How do I know what transmission my Dodge Journey has?
The quickest way to know your Dodge Journey’s transmission is to decode the VIN or check the door jamb/window sticker, which list drivetrain details. You can also read a small code stamped on the transmission itself. If in doubt, a dealer can pull the exact specification from the VIN.
The Dodge Journey, produced from 2008 to 2019, offered different transmissions depending on year and engine. This article explains how to determine which unit is installed in your vehicle and how to verify it with reliable sources for maintenance, repairs, and parts compatibility.
Ways to identify the transmission
Use these steps to identify the transmission installed in your Journey.
- Locate and decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) using a reputable source (manufacturer site, dealer, or trusted online VIN decoder) to reveal drivetrain details, including the transmission type or family.
- Check your original window sticker or build sheet (Monroney sticker) if available; it typically lists the factory-installed transmission for that configuration.
- Inspect the transmission itself for a stamped code or nameplate on the case near the bell housing; the code identifies the transmission family (for example, a 4-speed or 6-speed designation) and sometimes the gear count.
- Ask a Dodge/Chrysler dealer or a qualified shop to pull the exact transmission information from the vehicle’s VIN in the manufacturer database.
Using these methods will usually confirm the exact transmission in your Journey and help you source the correct parts and service procedures.
Typical transmission options by engine and year
Understanding general trends can help, but your exact unit should be confirmed by VIN/label. Here is a broad overview of what Dodge Journey models commonly used over the years:
- Early 2.4-liter inline-four models often came with a four-speed automatic transmission.
- Early 3.5-liter V6 models also used a four-speed automatic in many configurations.
- Some later models equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar engine adopted a six-speed automatic (often referenced as a 62TE) in place of the older four-speed unit, depending on market and trim level.
- Availability of the four-speed versus six-speed transmissions varies by year, engine, and region, so always verify with the VIN to avoid misidentification when ordering parts or performing maintenance.
Reasonable general guidance is that the Six-Speed configuration is more likely on 3.6L Pentastar-equipped Journeys built around the 2011–2019 window, but VIN verification remains the authoritative method.
VIN and labeling: how to confirm
To verify with official sources, follow these steps that rely on VIN data and labeling on the car.
- Find the VIN on the driver’s side dash (visible through the windshield) or on the driver's door jamb; you can also find it on your vehicle registration or insurance card.
- Enter the VIN into a trusted decoder or ask a dealer to pull the drivetrain/ transmission information from the manufacturer database.
- Review any original build documents or the window sticker, which often lists the transmission as part of the vehicle’s specification.
If you cannot access these sources directly, a dealer or independent shop can retrieve the exact transmission information using the VIN and the vehicle’s year and trim data.
Locating the VIN
The VIN is usually stamped on the driver-side dash near the windshield or on the driver’s door jamb label. It may also appear on the vehicle’s registration, title, or insurance documents. Having the VIN handy speeds up verification with a dealer or VIN decoding service.
Reading the transmission code on the case
Some transmissions carry a code stamped on the case or a small tag near the bell housing. This code identifies the transmission family (for example, four-speed vs. six-speed). If you locate a code, cross-check it against a service manual or a dealer’s lookup tool to confirm the exact transmission model.
When to seek professional help
If decoding the VIN or inspecting the case seems unclear, a Dodge/Chrysler technician can pull the official drivetrain specification directly from the manufacturer database, ensuring you get the precise transmission version for parts, service schedules, and recalls.
Summary
In short, the most reliable method to determine your Dodge Journey’s transmission is to decode the VIN or consult the window sticker/build sheet. The Journey spans multiple years and engines, with four-speed automatics common in earlier models and six-speed units appearing on later 3.6-liter configurations. By verifying with the VIN and, if needed, a dealership, you’ll confirm the exact transmission for correct maintenance, parts, and repairs.
What transmission does my Dodge Journey have?
The Dodge Journey typically uses an automatic transmission, with the specific type depending on the engine and model year. The base 4-cylinder models have a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the more powerful V6 models came with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
- 2.4L 4-cylinder engine: Equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission (models like the 62TE).
- 3.6L V6 engine: Comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This means you'll need to know your Journey's engine size to determine the exact transmission type.
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.
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.
How to identify a Dodge transmission?
To identify a Dodge transmission, check the driver's side door placard for a "TR" code, the owner's manual for transmission specs, or look for a stamped code or tag directly on the transmission housing. Other methods include using a VIN decoder or, for specific models, looking for physical characteristics like the type of electrical connectors or specific casting numbers on the transmission.
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Method 1: Check vehicle information
- Driver's side door placard: Open the driver's side door and look for a sticker, often white, with a list of codes. Find the code next to "TR" (for transmission) and use it to identify the transmission model.
- Owner's manual: Check the "specifications" section of your vehicle's owner's manual, which should list the transmission type.
- VIN decoder: Enter your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into an online VIN decoder. The fourth through eighth digits can often provide information on the transmission type.
Method 2: Inspect the transmission
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- Look for a code on the housing: Check the transmission's metal case for a stamped code or a sticker/tag, especially on the side or near the bell housing.
- Identify physical features:
- Connectors: Look at the electrical connectors. For example, the 48RE has a large, 5-pin connector, while the 47RH has a three-pin neutral safety switch.
- Casting numbers: Check for specific casting numbers, such as "238-2" on the bell housing, which is common on 47RH models.
- Tail housing: Note the length of the tail housing. A longer tail housing on some models indicates a four-wheel drive version.
Method 3: Use specialized resources
- Transmission sales code chart: Use a Mopar transmission sales code chart, available online, to decode the information from the door placard or other official sources.
- Contact a dealership or mechanic: A professional can help identify the transmission by cross-referencing your VIN or the codes found on the vehicle with their official databases.
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