How do I find out what transmission I have?
To find out what transmission your vehicle has, there are a few simple steps you can take. The transmission is a critical component of your car, so knowing its type is important for maintenance, repairs, and understanding your vehicle's capabilities.
Locate the Transmission Identification Tag
The easiest way to determine your transmission type is to locate the transmission identification tag. This tag is usually located on the side of the transmission housing or on the transmission itself. It will provide the specific model and type of transmission installed in your vehicle.
Check the Owner's Manual
Your vehicle's owner's manual is another great resource for finding out the transmission type. The manual will typically list the transmission specifications, including the model number and type (e.g. automatic, manual, CVT, etc.).
Inspect the Transmission Fluid
The color and smell of the transmission fluid can also provide clues about the transmission type. Automatic transmissions typically use red or pink fluid, while manual transmissions use a thicker, clear or light brown fluid.
Observe the Gear Shifter
The gear shifter in your vehicle can also indicate the transmission type. An automatic transmission will have a "PRNDL" (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, Low) pattern, while a manual transmission will have a distinct shift pattern with a clutch pedal.
Consult a Mechanic
If you're still unsure about your vehicle's transmission, it's best to consult a qualified mechanic. They can perform a more thorough inspection and provide a definitive answer on the transmission type.
Knowing your vehicle's transmission type is important for maintenance, repairs, and understanding its capabilities. By following these steps, you can easily determine the transmission in your car or truck.
Can my VIN number tell me what transmission I have?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) isn't just some random jumble of numbers and letters. It's the DNA of your vehicle. Input this unique code into the NHTSA's online VIN decoder, and you'll get a detailed report, often including your vehicle's transmission type.
Where to find serial number on transmission?
You can find both of these numbers on the data plate located on the transmission. A CAT transmission serial number is typically 8 characters long. Once you provide that information, we will be able to give accurate pricing and lead-time for a replacement transmission.
How do I know what engine and transmission I have?
Open the driver's side door and look for a white placard with small black lettering. This card contains specific details about the year the car was made, its transmission, engine specifications and other details.
How do I identify my transmission?
Enter the VIN into the NHTSA's online VIN decoder.
Go to https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ and type in the VIN (the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number). Look under the “Engine” category of the resulting report to find information on the vehicle's transmission.
Where is the transmission model number located on the transmission?
Transmission model designation (i.e. RT-12609A), and other transmission identification information, are stamped on the transmission tag which is attached to the side of the transmission.
What engine and transmission do I have?
Open the driver's side door and look for a white placard with small black lettering. This card contains specific details about the year the car was made, its transmission, engine specifications and other details.
Is there a code for the transmission?
Codes indicating transmission problems fall under the category of Powertrain or “P” codes. If your vehicle is throwing codes and the first three digits are P06, P07, or P09, it almost certainly indicates a tranny or gearbox problem.
Is there a way to check your transmission?
How to Check a Manual Transmission
- Get into the car and, without starting to move, press and hold the clutch pedal.
- Check that all gears are switched up and down alternately on the move.
- Check the operation of all gears alternately under load.
How do I diagnose my transmission?
7 Ways to Tell When Your Car Is Having Transmission Problems
- Unusual Smells. If you catch a whiff of something odd, and you didn't leave your lunch in the backseat for a few weeks, take a closer sniff.
- Odd Sounds.
- Check Engine Light.
- No Response When Trying to Shift Gears.
- Fluid Leak.
- Clutch Drag.
- Shaking.
What is a transmission code?
Codes indicating transmission problems fall under the category of Powertrain or “P” codes. If your vehicle is throwing codes and the first three digits are P06, P07, or P09, it almost certainly indicates a tranny or gearbox problem.
