What Engine Is Inside My Car?
I can’t determine your engine without your car’s details (year, make, model/trim, and ideally the VIN). You can find it quickly on your under-hood emissions label, your registration/insurance card, or by decoding the VIN online; if you share those details, I can identify the exact engine for you.
Contents
The Fastest Ways to Identify Your Engine
These quick checks typically reveal the exact engine family and displacement in minutes, without tools or special access.
- Under-hood emissions label: A sticker on the underside of the hood or near the radiator/strut tower lists the engine family and displacement; in North America it often reads like “Engine Family: …; Displ: 2.5L.”
- Registration/insurance documents: Many jurisdictions print the engine size (e.g., 1.6L, 3.5L) or an engine code alongside the VIN.
- Owner’s manual or service booklet: The first pages sometimes note the engine code or at least the specific engine option installed.
- Engine cover or oil cap area: Some engines have the displacement or code embossed (e.g., “2.0 T GDI,” “VQ35DE,” “M274”).
- Driver’s door jamb label: While not universal, some markets include engine info or at least the exact trim, which you can cross-reference.
- Infotainment/app: For connected vehicles, the OEM app or settings menu may list powertrain specs tied to your VIN.
If none of these provide a conclusive identifier, the VIN method below is the most reliable way to pinpoint your engine.
Use Your VIN to Decode the Engine
Your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number uniquely identifies the vehicle configuration. Many automakers and public databases decode the VIN to reveal the precise engine.
- Locate your VIN: It’s on the dashboard (driver side, visible through the windshield), your registration/insurance card, and the driver’s door jamb.
- Run the VIN through a decoder:
- Public: NHTSA’s VIN decoder (US) usually returns make, model, engine displacement/type.
- Automaker portals: Most OEM owner sites show exact engine codes tied to your VIN after sign-in.
- Check engine-position digits:
- North America: The 8th VIN character often denotes the engine code used by that manufacturer.
- EU/other regions: Engine is encoded but typically requires OEM systems or dealer lookup.
- Confirm with option codes:
- GM: RPO codes (e.g., L83, LFX) on the glovebox/spare-tire well or via the VIN in the OEM portal.
- VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat: PR codes in the spare wheel well or service book; engine code like “CCTA,” “DKZA.”
- BMW/Mini: Engine family (e.g., B48, N55) via VIN in BMW’s service systems.
- Mercedes-Benz: Engine code (e.g., M274/M264) via the digital service report/VIN.
- Cross-check: Compare the decoded result with your emissions label or owner’s manual to be certain.
This process reliably identifies the engine even when trim names changed mid-year or in different markets.
Where to Enter Your VIN Online
The following official and public portals commonly return engine information when you enter your VIN. Some require a free account.
- NHTSA VIN Decoder (US): https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/
- Toyota Owners: https://www.toyota.com/owners
- Ford Support/Owner: https://www.ford.com/support/ (regional sites vary; Europe uses Ford service portals)
- GM/Chevrolet/Buick/GMC/Cadillac: https://my.gm.com (brand portals like https://my.chevrolet.com)
- Honda/Acura Owners: https://owners.honda.com / https://owners.acura.com
- Hyundai Owners: https://owners.hyundaiusa.com
- Kia Owners: https://owners.kia.com
- BMW Owners: https://www.bmwusa.com/owners (regional sites for EU/UK)
- Mercedes-Benz Owners: https://www.mbusa.com/owners
- Volkswagen Owners: https://www.vw.com/owners/
- Audi Owners: https://www.audiusa.com/us/web/en/owners.html
- Stellantis (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram/Fiat/Alfa): https://www.mopar.com
- Subaru (MySubaru): https://my.subaru.com
- Nissan/Infiniti Owners: https://www.nissanusa.com/owners / https://www.infinitiusa.com/owning
- Mazda Owners: https://www.mazdausa.com/owners
- Tesla Account: https://www.tesla.com (vehicle details show motor/battery configuration)
If a portal doesn’t display the engine explicitly, customer support or a dealership can confirm it from the same VIN.
Special Notes for EVs and Hybrids
Electric and hybrid vehicles don’t have a traditional “engine” but do have motor(s) and battery specifications that uniquely identify the powertrain.
- EVs: Look for motor configuration (single/dual), drive layout (RWD/AWD), and battery capacity in kWh; VIN decoders often list drivetrain and pack size.
- Hybrids/PHEVs: The emissions label and owner’s manual list the internal combustion engine (ICE) family plus the electric motor and battery data.
- Tesla and other EVs: The account page or window sticker build sheet lists “Standard/Long Range/Performance” which maps to specific motor/battery combos.
These identifiers are the EV/hybrid equivalents of a traditional engine code and will let you match parts and service procedures accurately.
What I Need From You to Identify It for Sure
Share a few details and I’ll tell you exactly which engine you have and what that code means.
- VIN (17 characters)
- Year, make, model, and trim (e.g., 2018 Honda Accord EX-L)
- Market/country of sale (US, EU, UK, Australia, etc.)
- A photo or transcription of the under-hood emissions label
- Any known options (e.g., “turbo,” “flex-fuel,” “Start/Stop”)
With those, I can confirm the engine family, displacement, induction (NA/turbo/supercharged), fuel type, and typical code naming used by your manufacturer.
