Where is the engine model number?
2 Answers
The engine number is usually found on the outer surface of the engine block, or on the vehicle's nameplate or the nameplate inside the engine compartment. You can also check the engine number on the car purchase invoice; the factory certificate includes the engine number; for commercial vehicles, the operation permit can be used to query the engine number; the vehicle purchase tax payment certificate contains the engine number; the public security authority's registration records have the engine number; the vehicle insurance card includes the engine number; it can also be found below the windshield in front of the driver's seat. The simplest and most direct method is to check the vehicle's administrative green book or the vehicle's driving license. The engine number is like a person's ID number, representing each vehicle. It stores very important information about the vehicle. The engine model number is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer in accordance with relevant regulations, corporate or industry practices, and the attributes of the engine, for a batch of identical products. It indicates information such as the manufacturer, specifications, performance, characteristics, technology, purpose, and batch of the engine, including fuel type, number of cylinders, displacement, and static brake power. Engines installed in cars or multi-purpose passenger vehicles are marked with the professional manufacturer's name, model, and production number as required. It's important to note that the engine number is not the same as the engine model number. The engine model refers to the specification and size of the engine within the manufacturer's range, and engine models can be the same. The engine number refers to the production number of the engine, where each engine can only have one unique number, and no two engines share the same number. Composition of the vehicle engine number: Front part: Includes product series code, generation symbol, and regional or corporate code, selected by the manufacturer as needed with corresponding letters, but must be approved and filed by the industry standard's regulatory body. Middle part: Consists of cylinder count symbol, cylinder arrangement symbol, stroke symbol, and cylinder diameter symbol. Rear part: Comprises structural feature symbols and usage feature symbols. Tail part: Differentiation symbol. When differentiation is needed within the same product series due to improvements or other reasons, the manufacturer selects appropriate symbols to indicate, with the rear and tail parts possibly separated by a hyphen (-).
I often maintain my car myself and know exactly where to find the engine model. It's usually located on the engine itself—just pop the hood, and you'll spot it: a metal plate attached to the cylinder head or near the top, clearly engraved with a combination of letters and numbers for the model. If you can't see it, don't worry. The vehicle's VIN is a great backup—that 17-digit identifier can be found on the lower-left corner of the windshield or the label on the driver's side door frame. The 8th digit of the VIN often represents the engine code; snap a photo with your phone and use an online decoder tool to crack it. Additionally, the owner's manual and vehicle registration certificate also list the model, which is essential for ordering parts, servicing, or selling the car. For example, when I had trouble starting my car, checking the model helped me match the right parts and solve the issue. Safety reminder: Ensure the engine is cool and turned off before inspecting, and wear gloves to avoid burns. Placement varies slightly by brand—Toyota often has it on the left, Ford on the top—but it's always easy to locate.
