There aren’t many components that are more crucial to the performance of a vehicle than the vehicle’s transmission. Automobile manufacturers employ a variety of models for transmissions. This often results in car owners asking “What is my transmission?” If you own a used car, then you can get this information with the help of VIN, or by doing a car ownership check and asking the person themselves.
Knowing the type of transmission you’ve got can aid you in comprehending the driving characteristics of your car. Additionally, knowing the type of transmission you own will help make sure you’re aware in the event that your vehicle requires repairs. Now, let us teach you how can you find out the type of transmission you have.
VIN search
A reputable VIN tool will reveal all relevant information about your specific vehicle. Conducting a VIN search will give you details such as the model, make, and year of your car and also the engine type and transmission. This is especially useful if you’re not carrying the owner’s manual or an older car or have no desire to take down your vehicle. Doing a VIN search can help you with a lot of things. You can even do a truck VIN decoder without any trouble with the help of online tools. Do not hesitate to use the vehicle identificatin number when you are planning to buy a used car because that can reveal a lot of things about that vehicle.
Owner’s Instruction Manual
The first place to check out is the owner’s guide which is usually kept within the glove compartment. While we depend on the internet for everything these days, the owner’s manual is the best source for all the information you require. This manual will provide you with details about the specifications of your vehicle, maintenance schedules, and other information. If you haven’t read the owner’s manual it’s the first place to go.
Under the Hood
The engine bay may be difficult to navigate, many manufacturers have signs or plaques on an engine’s front to help customers to use it. These stickers provide crucial details such as the engine that is in operation as well as a fan belt diagram as well as the type of transmission and model. There is no standard location for this placard and some brands don’t install it in any way.
Driver’s Side Door Frame
Along with the plaque that is located in the engine compartment, a majority of cars also have a plaque inside the door frame for the driver’s side. This plaque is filled with vital details such as the VIN number of the vehicle, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), engine code, transmission data as well as the location where the vehicle was built, and much more. Again, there isn’t a universal standard for the information that is displayed included on the plaque or the location of the plaque.
Oil Pan
This approach is more sophisticated, but it could be needed on vehicles with no owners manuals or plaques for use as a reference. It is possible to determine the kind of transmission on the part number on the pan for oiling the transmission. It is necessary to climb underneath the vehicle to inspect it and perhaps take a photograph using your phone to refer to the pan for the transmission later. Check for the number written or etched in the pan of oil and refer to these numbers by visiting an auto parts shop or on the internet.
Find Online
If you are unsure when you are unsure, turn for help on the web. Simply type in the year, model, and year of your vehicle, and browse through the many reliable websites to find out the possible transmissions within your specific car, truck, or SUV. If you are familiar with the specific trim of your vehicle it’s helpful to keep this list useful. Certain trims usually have distinct transmissions.
