight on a pallet — a real freight truck, not a parcel van
- Your checkout freight quote covers delivery to your door (liftgate service included for residential addresses)
- The carrier calls ahead to schedule a delivery window — someone must be present to receive it
- Typically palletized and picked up within 2–3 business days; transit time depends on distance
120-Day Warranty
This part includes a 120-day warranty.
- If the part fails within the warranty window, we'll replace it or refund per the coverage terms
- Coverage is parts-only — installation labor is not included
- Warranty covers defects — not installation errors, misuse, or damage after installation
Your pre-purchase interview reviews these exact terms with you before anything is charged.
Returns (30 Days)
We accept returns of uninstalled parts within 30 days of delivery for this part.
- Defective parts: We will replace the part or issue a refund at our discretion
- Programming: "Needs to be programmed to my vehicle" is not a valid return reason. Many modules require dealer programming — we're happy to help connect you with resources if your dealer says it's not programmable
- Return shipping: This part ships by freight (LTL) — the part price is refundable per the terms above, but shipping costs are non-refundable and return freight follows the seller's return terms. Your pre-purchase interview walks through the exact numbers before you buy
- Parts must be returned in original packaging and unmodified condition
- Poorly packaged returns that arrive damaged will not be credited
Damaged in Shipping?
Freight damage is rare — and you're fully protected when you do two things at delivery:
- Inspect before you sign — you're allowed time to look the pallet over while the driver waits
- Write any damage on the delivery receipt before signing — that one line is what makes a freight claim succeed
- Severe damage? Refuse the delivery — it goes back at no cost to you and we make it right
- Photograph the pallet before unwrapping; report concealed damage within 24 hours of delivery
We handle the carrier claim — you just help document it. Your pre-purchase interview walks through this checklist too.
Order Cancellation
Cancel before shipment for a full refund. Once the pallet has been built, a preparation charge may apply — and once the freight carrier picks it up, shipping costs are non-refundable and standard return terms apply. Your pre-purchase interview shows the exact numbers before you pay.
Expert Guides
2015-2020 Impala, LaCrosse, XTS, SRX, Equinox & Terrain 3.6L LFX V6: Problems, Identification, and Used Replacement
Identify the exact 3.6L LFX V6, learn what causes timing chain and oil consumption failures, and know exactly what to check before buying a used replacement engine.
Read Full Guide →Related Trouble Codes (OBD-II)
50 matching guidesIf your scan tool is showing one of these trouble codes, this part is a common fix. Each guide explains the code, how to diagnose it, and exactly what to replace.
Miscellaneous Information
OEM Part Numbers:
General Motors: 12652804, 12678996
Fits Years: 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
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Backed By The Selling Yard
This unit ships with the selling yard's 120-day warranty. Longer plans can be requested during checkout.
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