Where is the transmission model number?

The transmission model number is typically stamped on the transmission housing or shown on a small metal tag on the case. In most cars you’ll find it on the side of the transmission near the bell housing or on a plate attached to the case. If you can’t locate it there, you can use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to look up the exact model from the manufacturer or a service manual.

Where to look on the transmission

To save time, start with the most accessible exterior surfaces. The code is usually labeled as “Model” or “Model No.” and is often a short alphanumeric string. Some models place the label on the side closest to the engine, while others mount a small plate or sticker on the top or bottom edge of the case.

Common exterior locations to check on the transmission itself:



• Side of the transmission case, near the bell housing, for a stamped code or a metal tag labeled “Model” or “Model No.”


• Along the side near the oil pan or mounting points where a small plate or sticker may be affixed


• On the top edge or near the valve body access area where a label might be placed

Conclusion: In most vehicles, the model number is visible on the transmission itself. If you don’t see a readable label, move to VIN-based identification as an alternative.

Using the VIN to confirm the model

If the exterior labeling is missing or unreadable, the VIN provides a reliable path to identify the exact transmission model. Many manufacturers can supply the precise code by checking the VIN, and dealers or official service portals can decode it for you.

Before using VIN-based methods, plan to gather the right information and know where to look:

• Locate the VIN on the dashboard corner of the driver’s side windshield or on the driver’s door jamb, and have it ready.


• Enter the VIN on the manufacturer’s official parts lookup or service portal to retrieve the exact transmission model and compatible parts.


• If online resources are unavailable or unclear, contact a dealership’s parts department or a qualified transmission shop for a VIN-based decode.

Conclusion: The VIN-based approach is the most reliable fallback when exterior labeling is obscured or damaged. Always cross-check results with official manuals or a dealer to confirm the correct model.

Brand-specific notes

While the general rule is consistent, some brands have distinctive labeling practices. Here are typical patterns to be aware of, but verify with the vehicle’s manual or dealer if in doubt:

• General Motors (GM): Many GM transmissions carry a side-mounted tag or etched code on the case, with the model clearly labeled (e.g., the common “Model” or “Mfr Code” on the side of the housing).


• Ford: Ford transmissions often show a model code on a plate or stamped on the driver’s side of the case, near the bell housing or mounting points.


• Toyota, Honda, Subaru and other brands: These brands frequently print the model code on a side or top-cover label or on an accessible tag near the valve body area.

Summary

In short, the transmission model number is usually found on the transmission itself—typically on the side near the bell housing or on a small tag attached to the case. If the exterior label isn’t readable or visible, use the VIN to obtain the exact model from the manufacturer or a dealership. Verifying the precise model is essential for ordering the correct parts and ensuring compatibility with the vehicle’s systems.

Where are the numbers located on a transmission?

The transmission number is typically found on a tag or is stamped directly onto the transmission's metal case, often located on the side or front of the transmission, sometimes above the transmission pan. You may need to look under the vehicle, which may require safely raising it, to find the number. Alternatively, some vehicles list a transmission code on a sticker inside the driver's side door jam or you can find your vehicle's transmission details using its VIN. 
On the transmission itself

• Location: Look for a metal tag or a stamped number on the main body of the transmission, the "case". 
• Specific spots: Common locations include the side of the transmission, the front face (often just above the pan), or a rear section above the pan. 
• Access: On some vehicles, you can see the transmission number from under the hood. On others, especially front-wheel drive cars, you will need to look from underneath the vehicle. 
• Tags: Some modern transmissions have adhesive labels, while older ones might have a metal plate screwed into the housing. 

This video shows the location of the transmission tag on different vehicles: 57sPowertrain Products IncYouTube · Dec 4, 2020
Other methods

• Driver's door jamb: Check for a white sticker on the inside of the driver's side door frame. It may list a code for the transmission type. 
• VIN decoder: You can use your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA website or other online services to get detailed information, including the transmission type. 
• Owner's manual: Your owner's manual's engine compartment diagram can help you locate the transmission. 

Does VIN tell transmission type?

Yes, you can often tell your transmission type by checking the VIN, but it's not guaranteed because transmission data isn't always encoded in the VIN according to a single standard. To find out for sure, you can use the VIN with an online decoder like the NHTSA VIN decoder, check with a dealership's parts department, or look for physical identifiers on the vehicle itself. 
How to find your transmission using the VIN

• Use an online VIN decoder: Input your 17-character VIN into a decoder, such as the one provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Look for a "Transmission" or "Engine" category in the results. This is the most direct way, but it may only provide basic information like "manual" or "automatic". 
• Contact a dealership: Provide the VIN to the parts department of your vehicle's dealership. They can look up your specific vehicle's original factory options and tell you the exact transmission it was built with. 
• Check the vehicle's build sheet or window sticker: If you have them, these documents will list the original factory options for your vehicle, including the transmission type. 
• Use a specialized decoder (if available): For certain vehicle brands, like BMW, there are specialized online resources (e.g., RealOEM) that can provide detailed information by inputting the last seven digits of the VIN. 

If the VIN doesn't provide the answer

• Inspect the physical transmission: Crawl under the vehicle and look for a tag on the transmission itself, which will have a specific model number. You can also get a general idea of the type by looking at the shape of the oil pan or checking online for images of your vehicle's transmission.
• Provide other vehicle information: If the VIN decoder doesn't work, provide your vehicle's make, model, year, and engine size to a knowledgeable person or online forum, and they may be able to determine the correct transmission based on that information. 

Where do I find my transmission model number?

You can find your transmission type on your window sticker, a Build Sheet, or a Vehicle Identification (VIN) Decode Letter.

Where to check transmission code?

You can find a transmission code on the driver's side door jamb sticker, the transmission itself (as a stamped code or metal tag), or through a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup. The door jamb sticker is often the quickest method, while a VIN lookup provides detailed information without physical inspection.
 
Method 1: Check vehicle stickers and labels

• Driver's door jamb: Look for a white or black sticker on the inside of the driver's door or on the door jamb. The transmission code is often located here, sometimes in the bottom left corner under "TR". 
• Transmission itself:
  • Stickers: Some newer transmissions have an adhesive sticker on the front, near the pan or starter area, that may contain the code. 
  • Metal tags: Older transmissions often have a metal tag or plate bolted to the housing. 
  • Stamped code: Codes can be stamped directly onto the transmission case. 

This video explains how to find transmission codes on GM and Ford vehicles: 56sPowertrain Products IncYouTube · Dec 4, 2020
Method 2: Use the VIN

• Online VIN decoder: Input your VIN into an online decoder, like the one from the NHTSA or Transend, to get a report with your vehicle's transmission information. 
• License plate lookup: Some online services allow you to find vehicle details, including the transmission, using your license plate number. 
• Professional services: Contact a local transmission shop or dealership. They can look up your transmission specifications using your VIN. 

Method 3: Visual inspection

• Under the hood: Locate the transmission, which is often in front of and below the engine. Check for a code on a sticker, tag, or stamped on the case.
• From underneath: Safely jack up your vehicle and inspect the transmission from below. This is often necessary to see stamped codes or tags.
• Owner's manual: Consult your owner's manual for a diagram of the engine compartment that can help you find the transmission's location.