Where is the vehicle engine number located?
4 Answers
Locating the engine number: The engine number can be found on the outer surface of the engine block, the vehicle registration certificate, the motor vehicle registration certificate, the purchase invoice, the factory certificate of compliance, the operation permit for commercial vehicles, the vehicle purchase tax payment certificate, public security authority registration records, the vehicle insurance card, the B-pillar nameplate of the motor vehicle, and the actual engine (usually on the engine nameplate). The engine number is like a person's ID number, representing each vehicle and storing very important information about the vehicle. The engine model is an identification code assigned by the engine manufacturer in accordance with relevant regulations, corporate or industry practices, and engine attributes for a batch of identical products. It indicates information such as the manufacturer, specifications, performance, features, technology, purpose, and batch of the engine, including fuel type, number of cylinders, displacement, and static braking power. Engines installed in passenger cars or multi-purpose passenger vehicles are required to display the professional manufacturer, model, and production number of the engine. It is important to note that the engine number is not the same as the engine model. The engine model refers to the specifications and size of the engine within the manufacturer's lineup, 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 engine number, and no two engines share the same number. Composition of the vehicle engine number: Prefix: Includes the product series code, generation symbol, and regional or corporate code. Manufacturers may choose appropriate letters as needed, but these must be approved and recorded by the industry standard's regulatory body. Middle section: Consists of symbols representing the number of cylinders, cylinder arrangement, stroke, and cylinder diameter. Suffix: Comprises symbols indicating structural features and usage characteristics. End: Distinguishing symbol. When differentiation is needed due to improvements or other reasons within the same product series, manufacturers may select appropriate symbols for representation, with the suffix and end potentially separated by a hyphen.
Having run an auto repair shop for over a decade, locating engine numbers is a routine task. The most reliable spot is on the metal casing of the engine block itself, typically engraved on the cylinder block surface near the transmission side, roughly around the oil filter area. Clean off grease with a rag for better visibility—some vehicles require crawling underneath to spot it. Remember to bring a pencil and white paper when needing to make a rubbing for DMV title transfers; press the paper onto the number and rub sideways to create an impression. Certain models also feature a white label in the engine compartment that replicates the engine number. German cars often hide these numbers in hard-to-reach spots, while Japanese models usually make them more accessible. If stuck, consult the user manual's location diagram or have a mechanic inspect it with a lift.
Last time I helped my sister locate her car's engine number, it was quite a hassle. Nowadays, many new cars stamp the number on top of the engine. After popping the hood, first check near the ignition coils for a raised metal platform. That time I had to use my phone's flashlight to see clearly—the metal surface was engraved with uneven letters and numbers. Some cars also have a small aluminum plate fixed with Phillips screws near the base of the windshield. Before searching, remember to bring a small brush, as engine dust can completely obscure the number. Locations vary greatly by manufacturer: American cars often engrave it on the engine's side, while Korean cars usually place it at the front. If you really can't find it, drive the car to a well-lit area and squat down to search slowly.
Just helped my elderly neighbor with this. There are three main locations: the obvious spot on the cast iron engine block, the stamped number under the front passenger seat, and the engine number column on the sticker at the lower left corner of the windshield. The stamp on the engine is the most accurate but hardest to find - you need to feel the raised numbers by touch. The sticker is easiest to read but fades in sunlight, while stamped numbers can rust and become illegible. The environmental inspection staff taught me a trick: the VIN consists of letters and numbers, with much deeper engravings than surrounding marks, neatly arranged like an ID card. I recommend taking a photo with your phone immediately after finding it - much more convenient than making a rubbing.
