How to find engine number Ford Fiesta?
In most Ford Fiesta models, the engine number is stamped on the engine block and is also listed in official documents such as the V5C logbook. You can locate it directly on the engine or verify it against records for registration, parts, or service.
Where the engine number is located on the engine block
Engine layouts vary by model
On most Fiesta variants, the engine serial is stamped into a flat machined area of the engine block. Common locations include near the front of the block by the timing cover, or on the side near the starter motor. The exact position depends on the engine family (for example, 1.0 EcoBoost, 1.25, 1.4, etc.). If the stamping is faint, wipe the area clean and illuminate with a torch to read the digits clearly.
Follow these steps to locate it.
- Open the hood and locate the engine block's flat stamping surface, typically toward the front of the engine.
- Inspect the area around the timing belt/chain cover or near the starter motor for a stamped alphanumeric string.
- Note the characters: they are usually letters and digits, arranged in a continuous sequence without spaces.
- If you can't see it on one side, rotate the engine block and check alternate flat surfaces or consult the owner’s manual for the exact location for your engine variant.
Engine numbers are unique to each engine and should match the information shown in your vehicle records when ordering parts or recording service data.
Where to find the engine number in documentation and plates
Documentation and data plates can simplify verification
Beyond the physical engine stamp, you can confirm the engine number using official records and on-vehicle data plates. The Ford Fiesta’s engine number is often recorded in standard documents and may appear on a data plate in the engine bay in some markets.
Before consulting documents, notice the following:
- V5C registration document: Look for a field labeled "Engine number" (sometimes shown as "Engine") in the Vehicle Details section. This is the officially registered engine serial for your car in many regions.
- Service book and invoices: Some owners’ manuals or service records list the engine serial or engine code for reference during maintenance or when sourcing parts.
- Under-hood data plate or sticker: In certain Fiesta generations or markets, a label on the radiator support, bulkhead, or inner wing may display the engine code or number.
Document-based checks provide a reliable cross-check against the stamped engine number and are often the quickest way to confirm the correct engine for parts and service.
What to do if the engine number is faded, damaged, or missing
Steps to recover or verify the number
If the stamping is worn or unreadable, try these steps to recover or verify the number:
- Clean the area gently and use bright light or a flashlight to read the digits; a magnifying glass can help with low-contrast stamps.
- Take clear photos of the likely stamping region and compare with your VIN or engine code in your documents.
- If you still cannot read it, contact a Ford dealer or a qualified mechanic. They can reference the VIN to identify the engine type and number, or help you obtain a replacement data plate if needed and legally permitted in your region.
Important: Do not attempt to alter or remove the engine number. It is a legal identifier tied to your vehicle’s registration and service history.
Summary
In short, the Ford Fiesta engine number is usually stamped on the engine block itself and is often corroborated by records such as the V5C registration document, service invoices, or a data plate in the engine bay. Use both physical inspection and official paperwork to confirm the correct engine number, and consult a dealer or mechanic if you are unsure.
Where can I find my Ford engine number?
The Ford engine number is typically located on the driver's side valve cover (often a sticker on modern engines) or stamped directly onto the engine block, usually on the passenger's side, near the starter or under the cylinder head. For older vehicles, the number might also be found on the commission plate under the hood or on the chassis frame.
This video shows how to find the engine code on the driver's side valve cover: 50sPowertrain Products IncYouTube · Dec 2, 2020
Common locations
- Engine block: Look for a stamped metal number.
- Passenger's side: Often on a flat ledge on the passenger's side, near where the starter is mounted.
- Front of the block: On the front, to the left side as you face the radiator, under the cylinder head.
- Other locations: Can also be found on the timing chain cover or near the exhaust manifold.
- Valve cover:
- Sticker: Modern engines often have a sticker with the engine's code, usually on the driver's side valve cover, often toward the back of the engine.
- Chassis/Frame:
- Main rail: On older vehicles, the number can be stamped into the flat surface of the main right-hand chassis side rail.
- Commission plate:
- Under the hood: There may be a plate, sometimes called the "commission plate," with engine details on it. Look for a plate marked "engine no".
If you can't find the number
- Use the VIN: The eighth digit of the VIN often corresponds to the engine type, notes this Summit Racing article.
- Check your registration: The engine number is sometimes listed on your vehicle's registration documents.
- Consult a professional: If the number is hard to find or requires technical work to access, a Ford dealership can help, though they may charge a fee.
This video demonstrates how to find the engine number without a scan tool: 57sPhillips VisionYouTube · Oct 13, 2023
Where is the engine number on a Fiesta?
The engine number is located on the left-hand side of the cylinder block near the transmission case.
How can I check my Ford engine code without a code reader?
For modern Fords (1996 and newer, OBD-II), you cannot read the codes without a scanner, but you can have them read for free at many auto parts stores like AutoZone. For older Fords (before 1996, OBD-I), you can get the codes by counting the flashes of the check engine light after jumping terminals in a specific test port under the hood, see this YouTube video.
Modern Ford (1996 and newer, OBD-II)
- Visit an auto parts store: Many auto parts stores offer free "Fix Finder" services to read the codes from your car's computer.
- Use a scanner: For a more immediate solution, you can buy an OBD-II scanner online or at an auto parts store. Some apps can also read codes if you have a compatible adapter.
This video explains how to read OBDII codes without a scanner: 58sTwisted GarageYouTube · Jul 4, 2019
Older Ford (1995 and older, OBD-I)
- Locate the test port: On the driver's side of the engine bay, you'll find a specific test port, as shown in this YouTube video. It often has a plastic cover that says "EEC TEST".
- Use a jumper wire: You will need a jumper wire to connect two specific terminals inside the test port, as demonstrated in this YouTube video. You can use a paperclip or a short piece of wire for this, though a proper jumper is recommended.
- Turn the key to the ON position: With the jumper in place, turn the ignition key to the "ON" position (without starting the engine).
- Count the flashes: The check engine light will begin to flash the trouble code(s). It will flash a certain number of times, pause, and then repeat the sequence. You need to count the flashes for each code.
- For example, if it flashes twice, pauses, and then flashes three times, the code is 23.
- If it flashes once, pauses, and then flashes once, the code is 11.
- Interpret the code: Once you have the flash count, you can look up the corresponding code online or in your vehicle's manual.
How do I locate my engine number?
An engine number is a unique identification number assigned to each engine of a vehicle. You can generally find the engine number embossed on the engine block. You can also check your vehicle's registration certificate, insurance policy, or ownership manual provided by the car dealership for the engine number.
