How do I find my transmission model?
To find your transmission model, check the tag on the transmission case, use the vehicle’s VIN with an official decoder or dealer lookup, and review the owner's manual or service records for the specification.
The transmission model is the factory designation for the gearbox installed in your vehicle. It matters for parts compatibility, fluids, software updates, and recalls. Because locations and labeling vary by make and model, you’ll often need to combine visual checks with official records or dealer assistance to confirm the exact model.
Where to look on the vehicle
Common places to find a label or stamp that lists the transmission model or code. Look for a metal tag, etched mark, or stamped code on or near the transmission itself.
- Transmission label or tag on the side or top of the transmission case, often near the bellhousing or where the dipstick tube emerges.
- Stamps or castings on the transmission casing itself, sometimes along the passenger side, near the output shaft or bellhousing.
- Label or stamp on the transmission pan, if the pan has a metal tag or a stamped code; sometimes the code is near the pan drain plug.
- Markings on the engine side of the bellhousing or near the starter area in some makes; consult the service manual for your model to locate exact spots.
These markings typically include a code or part number that a dealer, mechanic, or VIN decoder can translate into the official transmission model.
Interpreting the labels
Decoding varies by manufacturer. The tag may show a code like "A4CF50," "6L45," "AW55-50SN," or another alphanumeric designation. If you see a date code, plant code, or part number, capture the full string to cross-reference with manuals or dealer resources.
Using the VIN and official records
VIN data and official records are powerful tools, but availability varies. Start with these steps to confirm the transmission model.
- Check the VIN using the manufacturer’s site or a trusted VIN decoder; some decoders display the original equipment transmission as built.
- Consult the owner’s manual or original window sticker (Monroney) for the transmission specification.
- Ask your dealership or a certified mechanic to run a VIN check; they can access factory build data and service bulletins to confirm the transmission.
- Review service records and invoices for references to the transmission model or code, or for notes about a replacement transmission.
Not every VIN provides the transmission code, especially if the vehicle has seen a factory option change or a replacement. When in doubt, rely on the dealership or a qualified shop to verify using the VIN and engine code together.
What to do if you still can't find it
If you can't locate a tag or the VIN lookup doesn't reveal the transmission, try these steps to identify the model.
- Physically access the transmission badge or tag safely—this may require removing shielding or covers; never work near hot components.
- Take clear photos of the undercarriage area around the transmission and share them with a mechanic who can identify the casing model.
- Bring the vehicle to a dealership or transmission specialist; provide year, make, model, engine, and VIN to obtain the exact model.
Having the correct transmission model helps ensure you order the right fluids, gaskets, and gear sets, and it supports software updates and recalls that may affect your vehicle.
Summary
Locating your transmission model is a practical, multi-step task that often combines a visual inspection for tags, VIN-based lookups, and trusted dealer or mechanic verification. Start with the easiest checks—any tag on the case or in the owner's manual—and, if needed, escalate to VIN decoding and professional assistance to confirm the exact model. With the right information, maintenance and repairs can proceed with confidence.
How do you tell what model transmission you have?
4 ways to identify your vehicle's transmission system
- The owner's manual. A great place to start is to locate your vehicle's owner's manual.
- Placard on the driver's side door. Open the driver's side door and look for a white placard with small black lettering.
- Oil pan.
Does VIN tell transmission type?
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.
Can I look up my transmission by VIN number for free?
You can find a vehicle's transmission type for free by using an online VIN decoder from sites like GoodCar, VINsmart, or J.D. Power. These services decode the VIN to provide detailed specifications, including the make, model, and engine type, with the transmission type listed in the results. Some auto parts store websites, such as AutoZone, also offer free VIN decoders to help you find compatible parts.
Free online VIN decoders
- GoodCar: Provides information such as model year, make, model, trim level, engine type, and transmission type, among other details.
- VINsmart: Checks for recalls and provides vehicle specs like engine and transmission type, plus NMVTIS data and vehicle valuations.
- J.D. Power: A free tool that shows a breakdown of specs, including transmission type, fuel type, and engine power.
- iSeeCars.com: Offers free VIN data reports that include key specifications like transmission and engine type.
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): The NHTSA VIN decoder is a reliable government tool that can identify specific information encoded in the VIN, including safety features.
- AutoZone: Their VIN decoder helps you find parts for your vehicle, and includes the vehicle's factory-equipped specifications like transmission type.
- O'Reilly Auto Parts: Offers a free VIN decoder to help you determine your vehicle's factory-equipped features or shop for auto parts by VIN.
How to use these tools
- Locate the 17-digit VIN on your vehicle.
- Go to one of the free VIN decoder websites listed above.
- Enter the VIN into the search bar.
- The decoder will provide a report with the vehicle's specifications, including the transmission type.
What does the 8th digit of a VIN tell you?
The 8th digit in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) typically indicates the vehicle's engine type and size. This can include the engine's displacement and whether it has specific features, such as being a supercharged or hybrid model. Manufacturers use this digit to specify which engine was installed in the car, which is useful for maintenance, part ordering, and emissions compliance.
- Engine specifics: The digit represents a unique identifier for the engine, which can be crucial for finding the correct replacement parts. For example, a vehicle might have had two different 4.3-liter engines with different components, and this digit distinguishes them.
- Maintenance and legality: Knowing the correct engine code is important for ensuring parts are compatible and for meeting emissions standards during inspections.
- How to use it: You can find this information on a sticker on the driver's side door or on your vehicle's registration and title. If you need to verify your engine or order parts, this digit is a key identifier.
- Manufacturer-specific systems: While this is the common use, some manufacturers may have different systems for their VINs, so it is always best to consult manufacturer-specific guides or use an online VIN decoder for the most accurate information.
