How to Identify the Engine From Vehicles

It has either a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine. There are two numbers you can use to identify it. The engine code is often needed to order parts and to service your Vehicles.

Under The Hood:

• How to Identify the Engine From a Toyota's VIN
• How to Identify the Engine in My Honda Accord
• How to Identify the Engine in a Geo Tracker

 How to Identify the Engine From a Toyota's VIN

Copy your Toyota VIN into the "Enter VIN Here" space at Decodethis (see Resources). Click on "Decode." You may have to enter if you have an automatic or manual transmission. The next screen shows your engine type under the heading "General."

Copy your Toyota VIN into the "Enter a VIN Here" space at the Unofficial DVM Guide (see Resources). Click on "Search." Another window will open showing the year, make, model, body style, engine type and city of manufacture, along with an offer to buy a vehicle history report. You don't need to buy it.

Copy your Toyota VIN into the "Enter a VIN" space at VINquery (see Resources). Click "Go." The next screen will show the year, make and model, but you must purchase any more information for from 50 cents to $1.90.

 How to Identify the Engine in My Honda Accord

VIN

Locate the vehicle identification number (VIN) by looking through the front windshield on the driver's side. It is stamped on a metal plate that is fastened to the dashboard. The VIN is also on the Vehicle Safety Certification label that is affixed to the bottom of the driver's side door pillar.

Locate the sixth digit of the VIN, which identifies the engine code.

Determine the engine code based on the digit. For 2005 and earlier models, the number 5 represents the engine code K24A4 (four-door model), 6 represents the engine code J30A4 (four-door model), 7 stands for engine code K24A8 (two-door model) and 8 represents engine code J30A4 (two-door model). The engine code for 2006 and later models can be determined using the same methodology; 5 represents engine code K24A8 (four-door model), 6 represents engine code J30A5 (four-door model), 7 represents engine code K24A8 (two-door model) and 8 stands for engine code J30A5 (two-door model).

If the engine code is K24A4 or K24A8, the vehicle contains a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine. If the engine code is J30A4 or J30A5, it contains a 3.0L SOCH VTEC V6 engine.

Engine Code

Lift the hood and look at the number of pistons in the engine compartment to determine the number of cylinders. There's often writing on the engine that says how many cylinders it has.

If your vehicle is a four-cylinder, look for the five-digit engine code near the exhaust manifold on the right side of the vehicle. If your vehicle is a six-cylinder, look for the engine code near the left end of the front cylinder head.

If the engine code is K24A4 or K24A8, the vehicle contains a 2.4L DOHC i-VTEC four-cylinder engine. If the engine code is J30A4 or J30A5, it contains a 3.0L SOCH VTEC V6 engine.

 How to Identify the Engine in a Geo Tracker

Pop the hood of the Tracker. Locate the valve cover on the motor. If the cover is aluminum and says "16V," it is the later model 16V Suzuki engine.

Locate the spark plugs. If they are located on the side of the cylinder head, it is the older eight-valve engine. If the plugs protrude through the valve (rocker) cover, it is the 16-valve engine.

Locate the VIN number on the vehicle. If the eighth digit is a "6," then you have a Suzuki 16-valve engine. If the eighth digit is a "U," then it is the eight-valve model.

Locate the fuel injector(s). If the vehicle has only one injector, then it is the eight-valve model. If there are four injectors, it is the 16-valve engine.