Find Transmission by VIN Number
With so many transmission designs used by different manufacturers, car owners, buyers, and sellers are often asking about the exact transmission of their vehicles.
Are you interested in finding the exact transmission of a vehicle? With our VIN decoder, you can find transmission by VIN number and other vehicle information in a few seconds.
With so many transmission designs used by different manufacturers, car owners, buyers, and sellers are often asking about the exact transmission of their vehicles.
Are you interested in finding the exact transmission of a vehicle? With our VIN decoder, you can find transmission by VIN number and other vehicle information in a few seconds.
What is a Transmission?
A vehicle transmission is a critical component of the drivetrain system, responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels. It essentially controls the speed and torque of the vehicle.
There are several types of transmissions commonly found in vehicles, each with its own characteristics and operation:
Automatic Transmission
An automatic transmission shifts gears automatically, without requiring manual intervention from the driver. It utilizes a hydraulic system and torque converter to regulate gear changes smoothly.
Manual Transmission
Also known as a stick shift or manual gearbox, this transmission type requires the driver to manually shift gears using a gear selector and clutch pedal. Manual transmissions offer greater control and can enhance driving engagement for enthusiasts.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Unlike traditional transmissions with fixed gear ratios, CVT continuously varies the gear ratio to maintain optimal engine speed. This results in smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
The DCT is an automotive transmission but it has two clutches, one for even gears and the other for odd gears. Two separate clutches handle odd and even gears, allowing
lightning-fast shifts.
Semi-Automatic Transmission
Semi-automatic transmissions blend the efficiency and control of a manual with the comfort of an automatic. The driver can manually use a clutch to start the car but other gear changes are done automatically.
Sequential Manual Transmission
Sequential manual transmissions allow sequential gear changes without a clutch pedal. The driver shifts gears sequentially using a lever or paddle shifters.
How can you tell the type of transmission by VIN? By getting a transmission lookup by VIN number.
Why Should I Find Transmission by VIN Number?
There are several reasons why you need to know the transmission of any vehicle. Some of these reasons are:
- Maintenance and Repairs: Understanding your transmission type helps when scheduling maintenance or repairs. Different transmissions have varying service requirements and intervals. For example, automatic transmissions may need fluid changes at different intervals compared to manual transmissions.
- Buying or selling a car: When purchasing a used car, knowing the transmission type can impact your decision. Some people prefer manual transmissions for their driving experience, while others opt for automatic convenience. Similarly, when selling your car, potential buyers may inquire about the vehicle’s transmission type.
- Fuel efficiency and performance: Different transmissions affect fuel efficiency and performance. CVT transmissions, for instance, optimize fuel economy by continuously adjusting gear ratios. Dual-clutch transmissions (DCT) offer quick acceleration and better fuel economy in certain scenarios.
- Emergency situations: In emergencies, understanding your transmission type can help troubleshoot issues. For instance, if your car suddenly stops moving, knowing whether it’s a manual or automatic transmission guides your actions.
- Vehicle Identification: When ordering replacement parts or accessories, specifying the correct transmission type ensures compatibility.
How to Identify the Type of Transmission a Vehicle Has
Detailed Vehicle History provides not just one method of checking the transmission records of a vehicle, but three! These methods are:
Transmission Lookup by VIN Number
The easiest way to find the transmission of any vehicle is with the Vehicle Identification Number and our free VIN decoder. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the vehicle, driver’s side door jamb, engine block, vehicle registration documents, etcetera.
With the 17 digit VIN number (or 5 to 13 digits in classic cars), you can easily gain access to the following specs:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Trim
- Transmission
- Drive type
- Vehicle size
- Doors
- Country
- Standard seating
- Engine
- Fuel type
- Curb weight
- MSRP
- Body type
- Vehicle type
Need even more information on the history and past records of a vehicle?
License Plate Lookup
Another way to check the transmission is with our license plate lookup tool. To use this tool, you will need the vehicle’s license plate number, and the state it was registered in. Try it out now.
