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How do I know what engine is in my Ford?

Knowing the engine in your Ford vehicle is important for maintenance, repairs, and understanding its capabilities. Fortunately, there are several ways to quickly and easily determine the engine type in your Ford car, truck, or SUV.


Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)


The VIN, a unique 17-character code, contains information about your Ford's engine. The 8th digit of the VIN represents the engine type. You can find the VIN on the driver's side dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or in your vehicle's documentation. Once you have the VIN, you can look up the engine details using an online VIN decoder or by contacting your local Ford dealer.


Inspect the Engine Itself


Another way to identify the engine in your Ford is to physically inspect it. Look for the engine code, which is usually stamped on the engine block or attached to the engine. This code will provide the specific engine model and displacement. You can also check the engine size by looking at the badges or nameplates on the exterior of your vehicle.


Consult Your Owner's Manual


Your Ford's owner's manual is an excellent resource for determining the engine type. It will list the specific engine options available for your model and year, as well as provide other technical details about the powertrain.


Use an Online Lookup Tool


Many automotive websites and databases offer free online tools to look up engine information based on your Ford's year, make, and model. Simply enter your vehicle's details, and the tool will provide the engine specifications.


Knowing the engine in your Ford vehicle is important for maintenance, repairs, and understanding its capabilities. By checking the VIN, inspecting the engine, consulting the owner's manual, or using an online lookup tool, you can easily identify the engine in your Ford car, truck, or SUV.

Can a Ford VIN tell me the engine?


Identify Ford Modular Engines by VIN
You can identify them with a combination of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year, and type of vehicle. Locate the 8th digit of the VIN and vehicle year. Consult the table below to identify your engine.



Can I look up my engine by VIN number?


To get a Vehicle History Report, access the “VIN Lookup & Decoder” by entering the VIN and clicking the “Check VIN” button. The next page will display the vehicle's information, including the year, make, model, engine, color, packages, and more when available, along with an option to pull its vehicle history.



What digit of the VIN tells you engine?


The eighth digit of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) typically tells you the engine type for most modern vehicles. This digit acts as a code, and its meaning varies by manufacturer and model year. You will need to consult a specific decoding chart for the correct brand and year to find the engine details associated with that eighth digit. 
This video explains what the 8th digit of a VIN indicates: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Feb 28, 2014

  • Manufacturer-specific codes: Automakers use their own systems, so an "F" could mean one thing for a 2017 Ford and something else for a 2011 Ford. 
  • Decoding is key: Since the code is just a key, you can't know the engine type just by looking at the digit alone. You need to match it with the correct manufacturer and model year reference guide. 
  • Vehicle Descriptor Section: Digits 4 through 8 of the VIN are collectively known as the Vehicle Descriptor Section and contain information like engine type, body style, and model. 



How do I tell what Ford engine I have?


You can find your engine size on your Window Sticker or a Build Sheet, or by contacting the Customer Relationship Center. If you are considering buying a Ford, our website has the engine sizes for current model years.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.