Trying to do a JDM tranny swap for a 2000 fwd CRV. I'm trying to nail down exactly what kind of transmission will bolt right into the car and work. But I see all these transmission numbers online and I dont know what they mean. MDLA, MDMA, SKNA, mine says YPHK on it. I haven't been able to find any sort of reference for what these codes mean. One post said that the difference between MDMA and MDLA is fwd vs awd (but they didnt say which was which)...... mine is neither.

Basically, are these four-letter codes important to consider when swapping a tranny? or can I just order a 1st gen (97-01) fwd part from a reputable JDM seller and call it a day?

 

A real JDM transmission will not work. It is different inside in a way that makes in incompatible with the USDM computer.

MDMA is the AWD version. The MDLA is exactly the same other than it is missing the ring gear for the AWD output and it has a cap over the AWD output.

 

So what about the other types? SKNA is the most common one I see for sale, and YPHK is what have, and see nowhere online....

As for JDM compatibility, I understand the main concern to be that a sensor mismatch will cause the ECU to throw a code and not pass inspection. Based on some decade old posts on this site, I believe that there is a way to bypass that sensor mismatch and get a clean running vehicle. Once I sort out this transmission code thing, I'll get one ordered and report back how it works out.

 

It is not a sensor mismatch. It is a tone ring mismatch. 48 vs 50 tooth. You could probably tear down the transmission and swap the tone ring but at that point why not rebuild what you have?

Is your CRV a 2wd? They are 20+ years old now, no telling what someone has swapped in at this point.