The license plate lookup tool also provides access to:
- Title records
- Auction records
- Odometer history
- Previous ownership information
- Mileage Information
- Insurance total loss
- Accident records
- Flood/hail damage information
- Theft records
- Loan and lien records
- Safety recalls
- Detailed vehicle history
Window Sticker Lookup
Window Sticker Lookup
A window sticker is a document that shows the standard and optional features and packages of any vehicle. This document also shows the MSRP, fuel economy, exterior and interior colors, NHTSA safety ratings, interior and exterior colors, and lots more vehicle specifications including the transmission of any vehicle.
VIN decoder & Vehicle History App
The next tool we have for vehicle owners, buyers, and sellers is our easy-to-use mobile application. This application comes in handy for scanning the VIN and license plate numbers or vehicles. No need to type anything ever again!
With the mobile application you can even get offline VIN decoding and access the transmission information of any vehicle in seconds. Decode any vehicle’s VIN today!
Popular Vehicle Models and Their Transmission Types
Toyota
Corolla
Camry
RAV4
Highlander
Prius
Tacoma
Manual, Automatic, CVT
Automatic, CVT
Automatic, CVT
Automatic, CVT
CVT
Automatic, Manual
Honda
Civic
Accord
CR-V
Pilot
Fit
Manual, CVT
Automatic, CVT
Automatic, CVT
Automatic
CVT
Nissan
Altima
Rogue
Sentra
Murano
Pathfinder
Automatic, CVT
Automatic, CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
Ford
F-150
Escape
Explorer
Mustang
Focus
Automatic
Automatic, CVT
Automatic
Automatic, Manual
Automatic, Manual
Chevrolet
Silverado
Equinox
Malibu
Traverse
Camaro
Automatic
Automatic, CVT
Automatic, CVT
Automatic
Automatic, Manual
Hyundai
Elantra
Tucson
Santa Fe
Sonata
Kona
Automatic, CVT
Automatic, CVT
Automatic, DCT
Automatic, CVT
Automatic, DCT
Kia
Forte
Seltos
Sportage
Telluride
Soul
Automatic, CVT
CVT
Automatic, CVT
Automatic
CVT
Subaru
Outback
Forester
Impreza
Crosstrek
Legacy
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
CVT
Volkswagen
Jetta
Passat
Tiguan
Golf
Atlas
Automatic, DSG
Automatic
Automatic
Automatic, Manual
Automatic
BMW
3 Series
5 Series
X3
X5
7 Series
Automatic
Automatic
Automatic
Automatic
Automatic
Mercedes-Benz
C-Class
E-Class
GLC
GLE
S-Class
Automatic
Automatic
Automatic
Automatic
Automatic
Tesla
Model 3
Model S
Model X
Model Y
Automatic (Electric)
Automatic (Electric)
Automatic (Electric)
Automatic (Electric)
Lexus
RX
ES
LX
IS
NX
Automatic (Electric)
Automatic
Automatic, Manual
Automatic, CVT
Automatic, Manual
Mazda
3
Speed 3
CX5
787B
6
Automatic, Manual
Manual
Automatic, Manual
Manual
Automatic, Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can determine the type of transmission a vehicle has by performing a VIN lookup. Our VIN decoder provides detailed information about the vehicle, including its transmission type, among other specifications.
You can easily identify the type of transmission in your vehicle by using our VIN lookup tool. Simply enter the VIN, and you’ll receive comprehensive details about the vehicle, including its transmission type, whether it’s automatic, manual, CVT, or another type. You can also find information about the vehicle’s transmission by checking the owner’s manual.
Absolutely! Our VIN decoder allows you to retrieve various vehicle specifications by entering the VIN. You can access details such as the year, make, model, trim, engine type, transmission, and much more, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the vehicle’s specifications.
The VIN does not actually have a digit telling the transmission type in a vehicle. To get the transmission type, you will need to decode the VIN with a decoder like ours. You can also check the owner’s manual or ask an auto mechanic. Save yourself the trouble and decode any VIN for free to get this information.
While our VIN lookup tool primarily focuses on providing vehicle specifications, including the transmission type, it does not directly facilitate looking up specific parts by VIN.
However, having accurate information about your vehicle’s specifications, including its transmission type, can assist you in identifying compatible parts when searching through parts catalogs, auto parts stores, or consulting with mechanics.
