Location of powertrain numbers
Improvement of manufactured products is a continuous process of any flow production. At the same time, except for cases of major design changes of models coming off the conveyor, the results of the modification process are not covered in the vehicle operating manual. However, the manufacturer issues numbered lists of manufactured spare parts, due to which the information encoded in the vehicle identification numbers is of particular importance when purchasing the latter. When ordering the required spare part, try to provide the seller with as much information about your vehicle as possible. Be sure to provide the model name, year of manufacture, as well as the body and powertrain numbers.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
This extremely important number is stamped on the rear bulkhead of the engine compartment, as well as on a plate attached to the instrument panel under the windshield on the driver's side of the car. The VIN is also entered into the vehicle's PTS and registration certificate.
The number contains encrypted information about the date and place of production of the car, the year of the model, and the type of body. In addition, the VIN is indicated on the certification sticker located at the bottom of the driver's door pillar of the car.
Engine code and model year
The two main components of the VIN are the engine code and the model year.
The engine code is determined by the sixth position of the number, counting from left to right. The year code of the model is contained in the first position of the VIN after the asterisk in its central part. The following relationships apply:
Engine code:
- 5 = F23A1
- 6 = F23A4
- 7 = F23A5
- 8 = J30A1
Model year code:
- W = 1998
- X = 1999
The engine code is usually specified when ordering spare parts for the power unit. Separately from the VIN, as part of the power unit number, this code is also located on the right (passenger) side of the power unit, near the exhaust manifold on 4-cylinder models, or under the starter on V6 models. The engine code is the first five digits of the number and is decoded as follows:
On 4-cylinder models, the engine code is located near the exhaust manifold
On V6 models, the engine code is stamped on a plate attached to the left front corner of the cylinder head
- F23A1 = 2.3L 4-cylinder, 16-valve SOHC engine equipped with VTEC system
- F23A4 = 2.3L 4-cylinder, 16-valve SOHC engine equipped with VTEC system
- F23A5 = 2.3L 4-cylinder 16-valve SOHC engine
- J23A1 = 3.0L V-6 24-valve SOHC engine
Transmission number
This number is usually required when ordering parts for transmission line repair. On models equipped with manual transmission, the transmission number is stamped on the clutch dome, next to the starter. On models with automatic transmission, the number is located on the right in the front part of the transmission case, near the measuring dipstick.
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