What Engine Does My Car Have VIN?
What is a VIN?
A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code that is assigned to every vehicle manufactured. It is used to identify the vehicle and its specifications, including the engine type.
How to Find Your VIN
You can find your VIN in several places on your car, including:
- On the driver’s side door jamb
- On the windshield, on the driver’s side
- On the vehicle registration card
- On the insurance card
How to Decode Your VIN
The VIN is divided into several sections, each of which provides different information about the vehicle. The following table shows the breakdown of the VIN:
| Section | Characters | Information |
|---|---|---|
| World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) | 1-3 | Identifies the manufacturer and country of origin |
| Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) | 4-8 | Describes the vehicle’s make, model, and body type |
| Check Digit | 9 | Used to verify the accuracy of the VIN |
| Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) | 10-17 | Identifies the specific vehicle, including the engine type |
Finding the Engine Type from the VIN
The engine type is typically located in the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS) of the VIN. It is usually the 10th character in the VIN.
The following table shows the common engine codes and their corresponding engine types:
| Code | Engine Type |
|---|---|
| A | Gasoline engine |
| B | Diesel engine |
| C | Electric motor |
| D | Hybrid engine |
| E | Flex-fuel engine |
Example
Let’s say you have a VIN of 1G1JC526J5Z123456.
- The WMI is 1G1, which indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by General Motors in the United States.
- The VDS is JC526, which indicates that the vehicle is a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with a crew cab.
- The check digit is 5.
- The VIS is Z123456, which indicates that the vehicle is a specific Silverado 1500 with a 5.3L V8 engine.
Conclusion
By decoding your VIN, you can find out the engine type of your car. This information can be useful when you are shopping for parts or getting your car serviced.
