How to Read and Cross-Reference a VDO or Autotronix Part Number
What does a VDO or Autotronix part number actually tell you?
A part number is a coded description of the part, so once you can read the blocks you can confirm you are ordering the right item before it ships. The two brands we distribute use different number shapes, and knowing which is which saves you quoting the wrong gauge or sender.
VDO numbers are the long structured strings, usually three digit groups separated by hyphens, such as 150-035-001G or 2159-20102201. Autotronix industrial numbers carry an ATRX prefix and read more like a description, such as ATRXGP-100-160 or ATRXTG-160-100. If the number starts with ATRX it is an Autotronix pressure instrument from our industrial division. If it is a hyphenated numeric string it is a genuine VDO part.
How is a VDO number structured?
Take 150-035-001G. The leading group (150) is the product family, gauges and instruments in this case. The middle group narrows the variant, and the trailing group with its letter suffix (001G) is the specific finish, thread or connector option. The suffix letter matters: a G, a Z or a number change at the end is a different part, not a cosmetic variant. The bezel 16-596-001-5162 sits in the 16 accessory family, so a short leading group is your hint that the line is a fitting or accessory rather than a complete instrument.
Sender and pulse generator numbers in the 2159 and 2171 families follow the same logic. 2159-01000000 is a 4-pin M22 x 1.5 speed pulse generator, while 2171-20002115 is a KITAS II+ tachograph sender. The family prefix (2159 versus 2171) tells you the technology before you read a single spec line.
How do I read an Autotronix number?
Autotronix numbers are deliberately readable. ATRXGP-100-160 decodes as Autotronix, General Purpose, 100 mm dial, 0 to 160 MPa range. ATRXTG-160-100 is the Test Gauge, 160 mm dial, 0 to 100 MPa. ATRXPR is the Process line, ATRXTYR the tyre gauge, DPG and ATRXG denote the digital instruments such as the DPG502 and the ATRXG701 precision gauge. The dial size and range live in the trailing numbers, so two gauges that differ only in range will share a prefix and split on the last block.
How do I cross-reference an old or worn number?
When a customer reads you a faded number off a 10-year-old gauge, work from the blocks you can still see. Match the family prefix first, then the dial and range, then the thread. Our catalogue lists thread (1/8” BSP, 1/2” BSP, 1/2” NPT, M22 x 1.5), dial in mm, range in bar, MPa or kPa, and accuracy class, so you can rebuild the spec even when one digit is unreadable. BSP and NPT are not interchangeable, so confirm the thread before you commit. If two candidates match on family and dial but differ on the suffix, send us both numbers and the application and we will confirm the current stocked equivalent.
A worn VDO automotive gauge often cross-references cleanly to a current Cockpit International part in the same dial size, and a discontinued industrial gauge usually maps to the nearest Autotronix range and accuracy class. The number you cannot fully read is rarely a dead end.
How to order or request a quote
Send us the full or partial part number, the dial size, range and thread if you have them, and the vehicle or application. We confirm the current equivalent and the price before you commit.