Where is the car engine number: search and decoding

Table: where and how the engine number is located on famous foreign cars

An example of an engine number and its interpretation

Russian manufacturers mark their engines in accordance with their own regulations. The same is true for units made in Europe and America.

For American cars

American cars do not have an engine code; the manufacturer does not identify its units in any way. Only the class and type are specified. For example, it additionally indicates the compatibility of the engine with other models.

All information about the configuration can be found only by the VIN code, in the descriptive and special part of which the following are encrypted:

• country and manufacturer;
• class and type of internal combustion engine;
• Date of issue.

Engine number on a Ford Focus car

Based on these data, the selection of internal combustion engines for repairs is carried out. The current situation is due to the fact that in the United States this type of criminal business, such as selling cars for spare parts, is not common. High insurance covers the owner's expenses if the car is stolen or involved in an accident. Therefore, disassembling a car for spare parts is unprofitable.

For European

On European units, identifiers are stamped in two places: at the junction of the engine and gearbox, on the cylinder block. For Volkswagen models, the manufacturer has defined nine- and eight-digit markings: the first two or three letters and six numbers, which indicate the engine equipment, power, torque and type of fuel used.

Engine number on a Volkswagen car

An example of a 2010 Volkswagen Passat engine number: VRL008264. The sign is knocked out with a special needle directly on the head of the blocks. The same set of symbols is indicated on duplicate plates located on the body and in the engine compartment. A similar number is recorded in the technical documentation.

For the Russian Federation

The leader in the production of domestic passenger cars, the AvtoVAZ company, marks its engines with a fifteen-digit code, which indicates the specific configuration, dates (month and year) of block casting and assembly of the unit. The internal combustion engine number on a VAZ looks like this: FVAZ06 10 82 K 2103. Explanation:

• F (A, B, C, D, N) - the technique used or method of manufacturing the motor;
• VAZ - plant (headquarters or branches);
• 06 10 82 - block casting date
• 2103 - type and model of motor;
• K - code of the manufacturer's team.

This marking is most convenient when passing quality control and when selecting a repair kit.

The KAMAZ manufacturer marks its internal combustion engines with plates indicating the engine model and the full code, which is stamped directly on the block and consists of 15 characters. They are always applied in two lines using the impact method between the main supports.

Plate with engine number for Kamaz

Decoding of the car engine number 740622 Х ХХХХХХХХ:

• 740 - code of the basic internal combustion engine model;
• 622 - modification of the motor;
• X – release date;
• ХХХХХХХХ – identifier.

For Korean and Japanese cars

Korean and Japanese engine markings remain the most informative for the driver. In addition to the unit identification number, the code indicates power, torque, aggregation by adjacent units, fuel type, injection system and much more.

For the Toyota brand, on the company’s official page you can see complete information about the car, service intervals, the presence or absence of repair kits, and catalog numbers of any part. For example, the internal combustion engine code on a Toyota Prado consists of 12 characters (Latin letters and numbers) and gives the following information:

• a specific number of internal combustion engines in the series;
• motor series code;
• features of the block head, presence/absence of forces;
• power;
• presence/absence of a turbocharger;
• type of injection;
• fuel type;
• definition of a hybrid power plant;
• type of fuel supply system.

Toyota car engine number

The engine number is stamped directly on the racks of the unit and is duplicated in the vehicle certificate and technical documentation.

Volkswagen

Where is the body number on a VAZ 2107?
Finding the engine number on Volkswagen cars is quite difficult. On some models, the combination of symbols is located at the junction of the motor and the gearbox. It is located on the rear wall of the cylinder block.

The number printed on the rear wall of the power unit is duplicated on the valve cover or on the timing belt casing. If there is no duplicate sign, you can view the symbol combination in two ways:

• With the power unit removed. This can be done during an engine overhaul.
• Using a mirror. You will need a specialized mirror equipped with a handle.

Purchasing a mirror for one-time viewing is impractical. Therefore, you can contact a service station. Employees of some stations have the necessary equipment to verify the combination of symbols with the technical equipment passport.

Where is the engine number?

