How to find engine code on Honda Accord?
The engine code is the alphanumeric identifier stamped on the engine itself, not the VIN. For most Honda Accords, you’ll read a short code such as K24Z3, L15B7, or J35A4 directly from the engine block or a nearby nameplate.
Where to look on the engine
Engine codes are usually stamped or labeled in a handful of standard spots in the engine bay. The exact location can vary by year and market, but these are the most reliable starting points.
- On the engine block itself, typically near the timing cover or crankshaft pulley where a stamped pad carries the code.
- On the cylinder head or valve cover, often beside other engine identifiers.
- Under or around the timing belt/chain cover on the front of the engine.
- On a metal tag or label tucked in the engine bay, such as the radiator support area or near the hood latch.
- In the owner's manual or service manual, which sometimes lists the engine code for your exact model and year.
If you’re having trouble seeing the mark, you may need to move hoses, brackets, or covers or use a flashlight to read the imprint clearly.
How to read and confirm the engine code
Once you locate the code, it will typically be a 3–5 character combination of letters and numbers that identifies the engine family and variant. Here is how to interpret and verify it.
- The code is usually 3–5 characters long and looks like a mix of letters and numbers (for example, K24Z3, L15B7, or J35A4).
- The first characters indicate the engine family (K-series, B-series, J-series, L-series, etc.), while the following characters specify the exact version and market.
- Common Honda engine families found in Accords include B-series (older generations), K-series (modern 2.0–2.4L engines), J-series (V6), and L-series (smaller-displacement engines in newer models).
- To be certain you have the right engine for parts and service, cross-check the found code with a VIN-based lookup at a Honda parts portal or with a dealership.
Note: The VIN can help identify the general engine type, but the precise engine code is usually read from the engine itself. If in doubt, a dealer or qualified shop can confirm the exact variant using your VIN.
Alternative methods to verify the engine type
If you can’t easily access the engine code directly, use one of these methods to confirm the engine designation.
- Check under the hood for a label on the radiator support or hood latch area that lists the engine code and other specs.
- Look for a sticker on the underside of the hood or in a well-lit corner of the engine bay that shows engine information.
- Use the VIN with Honda’s official parts lookup or a reputable auto-database to retrieve engine specifications, which will map to the correct engine code.
- Consult the owner’s manual or maintenance booklet, which often lists the factory engine code for your specific trim and year.
If you still cannot locate or confirm the code, contact a Honda dealer or an experienced technician with your VIN and vehicle details; they can retrieve the exact engine code from factory records or service portals.
Important notes for different model years
Honda’s engine-coding practices have evolved across generations and markets. Older Accords used B-series engines; from the mid-2000s onward the K-series became common for four-cylinder models; more recent small-displacement engines in newer Accords use L-series or updated K-series variants, while V6 options use J-series codes. Regardless of year, the engine code is printed on the engine or attached to a plate and is the most reliable way to identify the exact engine variant when ordering parts or diagnosing issues.
Summary
To locate the engine code on a Honda Accord, inspect the engine block, cylinder head, or timing cover for a stamped 3–5 character code, or search for a tag or sticker in the engine bay. If needed, cross-check with the VIN in official Honda portals or by speaking with a dealer. Knowing the engine code helps ensure correct parts and service for your specific engine variant.
