What transmission do I have

What Transmission is in My Car?




One of the most FAQs among the drivers is, what transmission do I have? A great number of these folks only get to ask this question when they notice that their gear has a problem. Currently, vehicles come with various types of transmissions, while each is having their strengths and weaknesses.



These multiple transmission types might leave you confused. One of the reasons is that their functionality on the surface seems quite similar. However, the reality is that they’re very different. Your vehicle’s transmission is the most complex and least-understood major part of your car or truck. In today’s vehicles, the transmission is a blend of sophisticated hydraulics and chip-controlled components.

Those who have been wondering what transmission is in my car have come to the right address.

What Kind of Transmission Do I Have?

These five are the main types of transmissions in the vehicle.


1. Manual

This is a classic system used in old models, but still popular thanks to its multiple advantages. Manuals are an upgraded variant of a bicycle’s gear shift. You might know them also as thick shifts. In manual trans, you use your foot to operate the clutch and shift the gears. However, manuals have a lot of benefits. Some people feel more secure and in control of the vehicle, which is why you still see many on the road.

They’re harder to learn, but the system is far less complicated than its rivals. Transmission repair aren’t as hard to diagnose or costly to fix. Additionally, manuals have a better fuel economy than automatic transmissions.

Manual Transmission
pros
  • The vehicle is more engaging for the driver;
  • The driver has full control over gears and when to shift;
  • It’s usually less expensive than an automatic vehicle;
  • The transmission often costs less to repair.
cons
  • A manual can get tiresome in heavy traffic;
  • It requires precise control on hills to avoid stalling or rolling back;
  • It’s harder to find a manual on higher trim levels;
  • Only a limited selection of vehicles offers a manual.

2. Automatic

In 2020, this’s the most common transmission you’ll see. An automatic transmission shifts gear electronically as it doesn’t include changing gears manually. All you need to do is speed up or slow down. Also, it has a torque converter, which senses your change of speed. Your vehicle inbuilt computer system will then control an epicyclic gear train set with a set of clutches. A large number of gears provide smoother acceleration. Therefore, driving is a much simpler experience.

Automatic Transmission
pros
  • It’s easier to drive in stop-and-go traffic;
  • The majority of vehicles offer an automatic;
  • It shifts quicker and smoother;
  • It offers better gas mileage;
  • A shiftable automatic transmission offers drivers the best of both worlds.
cons
  • It’s more expensive to buy than a manual;
  • It more moving parts, which leads to greater repair costs;
  • Too many gears might shift too often.

3. Semi-Automatic

The combination of the first two, a semi-automatic trans, has a similar design to automatics. But it works under the mechanical set up of two manual transmissions. So, it has a set of inbuilt actuators that adjust the gears for you. You’ll find them to be cheaper than full automatics. Plus, they have a better fuel economy and lower net weight. These advantages come from the manual elements of the transmission.

semi-automatic trans
pros
  • The driving experience is very smooth when changing gears;
  • If the torque converters feel slippage, there won’t be any loss of energy. You won’t experience this during manual shifts, also.
cons
  • Requires more money for maintaining than for manual;
  • Expensive repairing.

4. Dual Clutch

A dual-clutch transmission (DTC) has an electronic component that operates the manual gear system. So, speed and power ratios are set automatically. Unlike semi-automatics, it features a hydraulic control unit that makes shifting gears easier.

Plus, it has two separate clutches – one for even gears and one for odd. DTC allows you to control the speeds manually. Moreover, you even have the option to stick to the fully automatic mode.

Additionally, dual-clutch systems can be a bit challenging to drive. Anyway, it becomes much more comfortable as you get used to it. The only downside to dual-clutch systems is that the components are susceptible to electronic failures. Also, repairs are expensive and time-consuming.

Dual Clutch Transmission
pros
  • Quicker acceleration;
  • No shift shock and clutch pedal;
  • Good fuel economy;
  • More driver options;
cons
  • Higher vehicle cost;
  • Maintenance and repair cost.

