Where do I find the engine number on my car?
The engine number is usually stamped directly on the engine block and is separate from the VIN. In most cars you’ll find it stamped into the block, often near the timing cover or toward the rear where the engine meets the transmission.
Because locations vary by make and model, consult your owner's manual or service guide for the exact spot. If you can’t locate it there, the sections below outline common locations, how to read the code, and what to do if you still can’t find it.
Common Locations Across Brands
Here are typical places you might look for the engine number in a standard passenger car. The exact spot depends on the engine layout and manufacturer, so you may need to explore a couple of spots.
- Stamped into the engine block on a flat surface, usually near the front with the timing cover or near the rear by the bell housing.
- On a metal tag or plate affixed to the engine—often on the valve cover, timing cover, or adjacent to the block.
- On the cylinder head itself, typically a stamped number on the side of the head near the exhaust manifold.
- In some vehicles, a label or plate mounted in the engine bay (behind the radiator or on the firewall) carries the engine code or number.
Remember that engine numbering conventions vary widely. If you still can’t locate it, your dealer or a qualified mechanic can point you to the exact stamping for your model, and you can use the VIN to help cross-check the correct engine number.
How to identify and read the engine number
Once you locate the stamp or tag, knowing what you’re looking at helps you avoid confusion with the VIN or part numbers. Engine numbers are typically alphanumeric and may include a mix of letters and digits that indicate the engine family, displacement, and production run. Take clear photos and record the sequence exactly as stamped.
- Confirm the number is on the engine block or a metal plate tied to the engine, not the VIN in the windshield or door frame.
- Note any prefix codes that identify the engine family or model year as described in your service manual.
- Cross-check the engine number with the VIN or engine code in your owner’s manual, repair guide, or dealership database if you need a part or service match.
With the number in hand, you can more easily order the correct parts, confirm recalls, and verify warranty status with your dealer.
Brand-specific tips
Some brands place the engine number in predictable spots; others use a plate or sticker. If you’re unsure, use your VIN to search the manufacturer’s database or consult the service department to confirm the exact location for your exact model.
If you can’t find it
Try these steps: check the owner's manual and service guide, inspect both sides and the rear of the engine block, look for a plate behind the alternator or near the starter, and contact your dealer with your VIN for precise identification. Never rely on guesswork when ordering parts—engine numbers must match your exact engine.
In the end, the engine number is a key identifier used by mechanics and dealers alike to source parts and verify service history. Keeping it documented helps streamline maintenance and recalls.
Summary
The engine number is usually stamped on the engine block itself, often near the timing cover or the rear/bell housing, and may appear on a metal tag. If not visible, check common engine-bay locations, your owner's manual, or the dealer. Always verify with the VIN when ordering parts or checking recalls.
