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Decode Your VIN

What is a VIN number?

VIN = Vehicle Identification Number

A VIN number is a 17-character alphanumeric identifier or a manufacturer’s serial number. Each character within the VIN has a significant meaning. Together they create a number that tells everything about the vehicle (1981 or newer) and its unique history.

Where can I find the VIN number on my vehicle?

The locations of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) vary. Common areas in which you may find the VIN are as follows:

Dashboard near windshield (on driver’s side)
Driver’s side door or post (below latch mechanism or where the door latches)
Passenger side door or post
Front of engine
Radiator support bracket
Steering Column
Firewall

Where can I find the VIN number on my documents?

Vehicle Registration
Insurance ID card
Insurance Declarations Page
Vehicle Title

How do I decode my VIN?

When a VIN is decoded, it tells you the country and year of manufacture; make, model & serial number; assembly plant; and in some cases it also may indentify the equipment specifications.

The VIN is divided into 4 parts:

World Manufacturer’s Identification (WMI – 3 characters)
Vehicle Description Section (VDS – 5 characters)
The VIN Accuracy Check Digit
Vehicle Identification Section (VIS – 8 characters)

1st Digit - Country of Origin
(World Manufacturer’s Identification)

1 or 4 (USA)
2 (Canada)
3 (Mexico)
J (Japan)
K (Korea)
S (England)
W (Germany)
Z (Italy)

2nd Digit - Manufacturer:

A (Audi) B (BMW) 4 (Buick) 6 (Cadillac) 1 (Chevrolet) C (Chrysler) B (Dodge)	F (Ford) 7 (GM Canada) G (General Motors) H (Honda) A (Jaguar) L (Lincoln) D (Mercedes Benz)	M (Mercury) N (Nissan) 3 (Oldsmobile) 2 or 5 (Pontiac) P (Plymouth) 8 (Saturn) T (Toyota) V (Volvo)

4th to 8th Digit - Vehicle Information

Example: Engine Size, cylinders, carburetion, fuel type, wheel drive, tonnage etc.

9th Digit - VIN Accuracy Check Digit

This assigned digit comes from a formula which provides a way to verify the accuracy of the VIN description

10th Digit – Model Year

J (1998) K (1999) L (1990) M (1991) N (1992) P (1993) R (1994) S (1995)	T (1996) V (1997) W (1998) X (1999) Y (2000) 1 (2001) 2 (2002) 3 (2003)	4 (2004) 5 (2005) 6 (2006) 7 (2007) 8 (2008) 9 (2009)

11th Digit – Assembly Plant

12th to 17th Digit - Unique Serial Numbers for Vehicle

Wed, June 19, 2013

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