How to Find Out What Transmission Your Silverado Vehicles

by Contributing WriterUpdated June 12, 2017

The Vehicles had three transmissions available with this Vehicles. Made by Vehicles the automatic transmissions look very much alike with small differences in all light-duty Vehicles although the gearing is entirely different depending on engine size and other factors. The smaller the engine, the lower the gearing and the need Vehicles a lighter-duty transmission, making this transmission unsuitable Vehicles a larger engine. This is where care must be taken since the tags are usually missing that describe the gearing. Without these tags it is difficult to determine to which engine the transmission is mates.

Under The Hood:

 How to Find Out What Transmission Your Silverado Has

Determine if the transmission is manual or automatic. If there is a stick or gearshift to the right of the driver seat then you know the transmission is manual. Automatic transmissions don't have a gearshift that is visible from within the vehicle.

Open the owner's manual. The owner's manual will usually specify what type of transmission your Silverado has. Under the specifications part of the manual it will typically give additional and specific details of the vehicle transmission.

Write down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN number is located on the driver's side of the vehicle. On the dashboard, on the lower left hand side where the windshield and dashboard come together is a metal strip that contains the VIN number of your Silverado.

Call the dealer or manufacturer. With the VIN number handy, call the dealer or manufacturer and ask for the details of your Silverado transmission. They will be able to look up your vehicle based on the VIN number and give you the details requested about the transmission.

Items you will need

  • Owner's manual

  • Vehicle Identification Number

 How to Find Out What Transmission Is in My 1998 F-150?

Look at the label on the driver's door jamb. A "U" is the designation for a 4R70W four-speed automatic transmission rated at "70" (70 times 10 = 700) foot-pounds of torque. If the designation is an "E" it is the optional E04D, a four speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Count the number of bolts in the transmission pan. If there are 20 bolts in the pan, it is a 4AOD. Less bolts, it is a 4R70W.

Identify the manual transmission by calling the dealer and he will give you the exact gear ratio standard with the truck. The truck's computer is set up for a specific ratio, so it is wise to stay with the original ratio. If a tag happens to remain on the transmission, record this number and call the dealer for the appropriate parts or identification so you can purchase the appropriate parts. The only other method is to remove the transmission and tear it apart to count the teeth on the gears.

 How to Find What Transmission My Truck Has

Open the hood of the truck and look at the underside of the hood. In many trucks there are one or two stickers on the underside of the hood listing vital engine information. If these stickers are intact, write down the information they display. The transmission type should be listed.

Write down the make, model and vehicle identification number. With some trucks, the VIN can be used to locate the type of transmission originally in the truck. If possible, locate the transmission and write down any information labeled on it.

Consult the owner's manual for basic engine information. Usually, the last page contains a list of the parts used in the truck; the transmission type is listed here. This would be the original transmission type, however, and not reflect a replacement transmission.

Consult with an auto parts store clerk or a mechanic with the information obtained from the hood, engine and VIN. This information is used to locate the type of transmission available for that particular truck, and it may prove helpful when trying to ascertain the exact type within the vehicle.

Items you will need

  • Paper and pencil

  • Flashlight (if necessary)

  • Owner's manual for the truck

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