How to find out which engine by VIN code?
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Each car has its own history, features and characteristics that are unique to it. At the same time, the main parameters of the car can just be recognized by a special code prescribed on the car - the VIN code. Knowing this set of numbers, you can find out almost all the information about the car - the date of issue, the type and model of the internal combustion engine (not always immediately), the number of owners, and so on.
Also, the model and number of the internal combustion engine may be needed for the selection and purchase of spare parts and components, checking the car before buying, determining the configuration and method of operation.
Where is the VIN located and how is it applied?
Since there are no strict requirements for placing a VIN code on a car, it can be located in different places in different makes and models of cars (the manufacturer usually indicates these places in the documents for the car). The VIN code can be read both on the car itself and in the technical passport or in the registration certificate.
The VIN code can be located anywhere:
- In modern machines, the designations are indicated at the top of the panel. In this case, the numbers should be visible through the windshield.
- On American cars, the VIN code is often located on the top of the dashboard (on the left side of the driver). There may be duplication elsewhere.
- For Fiat cars (for most models), the VIN code is written on the top of the wheel arch (on the right side). As an exception, in some models, the numbers can be found under the feet of the passenger in the front seat.
- Standard places for the code are door sills, body racks, cylinder block and its head, side members, partition between the passenger compartment and the power unit.
The method of application also differs.. So, such options as laser burning, chasing, and so on are in the greatest demand. The height of the numbers and letters on the VIN badge for the body part, frame and chassis must be at least 7 mm. VIN code designations on the nameplate and other labels - not less than 4 mm. Directly on the machine, the code is written in one or two rows, but the transfer must be done in such a way as not to violate the overall design of the cipher.
What is VIN?
VIN-code is a unique identification number of the car, which contains almost all information about the car, including the engine number. The VIN code is divided into three (WMI), six (VDS) and eight-digit (VIS) parts where numbers and English letters are used, excluding I, O, Q so that there is no confusion with numbers.
WMI (World Manufacturers Identification) - displays information about the automaker. The first two digits are the country of origin of the equipment. Letter values denote: from A to H - Africa, from J to R - Asia, from S to Z - Europe, and numerical values \u1b\u5bfrom 6 to 7 indicate North American origin, 8 and 9 - Oceania, XNUMX and XNUMX South America.
The third character is reflected in numeric or alphabetic form and is allocated by the National Organization for a specific manufacturer. For example, if the third character is a nine, then the car is assembled at a factory that produces at least 500 cars a year.
VDS (Vehicle Description Section). This part contains at least 6 characters. If the place is not filled, then just zero is put. So, from the 4th to the 8th characters show information on the characteristics of the vehicle, such as body type, power unit, series, model, and so on. The ninth character serves as a check digit to confirm the correctness of the number.
For example, for Toyota cars 4 and 5, the number is the type of body part (11 is a Minivan or Jeep, 21 is a cargo bus with a regular roof, 42 is a bus with a raised roof, a crossover is 26, and so on).
VIS (Vehicle Identification Sector) - a vehicle identifier consisting of eight letters and numbers indicating the year of production and the serial number of the vehicle. The format of this sector is not standardized and many manufacturers indicate it at their discretion, but adhering to a certain system.
Most automakers indicate the year of manufacture of the car under the tenth letter, and some indicate the model. For example, for cars manufactured by Ford, in eleventh place is the number indicating the year of manufacture. The remaining numbers indicate the serial number of the machine - what account it left the assembly line.
| Year of issue | designation | Year of issue | designation | Year of issue | designation |
| 1971 | 1 | 1991 | M | 2011 | B |
| 1972 | 2 | 1992 | N | 2012 | C |
| 1973 | 3 | 1993 | P | 2013 | D |
| 1974 | 4 | 1994 | R | 2014 | E |
| 1975 | 5 | 1995 | S | 2015 | F |
| 1976 | 6 | 1996 | T | 2016 | G |
| 1977 | 7 | 1997 | V | 2017 | H |
| 1978 | 8 | 1998 | W | 2018 | J |
| 1979 | 9 | 1999 | X | 2019 | K |
| 1980 | А | 2000 | Y | 2020 | L |
| 1981 | B | 2001 | 1 | 2021 | M |
| 1982 | C | 2002 | 2 | 2022 | N |
| 1983 | D | 2003 | 3 | 2023 | P |
| 1983 | E | 2004 | 4 | 2024 | R |
| 1985 | F | 2005 | 5 | 2025 | S |
| 1986 | G | 2006 | 6 | 2026 | T |
| 1987 | H | 2007 | 7 | 2027 | V |
| 1988 | J | 2008 | 8 | 2028 | W |
| 1989 | K | 2009 | 9 | 2029 | X |
| 1990 | L | 2010 | A | 2030 | Y |
How to find out the model and type of internal combustion engine by Vin code?
We have already figured out that in order to find out the ICE model by the VIN code, you need to pay attention to the second part of the number (6 unique characters of the descriptive part). These numbers indicate:
- Body type;
- Type and model of internal combustion engine;
- Chassis data;
- Information about the vehicle cabin;
- Brake system type;
- A series of cars and so on.
To get the information of interest about the type of internal combustion engine by the VIN number, the number itself will need to be decrypted. It is difficult for a non-professional to do this, since in the markings no commonly accepted notation. Each manufacturer has its own symbol system, and you will need a specialized guide for a particular car brand and car model.
You can also get the necessary data about the ICE model in simpler ways: many automotive online services will decrypt for you. You need to enter the VIN code in the online request form and get a ready report. However, such checks are often paid, as are consultations at service stations and MREOs.
At the same time, some online spare parts stores that are interested in increasing the growth in sales of components offer VIN decryption for free, and are ready to immediately offer you a wide range of spare parts for internal combustion engines of your particular car model.
Unfortunately, the VIN code not always gives guaranteed accurate information on the car. There are situations when the database fails or the manufacturing plant itself makes a serious mistake. Therefore, you should not completely trust the numbers.
