How to Match a Used Engine or Transmission to Your VIN

Ordering a used engine or transmission by year, make and model alone is the most common way to end up with a unit that does not fit. Many vehicles were sold with two or three different engines and several transmission options in the same model year. Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) removes the guesswork.

Where to find your VIN

• On the driver's side of the dashboard, visible through the bottom of the windshield
• On the sticker inside the driver's door jamb
• On your registration, title or insurance card

What the VIN tells a parts specialist

A VIN has 17 characters. For vehicles sold in North America, the 10th character is the model year. On many makes (for example most Ford, GM, Chrysler and Toyota vehicles) the 8th character is the engine code, which tells us the exact engine size and type. Other makes put the engine information in a different position, which is why we decode the full VIN instead of guessing from one digit.

Details that change which unit fits

• Engine size and type (for example 3.5L V6 vs 3.5L EcoBoost)
• Drivetrain: 2WD, 4WD or AWD (very important for transmissions)
• Transmission type: automatic, manual or CVT, and the number of speeds
• Emissions package (federal vs California) on some vehicles
• Production date for models that changed mid-year

What to send us

Send your VIN, the part you need and your ZIP code by text, chat or the quote form. We match the unit, then send you the price, unit details and mileage in writing before you pay.