5. Continuously Variable Transmission

Continuously variable transmission or CVT is different from a traditional automatic transmission. The standard automatic includes a complex series of gears that deliver the power of the engine to the wheels. Contrarily, The CVT doesn’t have any gears. It has a pair of pulleys of variable width, connected by a belt. One pulley is connected to the engine, the other to the wheels. Since their width is variable, it changes depending on how much power the vehicle needs, hence the term “continuously variable transmission”

Continuously Variable Transmission
pros
  • Outstanding fuel efficiency;
  • Optimal power delivery;
  • Simpler construction;
  • Lighter weight;
  • Smooth shifter.
cons
  • Noisy operation;
  • Expensive maintenance.

How Do I Know What Transmission I Have?

Now you’re ready to start searching which kind of transmission you use. Follow the procedures.



White card on driver’s door

Open the driver’s side door and locate the white card on the side of the door filled with small black lettering. The card contains specific details about the year the vehicle was made, its transmission, engine specs, and other details.

Look under the hood or on the oil pan

Open the hood of the vehicle to identify transmission, since most cars have stickers under the hood with various car specifications. You also can lift the hood and find the transmission oil pan. Some carmakers can be identified by their oil pans as they differentiate the form of the oil pan for various transmissions.

Owner’s manual

A good place to start is to locate your car’s owner manual. The manual may indicate transmission type your vehicle has.

Look under the hood or on the oil pan

Open the hood of the vehicle to identify transmission, since most cars have stickers under the hood with various car specifications. You also can lift the hood and find the transmission oil pan. Some carmakers can be identified by their oil pans as they differentiate the form of the oil pan for various transmissions.

White card on driver’s door

Open the driver’s side door and locate the white card on the side of the door filled with small black lettering. The card contains specific details about the year the vehicle was made, its transmission, engine specs, and other details.

Transmission lookup by VIN

The VIN (vehicle identification number) can be found on either the dashboard or on the driver’s side door. It’ll be on a white sticker with black lettering as a 17-digit code that comprises a combination of numbers and letters. It reveals specific information, such as the car’s year, make, model, country of origin, and assembly plant.

transmission lookup by vin

If this table is too complicated for you, take the VIN number to an auto repair shop, where the mechanics should be able to put VIN number into their computer and tell you exactly what transmission you exploit in your vehicle.

What Kind of Automatic Transmission Do I Have?

It may seem that automatics are limited to only automatic gear selection, but many versions are used in almost all kinds of vehicles.

Traditional Automatic Transmission

Also, popular as a torque converter automatic, this widely-used automatic transmission can be found in almost every car. It utilizes a hydraulic fluid coupling or a torque converter shift gears instead of a clutch. The engine control unit (ECU) is directly connected to the mechanism to enable smooth and accurate engine control of the vehicle.

Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)

Applying a similar setup to a dual-clutch transmission, DSG uses two clutches that disengage alternately in shifting gears. This system offers quick changing and smoother acceleration. Modern platforms also provide fuel efficiency that surpasses manuals. This system is a wet transmission, so expect decades of transmission service as long as the fluid is changed regularly.

Tiptronic Transmission

Usually used in performance or sport-oriented cars, also known as “manumatic,” the tiptronic transmission was released by Porsche in the ’90s. It works similarly to a manual transmission, but it leverages a torque converter in place of a clutch pedal. There’s an option for automatic changing of gears and an opportunity for the driver to override the automatic mode for manual gears.

Sliding-Gear Transmission

Sliding-gear transmissions are only found on older model vehicles. When the gearbox is in neutral, the only things that move within the transmission are the main drive gear and cluster gear. With this kind of transmission, not all of the gears have the same diameters and tooth numbers. The different diameters make the gears rotate at different speeds, and this can create gear clash. This issue is one of the main reasons this model is no longer used.

Constant-Mesh Transmission

Also known as synchronized transmission, the constant-mesh transmission keeps the drive gear, cluster gear, and main shaft gears in constant motion. This’s possible since the gears are free to spin around the main shaft. A dog clutch is utilized to lock these gears into place when they’re needed. When the shift linkage moves, teeth on the main shaft gears and dog clutch lock onto each other and hold the transmission stationary.

