Identification plates (Honda Accord 3)

Contents: Vehicle identification ⇊ Engine Identification ⇊ Gearbox serial number ⇊

Vehicle identification

All 1984-91 Honda vehicles have 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 stamped on the dashboard, at the rear of the engine compartment, and on a plate attached to the left door jamb.

Engine Identification

The engine serial number is located on the right front side of the engine block. This number identifies the series, application, and sequential number of that engine series. The engine number must be used when purchasing any parts for it; many parts within a single engine series are unique and not interchangeable with other engines. For example, the ES3-2900001 part number 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: Sequential or manufacturing number.

00001: Sequential or manufacturing number.

(1) One exhaust manifold;
(2) Dual exhaust manifold;
(3) Dual intake and dual exhaust manifold;
(4) 2.0L, SOHC, carburetor;
(5) 2.0L, DOHC, fuel injected;
(6) 2.1L, DOHC, fuel injected;
(7) European version;
DONC - engine with two camshafts;
SONC - single overhead camshaft engine.

From 1987 onwards, engines use 5 characters to designate the series, such as B21A1 or A20A3. In this book, when identifying specific engines, we will use the series designation - all characters before the slash in the engine number. In general cases, we will use designations such as: emission system/fuel system. As an example, we will refer to all 2.0 L injection engines or all 1.8 L carbureted engines.

Gearbox serial number

The transmission 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 automatics, the transmissions differ in their gears and final drive ratios, as well as the presence of electronic controls.