What vehicles had the HM290 transmission?
Short answer: there is no definitive, public list of all vehicles that used the HM290 transmission. It appears in a limited, region-specific set of applications and is not widely documented in mainstream catalogs.
The HM290 designation has surfaced in forums and some regional repair literature rather than in universal OEM catalogs, which makes precise identification challenging without access to factory manuals or VIN-specific data. This article outlines what is publicly known and explains how you can verify exact matches for your region or model year.
What is the HM290 transmission?
The HM290 is a gearbox designation that has shown up in scattered, non-global references rather than a single, clearly published lineup. Because official documentation is not easily accessible to the general public, information about which exact models used HM290 tends to be fragmented, regionally dependent, and sometimes based on forum contributions or third-party repair guides rather than manufacturer-supplied catalogs.
Why records are fragmented
Several factors contribute to the fragmented public record: regional marketing and production variations, years of production when model codes changed, and the reuse or rebranding of transmission codes across different vehicle families. In practice, this means a vehicle owner or technician may encounter HM290 in a context that is not immediately traceable to a single, well-documented model list.
How to verify which vehicles used HM290
To confidently identify models that used HM290, consider these steps, which help narrow down likely candidates and avoid misattribution:
- Search official service manuals and parts catalogs for the HM290 designation, paying attention to model-year ranges and regions.
- Check factory workshop bulletins and service information sheets, which sometimes list transmission codes by vehicle line or market.
- Cross-reference the gearbox code in VIN decoding resources or build sheets, if available, to tie the HM290 to a specific model and production period.
- Review reputable repair databases, dealer bulletin archives, and type-approved catalogs that may annotate HM290 usage in certain markets.
- Consult experienced transmission technicians or specialized forums where owners and professionals discuss HM290 in context with particular models.
These steps provide a framework for verification; final confirmation should come from official documents or VIN-level data from the manufacturer or a qualified technician.
Known gaps and how to proceed
Publicly accessible sources do not offer a consolidated, authoritative roster of every vehicle that used the HM290. The most reliable approach is region- and model-year specific research, ideally with access to OEM manuals or dealer/service bulletins. If you can share the region (country), model family, or a VIN snippet, I can help target a more precise search and guide you to the most likely models with HM290 usage.
Summary
The HM290 transmission remains an uncommon and regionally sourced designation in public automotive references. While there is no simple, universal list of vehicles that used it, diligent verification through OEM manuals, VIN data, and specialist resources can identify specific models and production windows. If you provide more context, I can help narrow down the search to the most probable vehicles in your region and era.
Are the HM290 and NV3500 the same?
The NV3500 is a five speed, RWD or 4WD transmission.
Getting the correct parts takes some work, there are three separate designs known as the Getrag HM290, the 5LM60 Muncie and the New Venture NV3500. The NV3500 was used by Dodge in 1994 to 2004.
Is the HM290 transmission any good?
The NV3500 HM290 transmission is known for its durability and reliability, but like any mechanical component, it can experience issues over time.
How to identify a HM290 transmission?
How to Identify: Locate the identification tag on the side or top of the transmission case. It will typically include the model number “NV3500” or “HM290”.
What did the HM290 transmission come in?
Designed in both four- and five-speed models, it is found in the GM "C" and "K" light-duty trucks from '88 up, and the S-10 models from 1990 on. This transmission comes in two- and four-wheel-drive versions. The gearbox has a torque capacity of 300 ft/lbs and a GVW rating of 7,000 lbs. maximum.