Finding the engine number under the hood of a car can sometimes take more than an hour. Here it is necessary to clearly define the fact that if you simply need information about the engine number as such, then it can be found in the technical vehicle passport (PTS) and the vehicle registration certificate (SoRTS or STS). But in the vast majority of cases, finding the engine number directly under the hood is required only when checking the unit numbers when registering with the traffic police or when selling the car, so that the buyer is convinced that the engine has not been replaced.

Where is the engine number located on most cars? For the search, it is advisable to stock up on at least three items:

1. small flashlight,
2. a rust remover (good old WD-40 will also work),
3. metal brush.

So, the engine number of most cars for verification is located directly on the engine itself - on its body or on its mandatory components (less often, removable ones). Typically, the motor number can be found stamped on a thin metal plate soldered to the motor housing, or directly stamped on the motor housing. Depending on the make and model of the car, the location of the engine number can be completely different - the only common thing is that it is located directly on the engine. Most often the engine number is located:

• on top of the cylinder block or on the side in a visible place,
• at the engine intake manifold,
• under the hole for the dipstick (yellow) for checking the oil,
• from the side where the engine connects to the gearbox,
• on the housing of the motor mounting arm.

However, the engine number can be located in a variety of other places. Let's now take a look at the most complete list of engine number locations for the most common cars.

What kind of engine can be installed on the “seven” instead of the standard one?

VAZ 2114 engine number: what you need to know about it

The driver begins to think about changing the engine when, for some reason, he is no longer satisfied with the operation of the standard equipment. In general, the 2107 model is excellent for various kinds of technical experiments and tuning, but the rational approach to choosing new equipment has not yet been canceled.

Therefore, before you even think about a new motor for your swallow, you need to weigh the pros and cons, namely:

• what goals need to be achieved when replacing a standard engine;
• are there technical capabilities to safely connect the motor;
• Is it possible to do the replacement yourself, etc.

Engines from other VAZ models

Naturally, engines from cars of the same family can be installed on the VAZ 2107i without significant modifications and loss of time. Experienced car enthusiasts advise taking a closer look at engines from:

• VAZ 2114;
• "Lada Niva";
• "Lada Priora".

These are more modern power units with an increased number of “horses”. In addition, the engine dimensions and connection connectors are almost identical to the standard equipment of the “Seven”.

Engines from foreign cars

Imported engines are rightfully considered more reliable and durable, so the idea of ​​installing a foreign-made engine in a VAZ 2107i often excites the minds of drivers. It must be said that this idea is quite feasible if we take Nissan and Fiat models from 1975–1990 as donors.

The thing is that Fiat became the prototype of the domestic Zhiguli, so structurally they have a lot in common. And Nissan is also technically similar to Fiat. Therefore, without significant modifications, you can install engines from these foreign cars on the VAZ 2107.

Nissan Silvia is an excellent donor for the VAZ 2107i, since the procedure for replacing engines is possible without the involvement of service station specialists

Rotary power units

On "sevens" rotary engines are not that uncommon. In fact, due to the specifics of their work, rotor mechanisms can significantly optimize the operation of the VAZ 2107i and give the car acceleration and power.

An economical rotary engine ideal for the 2107 is a modification of the RPD 413i. The 1.3-liter unit develops power up to 245 horsepower. The only thing the driver should know about in advance is the drawback of the RPD 413i - a service life of 75 thousand kilometers.

A very powerful rotary engine will make any “seven” fly

Today, the VAZ 2107i is no longer produced. At one time it was a good car at an affordable cost for living and working. The injection modification of the “Seven” is considered to be maximally adapted to Russian operating conditions; moreover, the car is easily amenable to various kinds of under-hood upgrades and alterations.

Where is the engine number located?

How to find out the engine number by VIN code of a VAZ

There are a large number of options for the location of the engine number. Since the place where to look for the engine number may be in a very hard-to-reach part of the part, it is better to first find out the exact location of the code.

Most often, numbers are knocked out in such places.

1. Near the cylinder block. This location is the most common and is found in approximately 30% of car models
2. On the belt cover.
3. On the bottom panel. Often found on American cars, including Ford. To view, you must use a mirror with a long handle.
4. On the air intake.
5. On the intake manifold.
6. On the eye of the engine suspension.

