How to Find Your Engine Information

The quickest ways to find your engine information are: check the under‑hood emissions label for engine size and family, decode your VIN (often the 8th character denotes the engine on many North American vehicles), look in the owner’s manual or service records, and, if needed, ask a dealer parts department with your VIN. Engine codes and serial numbers are usually stamped on the engine block or shown on a sticker on the timing/valve cover. Below is a step‑by‑step guide for cars, trucks, motorcycles, marine, and small equipment.

What “engine information” usually means

Engine information can refer to different identifiers and specifications. Knowing which you need will guide where to look.

• Engine code/designation (e.g., Toyota 2AR‑FE, VW CCTA, BMW B58)
• Displacement and configuration (e.g., 2.0L inline‑4, 5.7L V8)
• Engine family/emissions group (on the Vehicle Emission Control Information label)
• Engine serial number (unique number stamped on the block)
• Power/torque ratings for your trim and market
• Service specs: oil grade/capacity, spark plug type/gap, belt/chain, coolant type

Clarifying the exact item you need—code, serial, or specifications—will save time and help you look in the right place.

Fast ways to identify your engine (cars and light trucks)

Start with these easy checks before crawling around the engine bay or contacting a dealer.

• Under‑hood emissions label (U.S./Canada): A “Vehicle Emission Control Information” (VECI) label typically lists engine displacement and emissions family. It’s usually on the radiator support, underside of the hood, or strut tower.
• VIN decode: The 17‑character VIN, visible at the windshield’s lower‑left corner and on the driver’s door jamb, can be decoded online or by a dealer to identify the exact engine. On many North American models, the 8th character denotes the engine variant.
• Owner’s manual and service booklet: Often list engine size and sometimes the engine code, especially in European/Japanese models.
• Build sheet/Monroney or OEM owner portal: Manufacturer owner sites may show the original build, including engine. FCA/Stellantis (Mopar), GM/Chevrolet/GMC, Ford, Toyota, and VW/Audi owner portals often provide this with a VIN login.
• Door jamb certification label: May include engine info or at least confirm fuel type and emissions standard for cross‑reference.
• Dealer parts desk: Call with your VIN to get the engine code and exact parts; this is reliable for mixed mid‑year engines.
• Digital vehicle menus: Some vehicles show engine and drivetrain info in the infotainment or cluster “About/Vehicle Info” screen.

These sources are fast, official, and usually sufficient for confirming the engine variant tied to your VIN.

Where to find the engine code and serial number on the engine

If you need the engine code stamped on the engine or the engine’s serial number (useful after engine swaps), check these common locations.

Common stamping and sticker locations

Manufacturers place identifiers in different spots, but these are the most frequent areas.

• Machined pad on the engine block: Often at the front of the engine near the head, or on a horizontal pad near the water pump.
• Bellhousing flange or rear of block: Look where the engine meets the transmission.
• Near the oil filter housing or starter: Small stamped alphanumeric strings can hide here.
• Timing cover/valve cover sticker: Many modern engines have a white barcode sticker with the engine code and build data.
• Cylinder head casting: Cast or stamped codes on the head’s side (less often the serial, more often casting numbers).
• Plastic engine cover underside: Some OEMs affix an info label under decorative covers.

Clean gently with a soft brush and degreaser, use a flashlight or mirror, and avoid abrasive methods that could remove or damage the stampings.

Brand‑specific pointers

These examples can narrow your search based on make.

• GM (Chevrolet/GMC/Cadillac/Buick): Engine RPO codes (e.g., L83, LT1, L5P) are in the OEM build data; older vehicles used a Service Parts Identification label (now often a QR code in the glovebox or trunk). Block stamp pads are commonly at the front passenger side.
• Ford/Lincoln: The VIN decode and the door jamb sticker data help identify EcoBoost/Coyote/diesel variants; engine tag stickers may be on the valve cover. Ford owner portal or dealer lookup with VIN is very effective.
• Stellantis (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram): Mopar build sheet lookup by VIN shows engine (e.g., 5.7L HEMI, 3.6L Pentastar). Block stamps vary; the emissions label clearly lists displacement.
• Toyota/Lexus: Engine code (e.g., 2GR‑FKS) often appears on the under‑hood data plate and in the manual; block stamp near the exhaust manifold line on some four‑cylinders.
• Honda/Acura: Engine code (e.g., K24, L15B) and serial are typically stamped on the block just below the head, often near the exhaust side.
• VW/Audi/Škoda/SEAT: Three‑ or four‑character engine code (e.g., CCTA, DKFA) on a sticker on the timing cover and on the options/build sticker (trunk/spare wheel well). PR code sheet or VIN decode confirms it.
• BMW/MINI: Engine families (e.g., B58, N47) verified by VIN decode; physical tags on valve cover or timing cover may show the long engine code/serial.
• Mercedes‑Benz: Engine designation (e.g., M274, OM642) confirmed via VIN decode; look for labels on the front timing cover area.
• Subaru: Engine code (e.g., FB25, EJ255) often on a sticker atop the engine; the VIN build data confirms turbo/non‑turbo variants.