How Engine Codes Usually Look (Examples)
Engine identifiers vary by brand. These examples show common formats you might see on labels, manuals, portals, or parts catalogs.
- Toyota/Lexus: 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS
- Honda/Acura: K24A, L15B7, J35Y6
- BMW/Mini: B48B20, B58B30, N55B30
- Mercedes-Benz: M274, M264, M256 (AMG variants: M177/M178)
- Volkswagen/Audi: CCTA, CPMA, DKZA (families like EA888 Gen 3)
- GM: L83, L84, LT1, LSY (RPO codes on build sheet/portal)
- Ford: Duratec 2.5, EcoBoost 2.0 (internal codes like 999/TPWA vary by catalog)
- Hyundai/Kia: G4NA, G4KH, G6DP (Smartstream and Theta families)
- Mazda: PY-VPS, S5-DPTS (Skyactiv-G/D naming)
- Nissan/Infiniti: QR25DE, VQ35DE, VR30DDTT
- Stellantis: 3.6L Pentastar (ERB), 5.7L HEMI (EZH), 2.0T Hurricane (GME-T4)
Your exact code should match one of your brand’s conventions and will appear in documentation or VIN-derived records.
Summary
I can’t name your engine without your car’s specifics, but you can find it fast via the under-hood emissions label, registration/insurance documents, or a VIN decode through NHTSA and your automaker’s owner portal. Share your VIN, year/make/model/trim, market, and a photo of the emissions label, and I’ll identify the exact engine and code for you, along with any relevant technical details.
Which letter in VIN is engine code?
The eighth character of a vehicle’s 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) indicates the engine code, though its specific meaning varies by manufacturer. The characters from the fourth through eighth positions make up the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), which describes the vehicle’s model, body type, engine type and size, transmission, and restraint system.
Here’s a breakdown of the VIN’s structure related to engine information:
- Positions 1-3: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) – Indicates the country of origin and manufacturer.
- Positions 4-8: Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) – This section provides details about the vehicle’s specific features.
- Position 8 (specifically): Engine Code – This position is commonly used by manufacturers to denote the engine type, size, and even horsepower.
- Positions 9: Check Digit – A security code to ensure the authenticity of the VIN.
- Position 10: Model Year – Indicates the year the vehicle was manufactured.
- Position 11: Assembly Plant – Shows the location where the vehicle was built.
- Positions 12-17: Production Sequence Number – The unique serial number of the vehicle.
How do I find what engine is in my car?
To find your engine type, locate your vehicle’s 17-character VIN on your dashboard, driver’s side doorjamb, or in your owner’s manual. Then, use a free online VIN decoder from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or other automotive sites to decode the 8th character, which indicates your engine type. Alternatively, check for an engine cover or decal under the hood, or consult your car’s registration, insurance documents, or a professional mechanic.
Using the VIN
- Find your VIN: This 17-character code is usually on the driver’s side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield. It can also be found on the driver’s side door pillar, or in your owner’s manual, insurance documents, or vehicle title.
- Use an online VIN decoder: Go to NHTSA’s VIN decoder or another reliable VIN lookup tool.
- Decode the VIN: The 8th character of the VIN contains specific information about your engine type. The decoder will provide details about your car’s engine based on the VIN.
This video demonstrates how to find the VIN on your vehicle: 50sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Jan 16, 2025
Other Methods
- Inspect the engine bay: Open the hood to check for an engine cover or a label on the radiator support or engine block. These often display the engine’s size (e.g., liters) or family.
- Check your paperwork: Your car’s registration, insurance card, or owner’s manual may contain the VIN and engine specifications.
- Contact a professional: A mechanic or dealership can look up the VIN and provide detailed information about your engine.
Key VIN Locations Driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windshield), Driver’s side door pillar, Driver’s side door jamb, and Owner’s manual or title.
Can VIN number tell engine type?
Can my VIN number tell me what engine I have? Yes. Characters 4-8 on a given VIN denotes the vehicle’s manufacturer, engine size, and type.
What does the 8th digit of a VIN tell you?
The eighth digit in a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) typically indicates the engine type and configuration for a particular vehicle, though the exact meaning can vary by manufacturer. This is part of the vehicle descriptor section (VDS), which provides information on the vehicle’s platform, model, and body style. Knowing the engine type from the VIN is crucial for ordering correct replacement parts and ensuring emissions compliance.
Details of the Eighth Digit:
- Engine Type: The most common use of the eighth VIN digit is to specify the engine, including its displacement, fuel type, and cylinder configuration.
- Manufacturer Variation: While this is a common practice, the specific meaning of the eighth digit can vary depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers use a single code for “engine type” while others use it to specify a particular engine option.
- For Ordering Parts: This digit is particularly useful for mechanics and car owners when ordering replacement engine parts to ensure compatibility.
Where to Find the VIN:
- Dashboard: Look for it on the lower driver’s side corner of the windshield.
- Driver’s Side Door Jamb: On a sticker located on the doorjamb.
- Vehicle Registration and Title: It’s also listed on official documents like registration and title.
How to Decode the Full VIN:
- Online VIN Decoders: The easiest way to understand the full VIN is to use an online VIN decoder tool. These tools will provide a detailed breakdown of what each digit and letter represents for your specific vehicle.
