How do I know what model transmission I have?

To determine the type of transmission in your vehicle, there are a few key steps you can take. The transmission is a critical component that transfers power from the engine to the wheels, and knowing its specific model can be important for maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.

Locate the Transmission Identification Tag

The most reliable way to identify your transmission model is to locate the transmission identification tag. This tag is usually found on the side of the transmission case or on the transmission itself. It will typically display the manufacturer, model number, and other key details about your specific transmission.

Check the Owner's Manual

Another helpful resource is your vehicle's owner's manual. This manual will often list the transmission model installed in your particular make and model of car or truck. The owner's manual can provide valuable information about your transmission, including its specifications and recommended maintenance.

Inspect the Transmission Fluid

You can also try to identify your transmission by inspecting the transmission fluid. Different transmission types use different fluids, so the color, smell, and consistency of the fluid can provide clues about the transmission model. However, this method is less reliable than checking the identification tag or owner's manual.

Consult a Mechanic

If you're still unsure about your transmission model, it's best to consult a qualified automotive mechanic. They have the expertise and tools to accurately identify the transmission in your vehicle, even if the identification tag is missing or difficult to access.

Knowing the specific transmission model in your car or truck is important for ensuring proper maintenance, troubleshooting any issues, and making informed decisions about repairs or upgrades. By following these steps, you can confidently determine the transmission in your vehicle.

How to identify a transmission model?

You can identify a transmission model by looking for a stamped code or metal tag on the transmission case itself, checking the label on the driver's side doorjamb, or using your VIN with an online decoder. Another method is to look up the vehicle's information on the manufacturer's website. For automatic transmissions, the shape of the oil pan can also be a key indicator. 
On the vehicle

• Check the driver's door label: Look for a white label on the inside of the driver's side door or doorjamb. It may contain a code for the transmission type. 
• Look under the hood: Check for a sticker or a stamped code on the transmission itself, which is typically located in front of and below the engine for front-wheel-drive vehicles. 
• Find the ID plate: The transmission may have a metal tag or plate with the model, part, and serial number. This is often on the driver's side and may require you to look from underneath the vehicle. 
• Note the oil pan shape: For automatic transmissions, the shape of the oil pan can help identify the model, as many have unique shapes. 

Using vehicle information

• Use your VIN: Input your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into an online VIN decoder from a reputable source like the NHTSA to get a detailed report that includes the transmission model. 
• Contact the manufacturer: Visit your vehicle manufacturer's website, which may have a "specifications" section for each model. You can also call a dealership with your VIN. 

If you need more help

• Use your owner's manual: The owner's manual contains detailed information about your vehicle's components, including the transmission. 
• Take photos: Take pictures of the transmission, the VIN plate, and any labels you find. Share them with a local parts store, dealership, or transmission shop for assistance. 

Will my VIN number tell me what transmission I have?

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

1. Locate the 17-digit VIN on your vehicle. 
2. Go to one of the free VIN decoder websites listed above. 
3. Enter the VIN into the search bar. 
4. 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.