Because locations vary by model and year, combining VIN‑based confirmation with a visual check usually yields the best result.

Use your VIN to decode engine details

Your 17‑character VIN uniquely identifies the vehicle and, through OEM databases, the exact engine installed at the factory.

1. Locate the VIN: Lower‑left windshield, driver’s door jamb label, registration/insurance card, or the vehicle’s digital info screen.
2. Decode online or via OEM portal: Use reputable VIN decoders or your manufacturer’s owner site to retrieve engine type and displacement. On many North American vehicles, the 8th character indicates the engine code, but the mapping varies by brand and model year.
3. Cross‑check with the under‑hood label: Confirm displacement and emissions family against the VECI label for consistency.
4. Ask a dealer with the VIN: Dealer parts systems can return the exact engine code and compatible parts, which is essential for mid‑cycle changes.

VIN decoding is the most reliable way to confirm your engine when paperwork or physical stamps are unclear or the car is hard to access.

Under‑hood emissions label (VECI) and what it tells you

Most vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada include a VECI label under the hood that provides authoritative engine and emissions data.

• Engine displacement (e.g., 2.5L) and fuel system (e.g., gasoline DI/port injection, diesel)
• Engine/emissions family code (useful for parts and regulatory info)
• Applicable standards (e.g., U.S. EPA, California ARB, Tier rating)
• Vacuum hose routing diagram and calibration information

Use this label to verify engine size and emissions family; it’s especially helpful when an engine swap might have occurred.

Digital and OBD‑II methods

Electronic data can confirm what’s installed and what software it’s running.

• OBD‑II Mode 9 (VIN/Calibration ID): Many scan tools and apps can read the VIN, CALID (calibration ID), and CVN (calibration verification number) from the ECU.
• OEM scan tools: Manufacturer‑specific tools can display engine control unit part numbers and sometimes engine type directly.
• Smartphone OBD apps: With a Bluetooth dongle, apps can read Mode 9 data and PIDs identifying engine management details.
• ECU part number lookup: Matching ECU part numbers to catalogs can indirectly confirm engine variant.

While OBD‑II won’t always reveal a human‑readable engine code, it reliably verifies VIN and calibration for cross‑reference.

Special cases

Motorcycles and scooters

Engines often have a separate “engine number” distinct from the frame VIN, and some registrations record both.

• Engine number: Stamped on the crankcase, typically low on either side near the cylinder base.
• VIN: On the headstock/frame; decode via OEM or owner portals for engine family and displacement.
• Manual/parts fiche: OEM fiches list engine codes and serial ranges by model year.

If your engine has been replaced, the new engine number may need to be recorded with your registration authority, depending on your country.

Small equipment (lawn mowers, generators, pressure washers)

Portable engines identify themselves differently from automotive powertrains.

• Briggs & Stratton: Model, Type, and Code stamped on the blower housing/shroud.
• Honda GX series: Model and serial tag on the crankcase or near the recoil starter.
• Kohler/Kawasaki: Data plates on the valve cover or shroud list model/spec/serial.

Use the exact model/spec/serial from the engine tag—not the equipment brand—to source parts and specs.

Marine and outboards

Boat engines use transom or engine‑mounted tags for identification.

• Outboards: Serial/model plate on the transom bracket; a second sticker may be on the powerhead.
• Sterndrives/inboards: Data plate on the valve cover, intake, or rocker cover; ECM can confirm via a marine scan tool.
• Service manuals: OEM marine manuals list engine families by serial range.

Record both the engine serial and the drive/gearcase serial when seeking parts or service procedures.

Diesel pickups and heavy‑duty

Diesel engines often have additional identifiers required for service.

