Vehicle identification numbers

Modifications are a continuing and unpublicized process in vehicle manufactur­ing. Since spare parts manuals and lists are compiled on a numerical basis, the individual vehicle numbers are essential to correctly identify the component required.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

This very important identification number is stamped on a plate attached to the left side of the dashboard just inside the windshield on the driver’s side of the vehicle (see illustration). The VIN also appears on the Vehicle Certificate of Title and Registration. It contains information such as where and when the vehi­cle was manufactured, the model year and the body style.

The VIN is visible from the outside of the vehicle, through the driver’s side of the windshield

RAM Trucks Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

VIN year and engine codes

Two particularly important pieces of infor­mation located in the VIN are the model year and engine codes. Counting from the left, the engine code is the eighth digit and the model year code is the 10th digit.

On the models covered by this manual the engine codes are:

G … 3.6L V6
K … 3.7L V6
P … 4.7L V8
T … 5.7L V8
2. … 5.7L V8 CNG
J … 6.4L V8
L … 6.7L diesel

On the models covered by this manual the model year codes are:

9. … 2009
A … 2010
B … 2011
C … 2012
D … 2013
E … 2014
F … 2015
G … 2016
H … 2017
J … 2018

Equipment identification plate

This plate is located on the inside of the hood. It contains valuable information concern­ing the production of the vehicle as well as infor­mation on all production or special equipment.

Safety Certification label

The Safety Certification label is affixed to the left front door (see illustration). The label contains the name of the manufacturer, the month and year of production, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the safety certification statement. This label also con­tains the paint code. It is especially useful for matching the color and type of paint during repair work.

Typical Safety Certification label

RAM Trucks Safety Certification label

Engine identification number

The engine ID number on gasoline engines is located at the right side of the engine block (see illustration). The engine ID number on diesel engines is on the data plate which is on the valve cover; it’s also stamped on the right side of the block.

On Hemi engines, the identification number is located on a pad near the right side engine mount

RAM Trucks On Hemi engines, the identification number is located on a pad near the right side engine mount

Transmission identification number

The ID number on manual transmis­sions is located on the left side of the case. On automatic transmissions, the number is stamped on the left side of the transmission case above the oil pan flange (see illustration).

Automatic transmission identification number location

RAM Trucks Automatic transmission identification number location

Transfer case identification number

The transfer case identification plate is attached to the rear side of the case (see illustration).

Typical transfer case identification tag location

RAM Trucks Typical transfer case identification tag location