* Check your vehicle's documentation: Your owner's manual will clearly state the engine type and specifications. This is the most reliable method.
* Look at the engine bay: The engine itself usually has a sticker or plate somewhere near it that identifies the engine code (e.g., Zetec, Duratec, EcoBoost, etc.) and displacement (e.g., 1.6L, 2.0L). The information might also be stamped on a component attached to the engine. Be careful when looking around the engine bay as components are hot after the engine has been running.
* Check the vehicle identification number (VIN): The VIN contains information about your vehicle's specifications, including the engine type. You can decode your VIN online using various free VIN decoders. While this will give you information, it's less direct than the other options.
* Look at the registration documents: Your registration or title might list the engine type, though it is not always a detail explicitly provided.
The best and easiest approach is to consult your owner's manual. If you don't have that, checking the engine bay is the next best option. Remember to be cautious when examining the engine bay.
