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How it works, and where part numbers come from

Sherlock first searches the part numbers already quoted or validated for this model by our partner parts counter in Nouméa. If there is nothing, three AIs read the web and it cross-checks their answers (Japanese, Korean and American makes for now). Not found? It says so; a garage can hand the search to an expert.

  1. The vehicle

    The VIN: scan the label (Android), use “Scan Text” (iPhone) or type it (17 characters, on the registration document).

  2. The part, in plain words

    The way you'd say it at the counter: “front pads”, “timing kit”. In French, English, Spanish, Japanese or Chinese. If the side or axle is missing, Sherlock asks.

  3. The part number and its source

    The original part number, its equivalents and where they come from. To check for yourself: the parts diagram by VIN, on the sites that show it.

When the history has nothing: three AIs read the web

An AI alone is often wrong. So Sherlock asks three, each with its own search engine, and only shows a number if at least two give the same one. Even then, it must be checked on the part. Your VIN is not sent to them.

  • All 3 AIs give the same numberExact 7 times out of 9. The number is shown, to be checked on the part.
  • 2 AIs give the same numberExact 19 times out of 38 (50%). The number is shown, to be checked on the part.
  • The AIs do not agreeThe first answer is exact only 21 times out of 114 (18%). Sherlock shows no number.

Measured on 02/11/2026 on 171 real orders for Japanese, Korean and American makes, at our partner parts counter: parts already sold, engine known; on another part, the result may be worse. A number replaced by the manufacturer counts as wrong: 8 others were within two characters of the right one. European makes (114 orders): even when they agree, exact 7 times out of 24; Sherlock does not ask them for now. Without reading the web, from memory, two AIs gave 85 numbers on 60 other questions: none exact.

A detail is missing? We ask.

Simple questions, in plain words. Front or rear, left or right: Sherlock asks what changes the part number, nothing more.

Example

VIN scanned · “brake pads”

Front or rear?The part number is not the same.

Front

04465-0K2 (end hidden in the example) · set of 4Source: already quoted or validated for this model. Compare it with the number on your part.

What Sherlock can answer

  • One part number, to be confirmedSherlock says where it comes from. Compare it with the number on your part, or have it checked, before buying.
  • Several possible part numbersOne detail may settle it (front or rear, for example). Otherwise, read the number on your part, or have it checked.
  • Nothing certainSherlock says so, rather than send you to the wrong part.

Your data, in plain words

  • Your VIN is used for your search and stays in our database for 90 days; our servers never send it to a third party. Only exception, your choice: a parts diagram you open on an outside site.
  • Your remembered vehicle and your logbook stay in your browser.
  • No advertising, no audience tracking. A single random identifier, kept in your browser, counts your free searches. Fonts and scripts come from this site, and this site only.
  • The AIs receive the vehicle description and the name of the part, not your VIN or your number plate. Their answers are kept for 14 days at most.

Legal notice and privacy →

Your questions

Where do I find the VIN?

On the registration document, and often at the bottom of the windscreen on the driver's side or on the door pillar label. It has 17 characters.

Is it really free?

Yes for 3 searches a day, no account. One search means one vehicle, up to 5 parts at once; with no answer, it does not count. Garages have an account with credits: a search with no answer costs them nothing either.

Does Sherlock sell parts?

No. Sherlock looks for the part number; you buy wherever you like. In New Caledonia, registered garages can also order from DAP98, a separate seller.

What if my VIN is unknown?

Give the make, model, year and engine from the registration document: Sherlock searches on that model, and the answer must still be checked on your part. You can also open your VIN's parts diagram on an outside site.

How is this different from an AI?

An AI alone is often wrong. Here, a number from the AIs is only shown if at least two give it, with the cited page when there is one, and it must still be confirmed on the part.

Are my searches kept?

Searches with no account are erased from our database after 90 days, then disappear from backups within 7 months. Details are on the Privacy page.