How to tell what transmission by VIN number?
In most cases you cannot reliably determine the exact transmission from a VIN alone. Transmission type is typically listed in build sheets or option codes rather than encoded in the VIN. Here’s how to verify it with current resources.
VINs and transmission: what you can and cannot know
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) identifies the vehicle’s make, model, year, assembly plant, and a unique serial number. It does not publish a universal field for the installed transmission. Some brands may include related option codes in the broader VDS (vehicle descriptor) data or in separate build documents, but these practices are not standardized across all manufacturers.
VIN structure at a glance
For context, a standard modern VIN has 17 characters: the first three are the WMI (world manufacturer identifier), digits 4–8 form the VDS (vehicle descriptor) with model-related information, the 9th is a check digit, the 10th indicates model year, the 11th identifies the plant, and digits 12–17 are a serial number. While the 4th–8th positions may include engine codes or option indicators for some brands, they are not a reliable, universal source for confirming transmission type.
Practical ways to determine transmission type
To pursue a definitive answer, use these methods to confirm the installed transmission when you have a VIN.
- Check the vehicle’s build sheet or original window sticker (Monroney label). It lists the exact transmission installed.
- Look for option or RPO codes on the door jamb placard, glovebox, or trunk area, then cross-reference with the manufacturer’s code list to identify the transmission.
- Request the vehicle’s production order, build sheet, or a dealer-issued vehicle history document from the manufacturer or a licensed dealer.
- Use a reputable online VIN decoder or the automaker’s official decoder to pull engine/transmission codes, then verify with the manufacturer’s documentation. Note that many decoders focus on engine or trim and may not consistently show the transmission.
These steps typically yield the exact transmission type (e.g., 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic, CVT). If you still can’t confirm, contact a dealer with the VIN and request the build sheet or assembly documentation.
Brand-specific notes on decoding
Because each automaker uses different codes, some brands publish separate lists of codes that map to specific transmissions. For example:
- GM vehicles commonly rely on RPO codes found on the glovebox or door jamb; a dedicated GM build sheet will map those codes to the exact transmission.
- Ford and Chrysler vehicles also rely on RPO-like option codes and may provide a build sheet showing the transmission type when requested from a dealer.
- Non-U.S. brands or older VINs may have different practices; in some cases, the transmission isn’t encoded in the VIN at all and must be confirmed via documentation.
When dealing with older or non-standard VINs, refer to the manufacturer’s official resources or speak directly with a dealer for the most accurate information.
What to do if you only have the VIN
If the VIN is all you have, here are the pragmatic options to maximize your chances of identifying the transmission:
- Use the NHTSA VIN decoder to retrieve basic attributes and engine code, then cross-check the engine and mounting compatibility with common transmissions used in that engine family.
- Cross-check the VIN against any available vehicle history report (Carfax, AutoCheck) that may list option codes or build data.
- Ask the seller or previous owner for the door jamb plate or build sheet; request a copy from the dealer for a precise transmission specification.
While a VIN-only approach can narrow down possibilities, only official build documents provide a certain answer.
Summary
A VIN alone rarely reveals the exact transmission. Use build sheets, window stickers, and RPO/option codes, or consult a dealer to confirm the installed transmission. VIN decoding tools can help with auxiliary details, but they are not a universal source for transmission data across all brands.
