What is the engine code number?

The engine code number is the unique alphanumeric identifier assigned by a vehicle manufacturer to a specific engine design or variant, used to identify compatible parts, service procedures, and documentation for that exact engine.

In practice, the code helps technicians and owners confirm exact engine specifications, revisions, and compatibility—especially when ordering parts or looking up manuals. Codes vary by maker and generation, and you’ll typically find it on the engine itself, in the vehicle’s paperwork, or through a dealer lookup tool.

What the code represents

Engine codes serve as a fingerprint for a vehicle’s powerplant. They distinguish one engine family from another and can indicate generation, displacement, and revision status. Understanding the code helps ensure you reference the correct parts, recall notices, and service instructions for your exact engine.

Common formats by manufacturer

Engine codes come in a variety of formats and often reflect the engine family and generation. Here are representative formats you might encounter from well-known brands.

• Honda: K20A, K24A


• Toyota/JZ family: 2JZ-GTE, 1JZ-GTE


• Nissan: SR20DET, QR25DE


• Volkswagen/Audi: EA888 (2.0L turbo variants)

Note: The exact code you see depends on the manufacturer, market, and generation. Always verify with official documentation or a dealership if you’re ordering parts or aligning service notes.

Where to find the engine code

Locating the engine code is usually straightforward, but the exact location can vary by make and model. In most cases, the code is stamped or engraved on the engine block or valve cover and may also appear on labels or plates located in the engine bay or owner’s manual.

Common places to check for the engine code include:

• On the engine block, typically near the front or side of the engine


• On the valve cover, sometimes stamped into metal


• On a data plate or sticker in the engine bay or near the firewall


• In the owner’s manual or service booklet, or via the dealer portal using your VIN

If you still can't locate it, contact your dealer or the manufacturer's support with your VIN; they can translate the identifier to the exact engine code for your vehicle.

Summary

The engine code number is the essential identifier for a vehicle’s engine, guiding parts compatibility and service procedures. To locate it, check the engine itself, bay labels, or official documentation, and use dealer tools to decode the exact code for your engine family and revision.

Is engine code the same as VIN number?

A VIN is the unique 17-digit identifier for the entire vehicle, while an engine number is a separate serial number for the engine block itself. The VIN provides comprehensive information like the manufacturer, model, and year, and is permanently tied to the car's chassis. The engine number is specific to the engine and can change if the engine is replaced, whereas the VIN remains constant.
 

Feature	VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)	Engine Number
Purpose	Identifies the entire vehicle.	Identifies the specific engine block.
Length	A standard 17-digit code.	Varies by manufacturer.
Location	Typically on a plate welded to the body, often on the dashboard or door jamb.	Stamped directly on the engine block itself.
Changeability	Stays the same for the vehicle's entire life.	Changes if the engine is replaced.
Information	Provides information on make, model, year, and manufacturing details.	Specific to the engine's production details.

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What is an engine code?

An engine code is a unique identification for a specific engine, which contains information about its specifications, like displacement, fuel type, and number of cylinders. It can be used to find the correct replacement parts, track maintenance history, and verify a vehicle's authenticity. Alternatively, "engine code" can also refer to a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), which is a system-generated code that indicates a specific issue detected by a vehicle's on-board computer. 
What an engine code tells you

• Specifications: A manufacturing engine code provides details about the engine's design, such as its size, fuel type, and cylinder count. 
• Part compatibility: The code is crucial for ordering the correct parts, ensuring they are compatible with your specific engine. 
• Maintenance and history: It helps track the engine's specific maintenance records and date of manufacture. 
• Authenticity: It can help verify a vehicle's authenticity and prevent issues with insurance claims or resale value. 

What a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) tells you

• Fault diagnosis: A DTC is a code generated by a vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system to alert you to a problem. 
• Trouble area: The first character of a DTC (e.g., a "P" in a "P1234" code) indicates the general area of the vehicle affected, such as "P" for powertrain, "B" for body, "C" for chassis, or "U" for network. 
• Specific issue: The subsequent digits provide more specific information about the exact system or circuit that is malfunctioning. 

How do I find my engine code number?

You can find your car's engine code on a sticker in the engine bay, the trunk, or inside the owner's manual/service booklet. The code is also sometimes stamped directly onto the engine block or can be found by decoding the VIN. 
Sticker locations

• Engine bay: Look for a white or gray sticker, often with a barcode, on the engine cover or a strut tower. It may be labeled with the engine code or a series of codes. 
• Trunk: Lift the carpet in the trunk, especially around the spare tire. You will find a sticker with various vehicle codes, including the engine code. 
• Owner's manual/Service booklet: Check the inside cover or a specific page for a sticker that matches the one in the engine bay or trunk. 

Other methods

• Engine block: Some manufacturers stamp the engine code directly onto the engine block itself. You may need to look for a specific location, such as on the left or right side of the block, depending on your engine type (e.g., V6, 4-cylinder). 
• VIN decoder: Use your 17-character VIN to look up the engine code. The VIN can be found on the driver's side of the dashboard or door frame. You can use online VIN decoders or check your owner's manual for more information. 
• Dashboard: On some vehicles, you can enter a diagnostic mode or cycle the ignition key three times to make the engine code flash on the odometer's digital screen. 

This video shows how to find the engine code on a Volkswagen and Audi: 48sECS TuningYouTube · Dec 19, 2016

What digit of the VIN is the engine code?

The eighth digit of the VIN is the engine code. This digit represents the engine's type, size, and other specifications like displacement, fuel type, and number of cylinders. 

• 8th Digit: Engine type, size, and specifications. 
• 4th-8th Digits: This range can provide information on model, body type, restraint systems, and engine, according to Fremont Motors and Edmunds. 
• 9th Digit: The check digit, a security feature to ensure the VIN is authentic. 
• 10th Digit: The model year of the vehicle. 
• 11th Digit: The assembly plant where the vehicle was manufactured.