There is a lot of space on the engine, so some manufacturers put the engine number in the most unexpected nooks and crannies (dipstick for checking the oil level or radiator pipe for antifreeze). If you are not sure of a successful code search, then you need to look at the PTS, provided that it was issued before 2011. Since the engine gets dirty quite quickly, experienced car enthusiasts recommend keeping it constantly clean and washing it regularly.

Since the most common cars on Russian roads are domestic brands, it is necessary to consider in more detail how to find the engine number on VAZ cars of various models.

Although the vehicles are produced at the same plant, the location of the engine numbers is different for almost every model. If to view some numbers there is no need to dismantle parts, then to detect codes on other models it is necessary to remove the units or use a special mirror.

Where is the engine number on the VAZ-2107

In the VAZ-2107, the code is in an easily accessible place, so there is no need to dismantle any parts. The engine number can be found on the left side of the cylinder block. Another reference point in finding the code is the oil filter - the number is located almost next to it. To search for the code, it is better to first clean the motor of dirt and also wipe that area with a dry cloth.

Where is the engine number on the VAZ-2109

Models 2108, 2109 and 21099 have the same engine number arrangement. In order to see the code, you need to remove the air filter. If the code is needed to be checked against the passport, but there is no reason to rush, then it is better to do this simultaneously with replacing the part. The engine number is located next to the thermostat, which makes it easy to see after removing the air filter.

You may also be interested in detailed information about faults in the VAZ 2109 electrical circuit.

Where is the engine number on the Priora?

"Lada Priora" or VAZ-2172 is a very common car on domestic roads. The model is presented in two engine modifications:

• 8-valve;
• 16-valve.

Although the difference is quite significant, it did not affect the location of the code at all. The engine number is located on the cylinder block above the clutch housing. There are two ways to view the code:

1. Dismantling the unit. Removing the engine is a rather labor-intensive process that takes the car out of service for some time. The method is not very convenient, so it is used only when reinstalling motors.
2. Mirror. A special mirror allows you to see the required numbers without having to remove the part. MREO uses this method because it is more convenient.

To view the number, you must thoroughly clean the plane. If this is difficult to do with your hands, then you can use a brush with a small head, as well as a rag or sponge on the handle.

Where to look

There are several places where you can look up the engine number on a car. Reconciliation of the stamped code and the code indicated in the database will be an additional guarantee that the original internal combustion engine is installed on the vehicle. The one that was offered by the manufacturer as the optimal power unit for a particular car.

When inspecting the vehicle

In addition to the documents for the car (PTS and registration certificate), the car’s engine number is located on the unit itself. Most often on the side or top of the block head. But different brands may have their own individual places that the manufacturer has determined for marking. You can find it after a thorough inspection of the unit and adjacent components. Typically the identifier is located at:

• the junction of the internal combustion engine and the transmission shaft (as on the Audi A4, Volkswagen Golf, Passat, Skoda Fabia, etc.);
• timing belt casing;
• manifold (intake, radiator cooling);
• near the dipstick to determine the oil level (as on a Chevrolet Lanos, for example).

Very rarely - on the wheel arch, as in Land Cruisers.

Where is the engine number on a VAZ 2112 car?

On cars that are more than 10 years old and on trucks, it can be difficult to see the markings due to corrosion of the metal plate: the stamped number may be partially erased. In this case, it is recommended to calculate the internal combustion engine identifier using operational documents.

For example, the Mercedes brand for its models, regardless of the year of manufacture, stamps the identifier on a plate, which is installed above the engine mount bracket on the left. Some car models before 2005 have a code stamped on the cylinder head on the rear wall. For Mercedes diesel engines, the plate is always on the left.

For all VAZ models, starting from 2101 to 2107, the engine number is stamped between the third and fourth spark plugs.

By VIN code

The VIN code can only decipher the class and type of engine. To find out whether the original internal combustion engine is on the car or a contract one after repair, you need to check the manufacturer’s database and information from the technical. documentation for a specific model.

Vehicle VIN code

The second part of the VIN code is responsible for the technical characteristics of the vehicle, which consists of 6 characters and refers to the descriptive part. The indicated fifth character symbol indicates the type and model of the motor, but does not carry information about the identification serial number of the assembly team.

