Vehicle identification
All 1984-91 Honda vehicles have the identification numbers imprinted on a plate mounted on the left side of the instrument panel. The plate is visible through the windshield from the outside. The number is also additionally affixed to the shield, behind the engine compartment, as well as on a plate attached to the left door jamb.
Engine identification
The engine serial number is stamped on the right front side of the engine block. This number identifies the series, application and serial number from the given engine series. The engine number must be used when purchasing any parts for it; more parts within the same engine series are unique and not interchangeable with other engines. For example, the number ES3-2900001 for a 1985 Accord is broken down as follows:
- ES3: engine series, fuel injection
- 2: model year (1985)
- 9: emission group, 49 delivery area
- 00001: Serial or manufacturing number.
- (1) One exhaust manifold;
- (2) Dual exhaust manifold;
- (3) Dual intake and dual exhaust manifold;
- (4) 2.0L, SOHC, carbureted;
- (5) 2.0L, DOHC, fuel injected;
- (6) 2.1L, DOHC, fuel injected;
- (7) European version;
- DONC - engine with two camshafts;
- SONC is a single camshaft engine.
From 1987 inclusive, engines use 5 characters to designate the series, for example B21A1 or A20AZ. In this book, when identifying certain engines, we will use the series designation - all the characters before the slash in the engine number. In general, we will use the type designations: emission system/fuel system. As an example, let's refer to all 2.0L injection engines or all 1.8L carbureted engines.
Transmission serial number
The gearbox serial number is located on top of the clutch housing. Like the engine number, it uniquely identifies the unit and its application. In addition to the obvious differences between 4 and 5 speed manual transmissions and 3 or 4 speed automatic transmissions, gearboxes differ in their gears and final drive ratios of the engine, as well as the presence of electronic control.