Does the VIN tell what transmission I have?

In most cars, the VIN does not reliably reveal the exact transmission, though a few brands embed a transmission-related code in the Vehicle Descriptor Section. There is no universal standard that applies to every make and model, so the most dependable sources are official manufacturer data and documentation.

How the VIN is structured

The Vehicle Identification Number is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies a vehicle. It comprises the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI, digits 1–3), the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS, digits 4–8), the check digit (digit 9), and the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS, digits 10–17). Model year appears in position 10, the plant code in 11, and the production sequence in 12–17. Transmission information, when present, is not standardized across brands.

Is transmission data standardized in the VIN?

Some brands historically encoded a transmission or drivetrain option within the VDS, but the format and codes vary by make and year. Because there is no universal standard, a VIN alone cannot be relied upon to determine your exact transmission in most cases.

Ways to determine your transmission—with or without the VIN

Below are practical steps to confirm your transmission type, especially if the VIN doesn’t clearly reveal it.

• Use the official VIN decoder provided by the vehicle maker or a trusted manufacturer portal. Some decode results will list the transmission option if the VIN contains that code for your model and year.


• Check the original window sticker (Monroney label) or the factory build sheet for the exact transmission specification.


• Look for manufacturer-specific option codes (RPOs for GM, etc.) in the glove box, under the hood, or on the driver’s side door jamb; these codes often include transmission information.


• Ask a dealer or contact the manufacturer’s customer service with your VIN to pull the exact production data for your vehicle.

Because encoding varies by brand and model, relying on the VIN alone is often insufficient to confirm the transmission. Cross-checking with official sources is advisable.

Practical tips for verification

If you still need to verify after checking the VIN, try these steps to ensure you have the correct transmission data.

• Locate the VIN on the dashboard, typically visible through the lower left of the windshield, or on the driver’s door jamb plate; enter it into the maker’s decoder or a reputable third-party tool to see if a transmission code is provided.


• Obtain the vehicle’s build sheet or window sticker from the manufacturer or a reputable archive; the sheet lists the installed transmission.


• Consult the vehicle’s service records or the original owner’s manual, which may specify the transmission type.


• For used vehicles with unknown history, have a qualified mechanic physically identify the transmission by inspection if necessary.

In short, VINs can sometimes indicate the transmission, but it’s not guaranteed. The most reliable sources are the official build data and documentation from the manufacturer.

Summary

The VIN is a powerful identifier that encodes many vehicle attributes, but transmission details are not standardized across all brands. Use the manufacturer’s VIN decoder, window sticker, build sheet, or dealer records to confirm the exact transmission. When in doubt, a technician can verify by inspection or data pull from the manufacturer.

Can I look up my transmission by VIN number?

Yes, you can often tell your transmission type by checking the VIN, but it's not guaranteed because transmission data isn't always encoded in the VIN according to a single standard. To find out for sure, you can use the VIN with an online decoder like the NHTSA VIN decoder, check with a dealership's parts department, or look for physical identifiers on the vehicle itself. 
How to find your transmission using the VIN

• Use an online VIN decoder: Input your 17-character VIN into a decoder, such as the one provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Look for a "Transmission" or "Engine" category in the results. This is the most direct way, but it may only provide basic information like "manual" or "automatic". 
• Contact a dealership: Provide the VIN to the parts department of your vehicle's dealership. They can look up your specific vehicle's original factory options and tell you the exact transmission it was built with. 
• Check the vehicle's build sheet or window sticker: If you have them, these documents will list the original factory options for your vehicle, including the transmission type. 
• Use a specialized decoder (if available): For certain vehicle brands, like BMW, there are specialized online resources (e.g., RealOEM) that can provide detailed information by inputting the last seven digits of the VIN. 

If the VIN doesn't provide the answer

• Inspect the physical transmission: Crawl under the vehicle and look for a tag on the transmission itself, which will have a specific model number. You can also get a general idea of the type by looking at the shape of the oil pan or checking online for images of your vehicle's transmission.
• Provide other vehicle information: If the VIN decoder doesn't work, provide your vehicle's make, model, year, and engine size to a knowledgeable person or online forum, and they may be able to determine the correct transmission based on that information. 

What digit of VIN tells transmission?

There is no single VIN digit that directly identifies the transmission, as this information is not a mandatory part of the standard VIN. However, digits 4-8, which contain vehicle descriptor information, may include codes for the transmission type depending on the manufacturer and model year. The most reliable way to confirm the transmission is by checking the vehicle's documentation, a door jamb sticker, or using an online VIN decoder that has the manufacturer's specific data. 
How to find transmission information

• Check the 8th digit: In many cases, the 8th digit of the VIN can represent the engine type, and sometimes this digit is used by manufacturers to also indicate the transmission, such as a "5" for a 5-speed manual or a "7" for an automatic. 
• Use a VIN decoder: Websites and apps that offer VIN decoding can interpret the information for you. 
• Look at the door jamb sticker: The sticker on the driver's side doorjamb often contains a code under "TR" (for transmission) that specifies the transmission type. 
• Consult your vehicle's paperwork: Your registration or original sales documents should list the transmission type. 
• Contact the manufacturer: For the most accurate information, you can contact the vehicle manufacturer or a dealership. 

How can I tell what transmission my vehicle has?

You can find your transmission type on your window sticker, a Build Sheet, or a Vehicle Identification (VIN) Decode Letter.

What does the 8th digit of the VIN tell you?

The 8th digit of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) typically indicates the vehicle's engine type, size, and configuration. This information is useful for identifying correct spare parts or verifying the original engine specifications of a vehicle, especially when a model was offered with different engine options during the same year. 
What the 8th digit tells you

• Engine details: This digit can specify the engine's horsepower, displacement, fuel type, and number of cylinders. 
• Manufacturer variations: While many manufacturers use this position for engine information, the exact meaning varies between brands. For example, a specific letter might correspond to a 4.3-liter V6 in one make and a different type of engine in another. 
• Importance for parts: Using this digit is crucial for ensuring you get the right part for your car. A part that is not compatible with your engine's specifications can lead to issues and may even cause problems with vehicle inspections. 

How to use this information

• Find your VIN: Locate the VIN on a sticker on the driver's side doorjamb, on your registration, or on your vehicle's title. 
• Consult a decoder chart: Use an online VIN decoder or a manufacturer-specific chart to find out what the 8th digit means for your specific vehicle model and year. 
• Verify engine specs: Cross-reference the engine information from the VIN with your vehicle's original engine specifications to confirm it is the correct engine.