Ford Transmission Identification By VIN

FORDYearsEnginesEngines
B-MAX123 CYL 1.0L 1.4L 1.6L6DCT250
C-COUPE121.6L6DCT250
C-COUPE122.0LMPS6(6DCT450) WD CLUTCH
C-MAX10-122.0LMPS6(6DCT450)
C-MAX121.6L6DCT250
CROWN VICTORIA95-114.6L4R75E
ECONOLINE 15095-12/974.9L 5.4L 5.8LE4OD
ECONOLINE 15095-084.2L 4.6L 5.0L 5.4L4R70W
ECONOLINE 15004-124.6L 5.4L4R75W
SUPER DUTY12/97V10 6.8L
ECONOLINE 35003-124.6L 5.4L4R75E
ECONOLINE 35004-12V10 6.8L5R110W
SUPER DUTY12/97V10 6.8L
ECONOLINE 350/3501/98-055.4L 7.3L DIESEL4R100
ECOSPORT07-122.0L4F27E
ECOSPORT121.6L 2.0L6DCT250
EDGE07-123.5L 3.7L6F50
EDGE11-122.0L6F35
ESCAPE01-082.0L 2.3L 3.0LCD4E
ESCAPE08-122.0L 2.3L 2.5L 3.0L6F35
ESCAPE HYBRID04-062.3LP310
ESCAPE HYBRID07-112.3L 2.5LHD-10
ESCAPE HYBRID11-122.0LHF35
ESCORT/ZX290-031.8L 1.9L 2.0LF4E
EVEREST04-112.5L 3.0LRE4R01A
EVEREST04-103.0L5R55S
EVEREST113.0L6R60
EVEREST11-122.4L 3.2L6R80
EXCURSION00-055.4L 7.3L DIESEL V10 6.8L4R100
EXCURSION03-055.4L 6.0L DIESEL V10 6.8L5R110W
EXPEDITION12/97
EXPEDITION97-064.6L 5.4L4R75E
EXPEDITION07-085.4L6R75
EXPEDITION09-123.5L 5.0L 5.4L6R80
EXPLORER10-122.0L6F35
EXPLORER10-123.5L6F50
EXPLORER/SPORT TRAC97-084.0L5R55E
EXPLORER/SPORT TRAC00-104.0L 4.6L5R55S
EXPLORER/SPORT TRAC05-104.6L6R60
F-150 /F-25095-104.2L 4.6L 5.0L 5.4L4R75E
F-150 /F-25095-974.9L 5.0L 5.4L 5.8L 7.3L 7.5LE4OD
F-150 /F-2501/98-07 4 SP RWD/4X45.4L 7.3L DIESEL V10 6.8L4R100
F-15008-094.6L6R60
F-15008-123.5L 3.7L 4.6L 5.0L 5.4L 6.2L6R80
F-250 F-350 SD03-105.4L 6.0L 6.4L 6.8L5R110W
F-250 F-350 SD10-126.2L 6.7L6R140
F-450/550 SD03-086.0L DIESEL5R110W
FIESTA00-121.6L80-40LS
FIESTA08-121.3L 1.4L 1.5L4F27E
FIESTA10-12L31.0L 1.4L 1.6L 2.0L6DCT250
FIVE HUNDRED05-073.0LAF21
FIVE HUNDRED05-073.0LCFT30
FLEX08-123.5L6F50
FOCUS00-121.6L 1.8L 2.0L 2.3L4F27E
FOCUS08-121.6L 2.0L 2.5LMPS6
FOCUS04-081.6L 1.8LCFT23
FOCUS00-111.6L 1.8L 2.0L 2.3L4F27E
FOCUS10-121.6L 1.8L 2.0L6DCT250
FOCUS04-081.6L 1.8LCFT23
FREESTAR04-073.9L 4.2L4F50N
FREESTYLE05-073.0LCFT30
FUSION06-111.6L80-40LS
FUSION06-082.3LFNR5
FUSION06-093.0LAF21
FUSION09-122.0L 2.5L 3.0L6F35
FUSION09-123.5L6F50
FUSION10-11L31.0L 1.4L 1.6L6DCT250
FUSION09-122.5LHD-10
MUSTANG05-104.0L 4.6L5R55S
MUSTANG10-123.7L 5.0L6R80
PRONTO00-07L31.0LTW-40E
RANGER00-062.5LJR400E
RANGER00-072.5LRE4R01A
RANGER97-112.3L 3.0L 4.0L5R55E
RANGER00-092.5L 3.0L5R55S
RANGER01-122.3L 3.0L5R44E
RANGER10-122.2L 2.5L 3.0L 3.2L6R80
TAURUS01-073.0L4F50N
TAURUS04-073.0LAF21
TAURUS07-123.5L6F50
TAURUS04-073.0LCFT30
TERRITORY SX04-054.0LDSI M93LE
TERRITORY SY05-114.0LDSI M93LE
TERRITORY SY05-124.0LZF6HP26
THUNDERBIRD03-053.9L5R55S
TIERRA00-071.6L4F27E
TRANSIT CONNECT09-122.0L4F27E



