Repair 7

Most automobiles are sold with multiple sets of keys. It is possible to misplace all the keys for your car. If you do lose all your cars keys, it is often possible to take the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to a dealer for a replacement key. A locksmith can be expensive and should be your option of last resort. If you present the VIN and proof of ownership to a dealer, they can get a replacement key from the manufacturer.

Instructions

1

Locate the VIN and note it. An autos VIN is usually stamped on a metal plate near the drivers side of the dashboard. The VIN can also be found inside the engine compartment, stamped on the engine or on a metal tag attached to the engine.

2

Take the VIN along with personal photo identification and proof of ownership to a dealer for that particular model of vehicle.

3

Present your proof of ownership to the dealer. A registration or title in your name, indicating the VIN, is the best proof of ownership.

4

Wait while the dealer contacts the manufacturer and has a duplicate key made. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Manufacturer car recalls can range from serious mechanical failure such as brake or engine issues to less severe problems like a faulty knob or light. Nevertheless, keeping your car current with recalls is important to maintain the vehicles safety. Manufacturers will send out a recall notice and there are searchable databases on the Internet to check on recall statuses, but the only way to check recall information using the vehicle identification number (VIN) is to search the manufacturer database.

Instructions

1

Write down your VIN. The 17-digit VIN will be located on the dashboard of the drivers side near the windshield. You can also find the VIN on the front of the engine block or the front of the vehicles frame in the wheel base.

2

Contact your local dealerships service department or a repair shop certified by the manufacturer of your car.

3

Ask the associate in the service department to run your VIN through the manufacturer database for any outstanding recall information. Running the VIN through the manufacturer database will provide specific information for your vehicle.

Engine serial numbers can help reveal the origin of your car or truck. This number will give you the prefix necessary to determine the engines year and displacement. Serial numbers can be stamped in a variety of places on an engine and the placement varies between manufacturers and models. You may need to consult manufacturer resources to discover where the number is displayed.

Instructions

Instructions

1

Look for the serial number in an easily visible place on the engine. There will be a prefix with letters and typically numbers stamped into the engine.

2

Read your engine or cars repair manual to see if it indicates the location of the serial number. Make sure you are researching your specific model.

3

Search for a manufacturers guide to serial number location on the Internet. These guides will have charts that divide information by car or engine model and year. The guides indicate the format you should expect, how many digits will be in it and where it will be located. Some engines may have have as many as five letters in a prefix followed by a seven-digit number.

4

Read the maps in your guide or your repair manual to help you locate the serial number in relation to other parts of the engine.

5

Write down the serial number once you find it. You can also take a photo of the number if it is in an accessible location.

Volkswagen is Europes leading automotive manufacturer. As of 2011, Volkswagen produces 14 car models. The company is also well-known for creating the classic Beetle and Vanagon. Volkswagen parts have unique numbers assigned to them so that they can be easily tracked and replaced when necessary. Specific makes and models of Volkswagen vehicles require specific parts with unique numbers. The situation that has left you looking for a part will determine the best way to go about finding its number.

Instructions

1

Look on the part. Part numbers will normally be visible somewhere on the parts themselves. The number will consist of three groups of three digits, which may be followed by a series of letters.

2

Locate the vehicle identification number. The VIN can be used to locate appropriate parts for all vehicles created after 1983. The VIN will be located on any paperwork you have regarding the vehicles title or service history. The VIN also is usually found several places within the vehicle, including on the dash and the drivers side door. The VIN is 17 characters long. Representatives at dealerships and parts stores will be able to tell you the appropriate part numbers based on the VIN.

3

Determine the number yourself. There is a system to creating product numbers. The first set of digits corresponds with the make and model of the vehicle. The next three are for the main group part and the parts sub-group. The final three are for the component. With some knowledge of cars, access to parts numbers on the Internet and accessibility to the numbers for other functioning parts, an educated and detail-oriented person may be able to determine the part number.