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How to transmission type, 3 speed or 4 speed?

40K views 6 replies 7 participants last post by  Bdub215  
#1 ·
How could I tell the transmission type of my car, whether it is 3-speed or 4-speed? Could I tell it from the VIN? Could I tell it from the gear shifts I have? My gear pad says P, R, D, 2, and L. Is that enough to know? Thx.
 
#2 ·
If you have an Overdrive button on the gear selector, you have a 4 speed. If not, you have a 3 speed
 
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#4 ·
I just dumped same into the FAQ!

How to determine auto transmission type in a 8th gen

1. Cars with the 4-speed have an "Overdrive" button on the shifter, just below the big button. Those with 3-speed don't.
2. For the highly technical, 4-speed transmission takes two connectors from the engine wire harness. One rounded rectangular, and one with 3 wires. 3-speed takes just one, and it looks like a house, for lack of a better words.
3. Look at the "TM" code on your car's certification label, by the driver side door pillar. 3-speed is A131L, 4-speed is A245E. (and just for completeness, 5-speed manual is C59.)

You cannot tell transmission type just from the VIN.