Chevy Transmission Identification By VIN

CHEVYYearsEnginesEngines
ACADIA07-123.6L6T75
ASTRA04-112.0LAW50-40LE
ASTRO95-054.3L4L60E
AVALANCHE01-085.3L 8.1L4L60E
AVALANCHE06-086.0L4L70E
AVALANCHE08-125.3L 6.0L6L80
AVEO04-101.6LZF4HP14
AVEO05-081.4L 1.6LAW60-41SN
AVEO06-121.4L80-40LS /81-40LE U440
AVEO07-121.5L 1.6LAW60-40LE
AVEO09-121.4L 1.6L6T30
B-CUV121.8L6T30
BLAZER95-052.2L 2.3L 3.0L 4.3L 5.3L4L60E
CAMARO09-123.6L6L50
CAMARO SS09-126.2L6L80
CANYON03-122.8L 2.9L 3.5L 3.7L 5.3L4L60E
CAPTIVA/SPORT08-102.4L4T45E
CAPTIVA06-122.0L 2.4L 3.2LAW55-50SN
CAPTIVA/SPORT07-122.0L 2.4L 3.0L 3.2L6T40 /6T45
CAPTIVA/SPORT08-122.2L 3.6L6T70
CASSIA00-021.6LAW60-41SN
CAVALIER95-052.2L 2.3L 2.4L4T40E
COBALT05-102.2L 2.4L4T45E
COLORADO03-122.8L 2.9L 3.5L 3.7L 3.6L 5.3L4L60E
COLORADO04-122.4L 2.8L 3.0LJR405E
CORVETTE95-055.7L 6.0L4L60E /4L65E
CORVETTE05-126.0L 6.2L6L80
CRUZE01-051.5LAW60-40LE
CRUZE01-081.3L81-40LS
CRUZE09-121.6L 1.8L 2.0L6T30
CRUZE09-121.4L 1.6L 1.8L 2.5L6T40 /6T45
ENVOY99-094.2L 5.3L4L60E
EQUINOX04-093.4LAF33-5
EQUINOX07-123.0L 3.6L6T70
EQUINOX09-122.4L6T40 /6T45
EQUINOX11-123.6LAHS-F



Dodge Transmission Identification By VIN

DODGEYearsEnginesEngines
AVENGER08-122.4L 2.7L41TE
AVENGER08-122.4L 2.7L 3.5L 3.6L62TE
CALIBER06-122.0L 2.4LJF011E
CARAVAN/GRAND CARAVAN07-122.8L 3.3L 3.6L 3.8L 4.0L62TE
CHALLENGER08-113.5L42RLE
CHALLENGER08-125.7L 6.1LW5A580
CHALLENGER126.4LZF8HP45
CHARGER05-102.7L 3.5L42RLE
CHARGER05-123.5L 3.6L 5.7L 6.1L 6.4LW5A580
CHARGER123.6LZF8HP45
DURANGO04-0842RLE
DURANGO02-124.7L 5.7L545RFE
DURANGO10-12W5A580
DURANGO HYBRID095.7L HEMIAHS-T
JOURNEY08-102.4L 2.7L41TE
JOURNEY09-122.0L 2.2LMPS6(6DCT450) WD CLUTCH
JOURNEY09-122.7L 3.5L 3.6L62TE
MAGNUM04-082.7L42RLE
MAGNUM04-083.5L 5.7L 6.1LW5A580
NEON01-06.2.0L41TE
NITRO07-1142RLE
NITRO07-112.8L 4.0LW5A580
PICKUP/DAKOTA03-113.7L42RLE
PICKUP/DAKOTA01-114.7L545RFE
PICKUP/RAM 150002-053.7L 4.7L45RFE
PICKUP/RAM 1500-350002-123.7L 4.7L 5.7L545RFE
PICKUP/RAM 2500-350003-07V10 8.0L 5.9L DIESEL 6.7L DIESEL 48RE
PICKUP/RAM 2500-350006-125.9L 6.7L DIESEL68RFE
PICKUP/RAM 350007-126.7L DIESELA45X
RAM 3500 / 4500 / 5500 CHASSIS CAB03-146.7L DIESELAS68RC / AS69RC
SPRINTER03-102.7L 3.5LW5A330
SPRINTER07-103.0LW5J400
STRATUS01-052.4L SOHCF4A42-2
STRATUS01-053.0LF4A51-2
VAN/WAGON 1500-250095-033.9L32RH
what transmission is in my car