Through the traffic police

Using the traffic police database, you can find out by the engine number whether the car has been stolen or not. The check is carried out online, free of charge. The traffic police database provides complete information about whether a car with such an engine is listed as stolen if the car is officially registered in the country.

On American-made engines, there are no stamped codes on the power unit. Therefore, you will need to check the car for theft by matching the VIN code on the car and in the title.

Information about whether the car has the original engine or whether the unit has been replaced cannot be found out from this database.

Through specialized services

You can find out the data on the car engine through specialized online services: “Autocode”, “Autobot”. Services provided include deciphering the vehicle’s VIN code, providing data on the specific model and units that the vehicle was equipped with from the factory.

Online service "Autocode"

You can find out the original number of the internal combustion engine through the catalogs of online spare parts stores. The VIN is entered into the specified form, the form of additional information about the car is filled out - after 10-15 minutes the form with catalog spare parts and codes of original components opens.

Where can it be done

There are many scammers in the car sales industry.

Therefore, before purchasing or drawing up a sales contract, it is important to check the vehicle

This can be done in various ways, using the VIN code. The traffic police is creating a special database of stolen cars. It can be accessed easily via the Internet.

The check can be carried out:

• directly at the traffic police department or at a stationary post - traffic police officers will provide information at the request of any driver;
• through the expert bureau.

The first method does not always give 100% results. Since the database of stolen vehicles is not updated instantly. The information may not “get through” at the time of verification and the answer may be negative.

But at the same time, the car does not actually belong to the seller. The second method is more accurate. There are special expert bureaus.

Moreover, the check is carried out not only against databases. Fraudsters working as an organized group steal cars and forge documents and engine numbers.

A stolen car can be identified through an examination. Checking the engine for “broken” numbers is carried out in this way. It is more reliable than the first one. But it's paid. The cost varies from 5 to 10 thousand rubles.

The choice of a specific method should be made based on the cost of the car. When buying a budget car, checking through the traffic police database is enough. Since such cars are usually stolen for disassembly. Selling is too risky.

If you are purchasing a rare, expensive car, then it makes sense to order an examination. Since in the price segment of 2.5 million rubles and more, cars are often stolen “to order”. Subsequently, documents are falsified and the engine number is changed.

VAZ 2112 engine number where is it located

Dear visitors of the “Cars” website! We will be very grateful for your comments on the video clip “Where is the VAZ 2112 engine number?” registration is not required for this. We also ask you to let us know if you have any problems playing the video. Andrey Firsov

Of course, maybe we live in different dimensions, but no one checks the engine number for who knows how long, dozens of cars have been registered with different traffic police and no one ever checks anything. And you are simply being scammed SO WHY THEN CLUTTER YOUTUBE WITH YOUR CONSUMPTIONS AND MISTAKEN OPINION

06/07/2017 — 08:18 Scooter-Tuning TV

Useful video I recently got involved in checking the registration of a motor scooter. The previous owner cut off the engine number and the guys refuse to register it. The stores sell halves, but they do not have an engine number, nor do they have a model. If I put in such a half to replace the damaged one, what is the probability that I will not be turned down again at the reconciliation? The second point: the cops opened a criminal case against the previous owner, and they confiscated my vehicle title to conduct the case. They told me to go on a motor scooter to an examination so that it could be checked there. I know for sure that the scooter was not stolen, but was bought legally in a store. I ask knowledgeable people to help me, what should I do? 

05/12/2017 — 10:48 steblyanych

My friend, tell me. I bought a car. 1986 V. In the title the engine number is bn. At registration we found the engine number and read it. They hit the base... a car with this engine is registered.. and drives.. somewhere.. To the register. refused.. What to do.. 

04/13/2017 — 13:12 Vladimir Miller

Here's a one-on-one story about me. I was fooled with the opinion that the internal combustion engine is a spare part. Tell me if you know if I did the right thing, that the gazelle remained with the previous owner and I drive according to the original owner. If they stop you, will they watch? and they will see that there is a fine every time? 

