Checking the configuration of a car helps to understand the potential and technical characteristics of the powerplant. One of the ways to get accurate information is to determine the engine modification by the VIN code. The latter is assigned to each vehicle and is never repeated. But how to find engine code from VIN?

Ways of Identification

The first method is to open the car hood and look inside. Some manufacturers mark the engine during the assembly of the car, indicating the series and brand of the motor. Mercedes, for example, uses its own designation "OM." After obtaining information about the car manufacturer and the powerplant number, all its characteristics can be easily found on the Internet.

Another way to identify the engine type is to find its special number. Usually, it is located on the engine itself, but the location depends on the car manufacturer.

The code combination includes the following signs:

  • the first letter indicates the year of production;
  • four digits represent the engine modification;
  • the last symbol indicates the climatic version.
  • Additional signs of the series are located below the code, but they are not required for model identification.

What is VIN code?

You may wonder where and how to check engine size by VIN number? Actually VIN code is a unique alphanumeric combination that allows identifying a specific car. It is specified in the vehicle documents – certificate of title, registration, and is placed on the body. It consists of 17 characters divided into three blocks:

  • Information about the car manufacturer (1-3);
  • Descriptive part – information about the car (4-9);
  • Distinguishing part (10-17).
  • The descriptive part contains encrypted data about the model, configuration, engine, body type, gross weight, and safety equipment present, the last character is a control one. The distinguishing part includes information about the model year, manufacturing plant, and a six-digit serial number.

Where to find the VIN number

There are no uniform rules for placing the VIN code, so manufacturers apply it to different places. To save time, they are indicated in the accompanying documentation. The most common combination is found under the hood near the windshield. Other possible locations:

  • on the longerons, chassis;
  • in the lower half of the rack behind the driver's seat (symbols become visible after opening the door);
  • where the windshield and instrument panel meet on the driver's side;
  • framed on the windshield;
  • under the trim near the driver's seat.
  • Manufacturers apply the VIN number by stamping or laser engraving with a character height of 7 mm. The display of characters in one or two lines is allowed.

Why Information about the еngine model is necessary

For example, you want to know the size of the engine. The best way to know the engine size is from VIN number or other information. Information obtained through the VIN code about the engine in the car's configuration helps the car owner save on repairs, quickly select the necessary components, consumables, and spare parts, and avoid unplanned expenses often imposed by car services.

You will also need to know the VIN number in the following circumstances:

  • selection of analogs of parts – understanding the model's features simplifies the selection from other configurations;
  • purchase of individual powerplant components;
  • buying a new or used car.
  • The engine is one of the most expensive automotive systems, and before making a purchase, it is better to find out all its characteristics in advance for maximum comfort during ownership.

Is Identification error possible?

In theory, any car enthusiast can determine the engine installed in a car by the VIN code. However, sometimes the symbolic combination contains errors or corrections made by third parties. To eliminate discrepancies and obtain accurate specifications, conducting an examination at the DMV will be helpful.

Based on the owner's request, the car will be sent to a specialized organization for comprehensive diagnostics. It may take time to wait for the result, but it is compensated by obtaining the most complete data.

If the process is significantly delayed, identifying the engine by the VIN code can be facilitated by contacting a service center for technical expertise. In the absence of such organizations in the city of residence, a written appeal directly to the car manufacturer is possible, specifying the following information:

  • the number and arrangement of cylinders, intake features, the number of cylinder heads;
  • type of transmission;
  • symbolic combinations on the body, power plant of the car (even partially preserved ones should be indicated);
  • location of spark plugs, valves, injectors, exhaust manifold;
  • location of electronic components, colors of the onboard wiring;
  • presence of additional equipment (air conditioner, preheater, etc.).
  • Detailed photos of the car's engine are attached to the description.

How to Identify the Engine Number

Car owners often wonder how to find out the engine model from VIN number. For this, the descriptive part of the 17-character combination is used, but decryption requires special knowledge. There is no unified marking system worldwide – each car manufacturer develops its own symbols. For correct identification, a reference guide for a specific brand and model of the car is necessary.

An alternative option is to use specialized online services. It is enough to enter the unique combination into the query form and wait for the ready response. Payment is required for obtaining information. Additionally, employees of auto service stations can help identify the engine by the VIN code for a fee. Some online parts stores, interested in increasing sales, offer free decoding.