Honda Transmission Identification Numbers

HONDAYearTransmissionCodeEngine
A-BOX2013 – 2013CVT FWDSS-CVTL3 0.7L
ACCORD2010 – 20125 SP FWDP79AV6 3.5L
ACCORD2013 – 2013EVT FWDMM5EL4 2.0L
ACCORD2003 – 20075 SP FWDBCLAL4 2.4L
ACCORD2003 – 20075 SP FWDBAYA,MAYAV6 3.0L
ACCORD2008 – 20125 SP FWDB97AV6 3.5L
ACCORD2000 – 20115 SP FWDMCTAL4 2.0L 2.4L
ACCORD2012 – 2013EVT FWDLL-CVTL4 2.4L
ACCORD2013 – 20176 SP FWDBB7AV6 3.5L
ACCORD2008 – 20125 SP FWDB90AL4 2.0L 2.4L
ACCORD2008 – 20125 SP FWDM91AL4 2.4L
ACCORD2012 – 2017CVT FWDBC5AL4 2.4L
ACCORD2003 – 20075 SP FWDMCLAL4 2.4L
ACCORD HYBRID2005 – 20075 SP FWDMURAV6 3.0L
B-CUV2013 – 20137 SP FWDSM-DCTL4 1.5L
BRIO/BRIO AMAZE2012 – 2017CVT FWDSM-DCTL4 1.2L
C-NPV2013 – 2013CVT FWDLL-CVTL4 2.4L
CITY2008 – 20125 SP FWDMRMAL4 1.5L
CITY2001 – 2012CVT FWDSWRA (CVT)L4 1.3L 1.5L
CITY2007 – 20114 SP FWDBMXAL4 1.3L 1.5L
CITY2000 – 2012CVT FWDSLYA (CVT)L4 1.3L 1.5L
CITY2012 – 20135 SP FWDBRZA, MZ2AL4 1.8L
CIVIC2012 – 2013CVT FWDSM-CVTL4 1.5L
CIVIC2014 – 2017CVT FWDM3WCL4 1.8L
CIVIC2014 – 20179 SP FWDZF9HP48L4 1.6L
CIVIC2013 – 2013CVT FWDLL-CVTL4 1.8L
CIVIC (EXC. HX)2001 – 20054 SP FWDBMXA,SLXAL4 1.7L
CIVIC HX/GX2002 – 2005CVT FWDSLYA (CVT)L4 1.7L
CIVIC HYBRID2003 – 2005CVT FWDSZCAL4 1.3L
CIVIC HYBRID2006 – 2012CVT FWDSPSAL4 1.3L
CIVIC HYBRID2006 – 2012CVT FWDSMLAL4 1.7L
CIVIC/DX/EX/LX/GX2006 – 20105 SP FWDSPCA, MPCAL4 1.8L
CR-V2012 – 20179 SP FWDZF9HP48L4 1.6L
CR-V2005 – 20065 SP AWDMKZA, GPPAL4 2.4L
CR-V2008 – 20105 SP AWDBZHAL4 2.4L
CR-V2012 – 2013CVT FWDM-CVTL4 2.0L
CR-V2007 – 20105 SP AWDMZHAL4 2.4L
CR-V2008 – 20105 SP FWDBZJAL4 2.4L
CR-V2005 – 20065 SP FWDMKYA, GPLAL4 2.4L
CR-V2012 – 20145 SP FWD/AWDB5RA, B5SAL4 2.4L
CR-V2007 – 20125 SP FWDMZJAL4 2.4L
CR-Z2011 – 2013CVT FWDSTYAL4 1.5L
CROSSROAD2007 – 20115 SP FWD/AWDBZHAL4 1.8L 2.0L
