How do I tell which Ford transmission I have?

The quickest way to identify your Ford transmission is to read the identification code stamped on the case or a data plate and then cross-check it with Ford’s catalogs or your vehicle’s VIN/build information. The combination of a stamped model code, any data tag, and exterior cues like bellhousing pattern will reveal the correct transmission family and model.

In practice, identifying a Ford transmission involves locating the identifying marks on the unit, verifying them against the VIN-derived drivetrain configuration, and comparing exterior features to Ford’s published transmission families. This process helps you order the right parts, source the correct fluid, and perform accurate maintenance without guessing.

Where to look for identification codes

Ford places identification codes in a few common spots on the transmission or within the vehicle’s paperwork. Start with the obvious surface marks and then move to the VIN-based decode for confirmation.

• Look for a stamped model code on the transmission housing. This is often on the side or top near the bellhousing and may read something like "6R80", "6F35", "4R55E", "AODE", etc. The exact format varies by era and model.


• Find a data plate or tag affixed to the transmission case (some models use a small metal plate with model, date, and plant codes). If present, transcribe the model code from this tag.


• Check the bellhousing pattern and the number of mounting bolts. While not definitive on its own, these exterior cues help narrow the family (for example, 6R80 and 10-speed families have distinct case designs).

Transmissions in older setups may rely on cast or serial numbers that you’ll need to cross-reference with Ford manuals or a trusted database.

Using the VIN and vehicle documentation to confirm

For accuracy, the VIN in your doorjamb, window sticker, or the vehicle’s original documents can be used to pull the factory transmission option code. Ford dealers and many independent shops can decode this and tell you the exact transmission installed at the factory.

• Locate the VIN: typically on the driver’s door jamb, the windshield, or on official documents.


• Use Ford’s official VIN decoder or contact a dealer’s service department to translate the VIN into the original drivetrain configuration, including the transmission code.


• Cross-check the decoded code with the stamped model code or data plate on the transmission itself for verification.

Note that optional or dealer-installed transmissions may differ from the base configuration, so the VIN-decoded code is the most reliable cross-check when available.

Common Ford transmission families and how to differentiate them

Ford’s modern lineup splits into several major families. Here are the key signs to help you separate them quickly, then you can verify with the read transmission code from the case or tag:

• 6R80 family (6-speed automatic, used in many rear-drive F-Series and SUVs). Look for a robust aluminum case and a distinctive bellhousing area; the case may bear a code like "6R80" stamped on the side.


• 10R80/10R140 family (Ford’s 10-speed automatics). These are designed with specific pan shapes and valve-body layouts; the case may carry a 10R80 or 10R140 designation near the stamp.


• 6F35/6F50 family (front-wheel-drive applications). Different bellhousing patterns and casings from the rear-drive units; look for "6F" codes on the case or tag.


• 4R55E/4R44E/4R70W family (earlier 4- to 5-speed automatics). Older stamping and distinct pan shapes distinguish them from newer units.


• 5R55S/5R55N family (late-1990s to early 2000s). Smaller, more compact units with characteristic valve-body and casing lines; model codes often show as "5R55" on the case or tag.

Concluding that you have the correct unit involves matching the code you read on the case or tag with Ford’s published codes and confirming against the VIN-based configuration. The combination of model code, VIN decoding, and physical features should give you a precise identification.

Practical tips for confirming without disassembly

If you want to verify without taking the transmission apart, here are practical checks that can help you be confident about the family:

• Count the number of bolts on the oil pan and compare to typical pan designs for major families (not definitive by itself, but helpful).


• Inspect accessible valve-body hardware and external connector layout; some families use distinct configurations.


• Take a close photo of any stamping or labeling on the case and consult a service manual or online database for a quick match.

These quick checks should be used with the official model code whenever possible to avoid misidentification.

When to seek professional help

If you’re planning maintenance, replacement, or a recall check, a Ford dealer or a qualified independent shop with Ford’s diagnostic tools will provide a definitive answer using your VIN and the transmission code data.

