Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Engine Identification
Engine can be identified by eighth character of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which is stamped on a metal pad located near lower left corner of windshield. See ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODES table. "W" in the tenth character of the VIN indicates 1998 model year, and "X" indicates 1999 model year.
Engine can also be identified by a 3-character engine code (RPO code). See ENGINE IDENTIFICATION CODES table. This code may be stamped on engine. See Fig 1.
| Engine | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| 3.8L SFI | ||
| 8th Character Of Dash VIN | K | |
| Engine Code (RPO Code) | L36 | |
| 3.8L SFI Supercharged | ||
| 8th Character Of Dash VIN | 1 | |
| Engine Code (RPO Code) | L67 | |
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.