What is the transmission code on a Toyota VIN?

The short answer: there isn’t a universal transmission code in Toyota VINs. The 17-character VIN encodes various vehicle attributes, but Toyota does not publish a single, model-agnostic field that reliably identifies transmission type (automatic or manual) for every model. To confirm the transmission, you’ll need model-specific decoding resources or the vehicle’s build documents.

To understand how Toyota encodes information in a VIN and how to verify transmission type, this article explains the structure of the VIN, why a dedicated transmission code can be elusive, and practical steps to confirm transmission details for a given vehicle.

VIN structure and Toyota's encoding

In general, a Toyota VIN follows the standard 17-character format used globally: the first three characters (WMI) identify the manufacturer and region, the middle block (VDS) describes vehicle attributes such as model, body style, engine, and options, and the last block (VIS) provides the model year, plant, and production sequence. Within the VDS segment (digits 4–9), various attributes are encoded, but the exact mapping is model-specific and not universally published by Toyota. Because of regional variations and model-by-model differences, there is no single, consistent “transmission code” that applies to all Toyota vehicles.

Does Toyota publish a universal transmission code in the VIN?

No. While some digits in the VDS may relate to engine options or other features, Toyota does not provide a universal, cross-model transmission code that you can rely on to determine automatic vs. manual transmission from the VIN alone. The presence or meaning of a transmission-related signal can vary by model and year, and official decoding guidance is typically model- and region-specific.

How to determine transmission type for a Toyota

To verify the transmission type for a specific Toyota vehicle, use the steps below. They help you cross-check the VIN against official or authoritative sources and the actual vehicle configuration.

• Identify the VIN exactly as it appears on the vehicle note the 17 characters (often visible on the dashboard near the windshield, driver’s door jamb label, or on registration documents).


• Use a model- and region-specific VIN decoder (ideally Toyota’s official resources or a trusted dealer tool) to extract vehicle attributes from the VIN. Note that results may emphasize engine and body details rather than a universal transmission flag.


• Review the vehicle’s original window sticker or build sheet (often called a “Monroney sticker” in the U.S. or a similar document in other regions) for a clear transmission description (e.g., Automatic, CVT, Manual).


• Check the door jamb or underside of the hood for a transmission option code or a “Trans” line on the vehicle identification plate if present.


• Consult the selling dealer or Toyota customer service with the VIN; they can pull the official build data and confirm the exact transmission specification for that unit.


• Cross-check service records or the owner’s manual, which may specify the transmission type based on the model and trim level.

Conclusion for this list: while the VIN can reveal a lot about a Toyota, a universal transmission code isn’t reliably encoded across all models. Transmission details are best confirmed through model-specific decoding tools, official documents, or the dealership.

Where to find reliable decoding information

Reliable ways to confirm a Toyota’s transmission type and related specs include:

• Toyota’s official VIN decoder or service information portal for your exact model year and region.


• The vehicle’s window sticker or original build sheet from the dealer.


• The driver’s side door jamb data plate, which may list drivetrain or transmission details.


• Contacting a Toyota dealer’s service department with the VIN to obtain the official build data.


• Reputable third-party VIN decoding services that offer model-specific mappings, used in conjunction with Toyota documentation.

Conclusion for this list: for accuracy, rely on model-specific sources and official documents rather than assuming a standard “transmission code” from the VIN alone.

Summary

In summary, Toyota does not publish a universal transmission code in the VIN that applies to all models. The 17-character VIN encodes multiple vehicle attributes, with transmission details often embedded in model-specific fields or described in official documentation rather than in a single, standardized code. To determine whether a Toyota has an automatic, manual, CVT, or another transmission type, use model-specific VIN decoding tools, check the window sticker or build sheet, and consult a Toyota dealer if needed. This approach ensures you obtain the correct transmission information for the exact vehicle in question.

How do I decode my Toyota VIN number?

This is a two-step process: Step 1: Go to https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ and enter the full VIN into NHTSA's VIN decoder, then click Decode VIN. Step 2: Refer to the field at the bottom of the page result, which expressly lists the build plant and country for the searched vehicle.

Where can I find my Toyota transmission code?

The Toyota transmission code is most commonly found on the vehicle certification label on the driver's side door jamb, where it's listed under "TR" or "A/TM". In some cases, the code is also stamped or on a plate on the transmission case itself, often on the bell housing or front face, as explained in this YouTube video and this Scribd document. 
This video shows how to locate the transmission model code on a Toyota RAV4: 56sAl Young CudaYouTube · Aug 12, 2022
Method 1: Driver's side door jamb label 
This video demonstrates how to find the transmission code on a Toyota or Lexus vehicle's door jamb label: 40sWeberAutoYouTube · Jun 2, 2017

1. Open the driver's side door. 
2. Look for a white or black label with small lettering, often called the vehicle certification label. 
3. Locate the code next to or below "TR" or "A/TM" (which stands for axle/transmission). 
4. The code after the slash (/) in "A/TM" is your transmission model. 

Method 2: The transmission itself
This video shows how to find the compensation label on a Toyota transmission: 1m737mechanicYouTube · Jul 11, 2021

1. Visually inspect the transmission housing. 
2. Look for a sticker or a riveted plate, often on the front or side of the bell housing, notes Quora users. 
3. The code may be a multi-digit serial number or a model designation. Refer to specific vehicle manuals or service bulletins for a breakdown of the code's components. 

Method 3: VIN decoder

1. Use a VIN decoder from AutoZone or similar service to find the vehicle's specifications, including the transmission type.
2. Find your vehicle's 17-digit VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the dashboard or driver's side door jamb.
3. Enter the VIN into the decoder to get a breakdown of your car's features, including the transmission code. 

Additional tips

• If you are replacing a component under warranty, it is essential to note the transmission serial number from the old part before removing it, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 
• For specific details, you may need to refer to the vehicle's owner's manual, a diagnostic scanner, or contact a dealership for assistance. 

What does each digit in a Toyota VIN mean?

Step 2: Breaking Down The Toyota VIN
Here's the breakdown: Digits 1 - 3 (Make, Model, Manufacturer): These tell you the vehicle's make (Toyota, in this case), model, and who manufactured it. Digit 4 (Safety Features): This one's all about the safety systems built into your ride.

Can my VIN number tell me what transmission I have?

Yes, a VIN can often tell you what transmission you have, but it's not guaranteed as a specific digit solely for transmission is not always required in the VIN standard. You can use a VIN decoder tool from a site like Edmunds or the NHTSA to get detailed vehicle information. The 4th through 8th digits of the VIN often contain information about the transmission, model, and engine, and the information provided can range from basic (manual/automatic) to detailed depending on the manufacturer and model year. 
How to use the VIN to find your transmission

• Use an online VIN decoder: Enter your 17-character VIN into a decoder tool. Websites like AutoZone, Edmunds, or the official NHTSA VIN decoder can provide a breakdown of your vehicle's specifications, including the transmission. 
• Check the 4th through 8th digits: For many vehicles, the 4th through 8th digits provide information about the model, engine, and transmission. For example, one character in this range might indicate a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission. Be aware that the coding can vary between manufacturers and model years, so a decoder is the most reliable method. 
• Contact the manufacturer or dealership: If online tools don't provide the exact detail you need, a dealership's parts department can look up the specific transmission model using your VIN. 
• Look for physical labels: Some transmissions have a metal plate or sticker with an identification code that you can use to look up the model.