Summary

To determine which Ford transmission you have, locate the model code stamped on the case or on a data plate, and verify it against Ford’s catalogs or a dealer using your vehicle’s VIN/build data. Cross-check with the bellhousing pattern and exterior features, and, whenever possible, confirm with the VIN-derived drivetrain code. If in doubt, consult a dealer or a shop with Ford-specific diagnostics to ensure you get the correct part and service.

What does the 8th digit in a Ford VIN number mean?

The 8th digit in a Ford VIN number identifies the engine type and can specify details like its displacement, cylinder count, fuel type, and horsepower. It is part of the Vehicle Description Section (VDS) and provides specific information about the powertrain of the vehicle. 
What the 8th digit reveals:

• Engine type: The code tells you exactly which engine your vehicle has. 
• Engine size and details: It can specify the engine's displacement, cylinder configuration, and fuel type (e.g., gasoline, diesel). 
• Horsepower: In some cases, the 8th digit can also indicate the engine's horsepower. 
• Specific features: In modern vehicles like the F-150 Lightning, the 8th digit can even denote features like battery range, say a Reddit post. 

Will the VIN number tell me what transmission I have?

Yes, a VIN can tell you what transmission you have by using an online VIN decoder, though the level of detail depends on the manufacturer and model year. The information is often encoded in the fourth through eighth digits of the VIN. To confirm, you can also try a VIN lookup on a site like the NHTSA's or contact a dealership parts department. 
How to use the VIN to find your transmission

• Use an online VIN decoder: Go to a VIN decoding website like the one provided by the NHTSA, AutoZone, or CARFAX and enter your 17-digit VIN. 
• Look for the transmission information: The resulting report will often show details about your vehicle, including the transmission type. It may be listed under "Engine" or a similar category, or within a more detailed breakdown of the vehicle's features. 
• Consider contacting a dealer: For specific details or if the online decoder is unclear, a dealership's parts department can use the VIN to look up the exact transmission option for your vehicle. 

What to know

• Level of detail: Some VIN decoders may only provide basic information like "automatic" or "manual," while others can give more specific details on the exact transmission model. 
• Accuracy: The accuracy can vary, especially with older or more unique vehicles. 
• Other sources: If you have the original paperwork, the transmission information may also be listed on your window sticker, build sheet, or owner's manual. 

Which Fords have the 10R80 transmission?

The Ford 10R80 10-speed automatic transmission is found in numerous Ford and Lincoln models, including the F-150 (starting in 2017), Mustang GT (starting in 2018), Expedition (starting in 2018), Ranger (starting in 2019), and the Lincoln Navigator (starting in 2018). It's also used in the Ford Transit and Bronco models.
 

• Ford F-150: 2017 and newer
• Ford Mustang: 2018 and newer (GT models)
• Ford Expedition: 2018 and newer
• Ford Ranger: 2019 and newer
• Ford Bronco: 2021 and newer
• Ford Transit: 2017 and newer
• Lincoln Navigator: 2018 and newer

How do you identify your transmission?

You can identify your transmission by checking your owner's manual, looking for a label on the driver's side door jamb, or using your VIN with an online decoder. For a quick visual check, if your vehicle has a clutch pedal and a gear shifter you move manually, it's a manual transmission. If it has a simple PRNDL gear selector and no clutch pedal, it's an automatic transmission.
 
This video demonstrates how to identify different types of transmissions: 57sCodemans autoYouTube · Nov 2, 2023
Method 1: Quick visual check

• Manual Transmission: You will have a clutch pedal and a gear shifter on the console or steering column that you must manually move to select each gear. 
• Automatic Transmission: You will have a simple gear selector with positions like Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D), and no clutch pedal. 

Method 2: Check the vehicle's documentation 

• Owner's Manual: The most straightforward way is to look in the "Specifications" section of your owner's manual. 
• Driver's Door Label: Open the driver's side door and look for a sticker or label on the door jamb or inside the door itself. This label often includes a code for the transmission type, sometimes marked with a "TR" symbol, note this Auto Transmission Exchange article. 

Method 3: Use the VIN 

• VIN Decoder: Use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on a decoder website, like the one from the NHTSA, to get detailed information about your car, including the transmission. 
• Partial VIN: Some transmissions have a partial VIN stamped on the case or on an ID tag, which can be found by looking near the oil pan under the car.