• Pickup diesels (e.g., Duramax L5P, Power Stroke, Cummins): VIN decode plus an engine serial tag on the block; emissions labels confirm displacement and aftertreatment.
• Medium/heavy duty (e.g., Cummins ISX, Detroit DD): Engine dataplate on the rocker cover or side of block lists CPL/HP rating and serial.

For fleet service, record the engine serial, CPL/ESN, and aftertreatment family to ensure correct parts and calibrations.

If the information doesn’t match or the engine was replaced

Engines swapped after production can create mismatches between VIN data and what’s in the vehicle.

• Compare the physical engine code/serial to the VIN‑decoded engine and the VECI label.
• Check service records or receipts that mention an engine replacement.
• Confirm compatibility: sensors, ECU, emissions equipment, and gearing may differ by engine variant.
• Update paperwork where required: In the UK (V5C) and Australia, for example, the engine number on record should be updated after a swap.

When in doubt, rely on the engine’s physical serial and code plus dealer/OEM verification for ordering parts and meeting regulatory requirements.

Tips for capturing and documenting your engine information

A few preparation steps make identification easier and safer.

• Work on a cool engine; wear eye protection and gloves.
• Use a flashlight and small mirror; clean gently with degreaser and a nylon brush to reveal stampings.
• Photograph labels and stampings; note their locations for future reference.
• Store the VIN, engine code, serial, and VECI details in your maintenance log.

Good documentation helps with future maintenance, parts ordering, and resale.

Privacy and safety reminders

Engine and vehicle identifiers are sensitive. Protect them when sharing online.

• Avoid posting your full VIN or engine serial publicly; redact at least some characters.
• Do not grind, sand, or alter stamped numbers; this can be illegal and reduce value.
• Disconnect the battery if removing covers near electrical connectors.

These basic precautions help prevent theft and maintain compliance with local laws.

Summary

To find your engine information, start with the VIN and the under‑hood emissions label, confirm via the owner’s manual or OEM/owner portal, and, if needed, locate the physical engine code and serial stamped on the block or shown on a timing/valve cover sticker. Dealers can verify exact engine variants with your VIN. For motorcycles, marine, and small equipment, use the engine’s own dataplate or crankcase stamp. Keep clear photos and notes so you have the details handy for service, parts, and registration needs.

Will my VIN number tell me what engine I have?

Yes, your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can tell you the original engine type of your car, as information about the engine is encoded into specific digits of the VIN, typically in the Vehicle Description Section (VDS) (positions 4-9). To find out the specific engine, you will need to use an online VIN decoder or lookup tool, such as those provided by CARFAX, O’Reilly Auto Parts, or Kelley Blue Book. Remember that the VIN identifies the engine the vehicle was originally built with, so it may not reflect the engine if it has been replaced or swapped.
 
How to Use Your VIN to Identify Your Engine

1. Locate your VIN: The VIN is a 17-character alphanumeric code that can be found on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield, or on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb. 
2. Use a VIN decoder: Go to a VIN lookup website from a reputable source, such as CARFAX, O’Reilly Auto Parts, or Edmunds. 
3. Enter your VIN: Input your vehicle’s VIN into the search bar on the website. 
4. Interpret the results: The decoder will provide details about your vehicle, including the make, model, year, and original engine specifications. 

Important Considerations

• Original Engine: A VIN lookup will tell you the engine the vehicle was manufactured with. If the engine has been replaced, the VIN will not reflect the current engine. 
• Cross-referencing: While the VIN provides engine codes, you may need to cross-reference this with manufacturer service information or other resources to get the full details about the engine’s size or displacement, notes Quora. 
• Standardization: Although VINs are standardized for most vehicles manufactured in or after 1980, some minor variations can exist between manufacturers, says Quora. 

Where do I find my engine information?

How to find your engine type by VIN. The most common way to find out what type of engine your vehicle has is to check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It will likely be located on a stamp on the bottom of your passenger side windscreen and it is a 17 character code including numbers and letters.

How to check engine details?

An engine number is a unique identification number assigned to each engine of a vehicle. You can generally find the engine number embossed on the engine block. You can also check your vehicle’s registration certificate, insurance policy, or ownership manual provided by the car dealership for the engine number.

Can I look up vehicle specs by VIN number?

On NHTSA.gov, you can query a particular vehicle’s VIN to identify specific information encoded in the number. NHTSA’s VIN decoder is publicly accessible at: https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/.