Vehicle Identification Number VIN ByDwayneHickman

VIN’s purpose  A car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) is the automotive equivalent of human "DNA".  It sets your vehicles apart from the millions of vehicles out there.  Each character or digit has a particular purpose.

VIN’s purpose cont.  It displays a car’s uniqueness and heritage and provides a form of factory to scrap yard identification.  It can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.  Understanding the cars vehicle identification number has become very popular with car collectors for new and old vehicles alike.

Typical locations

VIN

Drivers door sticker

Location  The Vehicle Identification Number is also imprinted on the:  Vehicle Safety Certification Label. And Frame rail.

Breaking it down  1st character- Identifies the country in which the vehicle was manufactured. For example: U.S.A.(1or4), Canada(2), Mexico(3), Japan(J), Korea(K), England(S), Germany(W), Italy(Z)

Breaking it down  2nd character- Identifies the manufacturer. For example; Audi(A), BMW(B), Buick(4), Cadillac(6), Chevrolet(1), Chrysler(C), Dodge(B), Ford(F), GM Canada(7), General Motors(G), Honda(H), Jaquar(A), Lincoln(L), Mercedes Benz(D), Mercury(M), Nissan(N), Oldsmobile(3), Pontiac(2or5), Plymouth(P), Saturn(8), Toyota(T), VW(V), Volvo(V).

Breaking it down  3rd character- Identifies vehicle type or manufacturing division.  4th character- Identifies the vehicle’s body style.  8 th character- Identifies vehicle engine size, in liters or cubic inches.  9th character- Identifies VIN accuracy as check digit.

9 th digit trivia  To protect the consumer from theft and possible fraud, the manufacturer is required to include a Check Digit at the ninth position of the Vehicle Identification Number.  The check digit is used by the manufacturer and government agencies to verify the authenticity of the vehicle and official documentation. The formula to use the check digit is not released to the general public.

Breaking it down  10th character- Identifies the model year. For example: 1988(J), 1989(K), 1990(L), 1991(M), 1992(N), 1993(P), 1994(R), 1995(S), 1996(T), 1997(V), 1998(W), 1999(X), 2000(Y) (1), 2002(2), 2003(3)  11th character- Identifies the assembly plant for the vehicle.

Breaking it down  12th to 17th characters- Identifies the sequence of the vehicle for production as it rolled of the manufacturers assembly line.

Things that are never used.  The letters I (i), O and Q never appear in a VIN.

Parts  Many OEM and aftermarket parts distributors need the VIN to find the correct parts, and some need the VIN to gain access into there parts system.

 Knowing how to read and understand a VIN is a very important aspect.