04/06/2017 — 09:30 Channel 868

When re-registering the car in Moscow in January 2021, I was asked the question: What are you checking on the engine? was the answer: we check the engine MODEL. The serial number itself doesn’t matter 

04/05/2017 — 04:34 Timur Aliev

Today in Kherson my car was seized by an investigative team based on an expert’s opinion that the engine numbers were changed, a case has been opened, at the moment I’m waiting for the court’s decision, many friends say that if the court puts the car on a fine yard, then no one will ever take it away from there If anyone knows about this, write and tell me what to do in such a situation and is there a chance to pick up your car?

06.03.2017 — 00:15 Aleksandr Eremenko

Why did they start the rumor then?

02/26/2017 — 07:51 fed tunic

Why didn’t I find this video before... I took my first car, I read that they don’t check the license plates. I took the car, it turned out to have a knocked down number on the engine, now I can’t register it, and the previous owner no longer has the money. An old cylinder block with the original number lies in the trunk with a crack. In a word, I don’t feel like getting behind the wheel anymore. 

What to do if there is no unit number

Problems with the lack of ICE markings arise if you have to register cars from an American manufacturer. Since the traffic police examination requires the presence of this code. In such cases, the technical documentation for the vehicle states that the unit is not numbered.

When purchasing a car without an internal combustion engine code, you must check with the real owner for the reason for the absence and additionally check the vehicle for theft and fair ownership. There may be no engine number if the internal combustion engine was damaged in an accident and was repaired manually.

Checklist: decoding Vesta's Vin code information

The vehicle's VIN includes information about the country of manufacture, production date, body type, plant, box and other information about the vehicle. The VINs of Lada vesta cars, in particular the Lada model, are located on metal plates. So, how to decrypt VIN-Lada 2180? Let's say you are the owner of a car XTA GFL110 G Y000000

1) The first 3 digits are the international code of the manufacturer, for example AvtoVAZ;

2) 4 and 5 digits are the model number, i.e. GF means the Vesta number;

3) 6 digit L means body: L is a sedan, K is a station wagon, and B is a hatchback, which does not exist yet;

4) digit 7 is the engine code: 1 - 21129, 2 - 11189, 3 - 21179, 4 - h4m Renoshny. Vesta CNG is designated by the letter A

5) number 8 is a box: 1 manual from VAZ, 2 robot, 3 manual transmission Renault;

6) digit 9 is always 0;

7) 10th digit is the year of manufacture: 2021 - F, 2016-G, 2017-H, 2021 -J, 2019-K, 2020-L, 2021-M, 2022-N;

9) digits 12 to 17 are the serial number.

The specified decoding principle is suitable for all sedans, station wagons and gas cars Lada 2180, including gfl11 51 9t9, gfl11-52-X00, Lada gfl110, Lada gfl12 51 9t9 and Vesta gfl12 51 000.

Where is the car engine number located?

Finding the engine number can take a lot of time, especially on foreign cars. Due to the fact that Western concerns do not attach much importance to the VIN, it can be placed in various places, including those not protected from external negative influences. Therefore, often the aggregate identifier fades or disappears completely under the influence of precipitation.

On the engine itself

There are several common areas on the engine where the engine number is located:

The identifier is simply stamped by the manufacturer on a certain part of the engine, without a plate. Over time, such a code quickly fades, fades, and it can be very difficult to distinguish the numbers on it. For an effective search, it is recommended to organize preparatory activities - arm yourself with a flashlight, rust remover, and gloves. In some cases, you may need a mirror on the handle to be able to read the inscription marked on the reverse sides of the internal combustion engine.

On the plate under the hood

Some automakers additionally indicate the unit identifier on a metal plate, which is fixed with rivets or soldered under the hood of the car. For example, Volkswagen does this on the panel above the radiator. On some modifications of Audi and Volkswagen, the code plate is located on the engine valve cover or cylinder head.

Mercedes-Benz wine plate

Also, the identifier, in addition to the hood, can be located in an aluminum VIN plate knocked out inside the glove compartment, on the doorway, timing belt cover and other places.

How to view the number

VIN code is a unique number that is assigned to a vehicle at the time it leaves the assembly line. As a rule, it is stuffed onto the engine and other particularly important parts of the vehicle.

