Table of Contents
How to decode a VIN? Digits 1 through 3 combined is the WMI, (World Manufacturer Identifier). Digits 4 through 8 represent the vehicle descriptor section. Digit 9 is a check digit. Digits 10 through 17 is the Vehicle Identifier Section. The 11th digit is the manufacturer’s plant code.
What each digit means in a VIN?
The first group of three numbers and letters in a VIN make up the world manufacturer identifier (WMI). In this group, the first digit or letter identifies the country of origin. The third digit, when combined with the first two letters or numbers, indicates the vehicle’s type or manufacturing division.
How do you read the year on a VIN number?
VIN’s starting with 1, 4, and 5 are manufactured in the United States. The third number or letter is used by the vehicle manufacturer to identify what kind of vehicle it is: car, truck, bus, etc. The 10th character of the VIN indicates the model year.
How do you decode a 13 digit VIN number?
How to Decode a 13 Digit VIN Number Examine the first digit of the VIN number to find the manufacturer country of origin. Find the second digit in the VIN number sequence to determine the manufacturer of the vehicle. Read the third character in the VIN number sequence to find out the vehicle type.
What does the 8th digit in a VIN number mean?
Vehicle Description Section The fourth through eighth digits describe your vehicle’s model, body type, restraint system, transmission type, and engine code. The ninth digit is the check digit, which is used to detect fraudulent VINs.
Does a VIN number tell you the trim level?
The VIN can reveal a number of things about a car, including its airbag type, country of origin, engine size, model year and trim level. The last 6 characters of the VIN is the most important part that contains the vehicle’s unique ID.
What does the 10th digit stand for?
What Does the 10th Digit in a VIN mean? The 10th character, which is found in the VIS, indicates the vehicle’s model year. This does not necessarily indicate the year it was manufactured.
What year is N in a VIN number?
The 10th Digit VIN Chart 10 Year C 1982 N D 1983 P E 1984 R F 1985 S.
What do the last 6 digits of a VIN mean?
The last six digits of a VIN reveal the vehicle’s regular production options (RPO) and is also commonly referred to as its serial number. These last six digits identify all of the factory fitted options, as provided by the manufacturer—imagine it as the vehicle’s ‘DNA.
How do I decode an old VIN?
How to decode a VIN? Digits 1 through 3 combined is the WMI, (World Manufacturer Identifier). Digits 4 through 8 represent the vehicle descriptor section. Digit 9 is a check digit. Digits 10 through 17 is the Vehicle Identifier Section. The 11th digit is the manufacturer’s plant code.
How do you break apart a VIN number?
VIN Number Breakdown There are 17 numbers and letters (17 positions) in a VIN and you can divide them into three groups: World Manufacturer Identifier, Vehicle Descriptor Section, and Vehicle Identifier Section.
How do I check a VIN number before 1980?
Prior to 1981, motor vehicle manufacturers maintained separate, in-house records of vehicle identification numbers. Call, email or write motor companies to inquire about the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN for your vehicle.
What does your VIN number tell you?
A VIN is composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters) that act as a unique identifier for the vehicle. A VIN displays the car’s unique features, specifications and manufacturer. The VIN can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.
Which label will tell you the engine size of the vehicle?
You will find the engine size (displacement) and the Underhood Label Identification Number (engine family) and other emission information on the underhood label. The engine size will normally be shown in units of liters (3.2 L = 3.2 liters).
What letters are not allowed in the VIN?
In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the United States standardized the format. It required all on-road vehicles sold to contain a 17-character VIN, which does not include the letters O (o), I (i), and Q (q) (to avoid confusion with numerals 0, 1, and 9).
How do you tell what packages your car has?
The VIN is able to tell you what options the vehicle has, as well as where it was produced. The 17 digits VIN found on the driver’s side will provide the purchase and service history of the vehicle. To know more, you can call a dealership with the VIN, pull an online report, or call the manufacturer.
How do you find vehicle trim?
The trim package is often branded on the back of your vehicle. Open the driver-side door and look at the doorjam for a label; this will list your correct tire size. You can take a picture with your phone or write down this information. If this label isn’t on your door, check your glove compartment door.
How do you know what features my car has?
Contact your vehicle’s manufacturer or your local car brand dealership and provide workers there with the VIN number. They will be able to provide you with a list of features and options that your car is equipped with by entering your VIN number into their computer database.
What does the 7th digit in a VIN number mean?
The fourth through ninth digits of the VIN make up the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), which focuses on the vehicle’s model, body style, engine size and type, transmission, and more. The seventh digit details the restraint system, including seat belts and airbags. The eighth digit identifies the model.