CROSSTOUR2010 – 20115 SP AWDBBTAV6 3.5L
CROSSTOUR2013 – 20156 SP FWD/AWDBZ0A, BY9AV6 3.5L
CROSSTOUR2012 – 20125 SP FWD/AWDP9ZA, P9YAV6 3.5L
CROSSTOUR2010 – 20115 SP FWDBBSAV6 3.5L
CROSSTOUR2012 – 20135 SP FWDBJ1AL4 2.4L
ELEMENT2008 – 20105 SP AWDBZNAL4 2.4L
ELEMENT2003 – 20074 SP AWDMZKAL4 2.4L
ELEMENT2003 – 20064 SP FWDBZKAL4 2.4L
ELEMENT2007 – 20115 SP FWDMNZAL4 2.4L
ELEMENT2007 – 20104 SP AWDMZKAL4 2.4L
ELEMENT2008 – 20105 SP FWDBZKAL4 2.4L
FIT2009 – 20105 SP FWDSP5A ,MP5AL4 1.5L
FIT2009 – 2012CVT FWDM4VAL4 1.3L
FIT2003 – 2008CVT FWDSZCAL4 1.3L
FIT2007 – 20085 SP FWDSMMAL4 1.5L
FIT/FIT ARIA2002 – 2011CVT FWDSLYA (CVT)L4 1.5L
FREED2008 – 2017CVT FWD/AWDRE5 (CVT)L4 1.5L
HR-V2000 – 2005CVT FWD/AWDSETA (CVT)L4 1.6L
INSIGHT2010 – 2015CVT FWDSBLAL4 1.3L
INSIGHT2001 – 2006CVT FWDMHTAL3 1.0L
JAZZ2003 – 2008CVT FWDSLYA (CVT)L4 1.5L
JAZZ2008 – 20124 SP FWDBMXAL4 1.5L
JAZZ2002 – 2008CVT FWDSWRA (CVT)L4 1.3L
MOBILIO2001 – 2008CVT FWD/AWDSWRA (CVT)L4 1.5L
ODYSSEY2013 – 20166 SP FWDPYRAV6 3.5L
ODYSSEY2011 – 20135 SP FWDPV1AV6 3.5L
ODYSSEY2007 – 20075 SP FWDB36AV6 3.5L
ODYSSEY2011 – 20116 SP FWDMV2AV6 3.5L
ODYSSEY2016 – 20179 SP FWDZF9HP48V6 3.5L
ODYSSEY2012 – 20126 SP FWDBYKAV6 3.5L
ODYSSEY2011 – 20126 SPPV2A
ODYSSEY2009 – 20125 SP FWDP36AV6 3.5L
ODYSSEY2005 – 20075 SP FWDBGRA ,PGRAV6 3.5L
PILOT2009 – 20125 SP AWDPN3AV6 3.5L
PILOT2008 – 20085 SP AWDP34AV6 3.5L
PILOT2003 – 20075 SP AWDBVGA,PVGAV6 3.5L
PILOT2009 – 20125 SP FWDPN4AV6 3.5L
PILOT2008 – 20085 SP FWDP35AV6 3.5L
PILOT2003 – 20075 SP FWDBVLA.PVLAV6 3.5L
PILOT2015 – 20179 SP FWD/AWDZF9HP48V6 3.0L 3.5L
RIDGELINE2006 – 20085 SP AWDBJFA, MJFAV6 3.5L
RIDGELINE2009 – 20145 SP AWDPSFAV6 3.5L
SPIRIOR2009 – 20115 SP FWDB90AL4 2.0L 2.4L
STREAM2002 – 20064 SP FWD/AWDBMXAL4 1.7L
STREAM2002 – 20145 SP FWD/AWDMRMAL4 1.8L 2.0L