During the re-registration of a car, most car inspectors may refuse citizens to carry out this procedure due to a discrepancy between the codes on different units of the car.

Because this may indicate that the vehicle is being searched. When this fact is established, a criminal case is initiated, and the car is confiscated and taken away for examination.

Competent traffic police officers treat the number table with acid, which causes the primary number to appear, hidden by the attackers. In this case, re-registration will require the purchase of a new engine.

Although it happens when traffic police inspectors are not vigilant and do not check all the codes on important parts of the car.

The engine number can be found directly on the unit itself. Before purchasing, you should definitely inspect the vehicle, check all the data, or better yet, go with the car seller to the nearest convenient traffic police department. There, specialists will check the engine.

If the VIN number does not show anything, then the vehicle can be purchased and operated.

The engine license plate on most vehicles is located on the body of the unit itself, or on its individual parts.

The number is stamped on a thin plate during the production of the car, and it is soldered onto the engine body. The location of the code, of course, differs, but most often it is located near the hole for the dipstick.

The technical documentation for the car will definitely help you find the numbers you are interested in, so don’t be lazy to find it. You can also find scans of technical data sheets for the car model you are interested in on the Internet.

Specialized verification methods

To make a successful purchase, it is important to know how to identify an engine by number. Checking with the help of the traffic police is difficult, because there is no guarantee of reliable information and its receipt in an expedited manner

If the car turns out to be stolen, there is a risk of becoming a witness in a criminal case.

Checking with the help of the traffic police is difficult, because there is no guarantee of reliable information and its receipt in an expedited manner. If the car turns out to be stolen, there is a risk of becoming a witness in a criminal case.

Attackers often change the numerical parameters and change the vehicle's passport. If manipulations affect the VIN code, then the buyer risks receiving incorrect data and running into problems.

To check the car for theft, some car enthusiasts resort to a paid examination, which allows them to identify altered license plates. It costs from 5 to 10 thousand rubles.

You can also check the registration history on our service at

If you want to quickly check your car, you should pay attention to online services:

1. The Autocode - Resource portal will require a state registration number and authorization through the State Services website. To obtain information, you need the VIN and numeric code of the state registration certificate of the vehicle. Next, the captcha is entered. The car is not recorded as stolen unless any data is found.
2. The Autobot - Resource website allows you to find out everything about the car regarding theft, arrest, accident, number of owners. Enter the VIN or vehicle registration number.
3. Stolencars 24 - European database of stolen cars. The site requires you to enter your vehicle identification number (VIN). Databases from Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Hungary, and Romania are checked.
4. VIN - On the portal you cannot punch an engine using its VIN number for free. The resource requires a certain fee for its services. Thanks to the site, you can identify vehicles from the USA, the Netherlands, Belgium, and also find out the mileage.
5. National Insurance Crime Bureau - A good foreign website that combats theft and fraud. The VIN number is required for verification.

Another reliable way to check a car for theft is to contact expert bureaus. The service is paid - from 2.5 thousand rubles. The vehicle is inspected using Russian and international databases, on the basis of which a special report is drawn up.

Driving a vehicle with fake license plates is subject to criminal liability under Article 326 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

That’s why it’s so important to check your car by engine number at the traffic police department or on the Internet.

Rare cars

Probably, many owners do not know that when buying rarities from the States, you will not find the engine number on it. If you are stopped by a traffic police officer, you must indicate this fact. If the situation escalates and they don’t believe your words, then write a written application to the management of the traffic police, attaching certified copies of documentary materials about the purchase of the car. There are cases when vehicle owners have to take their car to the impound lot.

In line order, write requests to manufacturing companies and tuning studios abroad with a request to document the fact of purchase of a specific car by a specific person. In addition, technical documentation about its condition and registration before the “upgrade” is additionally attached. As you can see, the procedure is not easy or quick, requiring a lot of patience and a couple of months of time.

After resolving all controversial issues, you must return the car from the impound lot without withholding any financial penalties. Of course, such cases are extremely rare, but they do happen and you need to be prepared for anything. As they say, forewarned is forearmed.