How To Read Vin Number
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The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a serial number used to identify an individual vehicle. The VIN for each vehicle is unique. A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique code, including a serial number, used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles, towed vehicles, motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, as defined in ISO 3779 (content and structure) and ISO 4030 (location and attachment).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) for all Japanese-model vehicles follows an established international standard. Knowing what each individual character in the VIN represents will give you information on the vehicle's manufacturing specifications.
Reading a Japanese VIN
Step 1
Locate and record the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle's windshield.
Step 2
Identify the first character of the VIN. This character represents the country in which the vehicle was manufactured. Depending on the location of the vehicle manufacturer's plants, Japanese-model vehicles may have been produced in other regions. Common characters include '1' or '4' for the United States, 'J' for Japan, and 'W' for Germany.
Step 3
The second character of the VIN represents the manufacturer of the car. Da vinci code movies series. For Japanese-model vehicles, common characters include 'H' for Honda, 'N' for Nissan, and 'T' for Toyota.
Step 4
The third through eighth characters of the VIN represent the vehicle's specifications such as model, body type and engine type. These characters are typically assigned by the manufacturer according to their own numbering guidelines.
Step 5
Skip the ninth character of the VIN. This character is inserted into the VIN to verify the accuracy of the previous eight characters.
Step 6
Identify the 10th character of the VIN. Characters first cycle through the alphabet (A-H, J-N, P, R-T, W-Y) and then the numbers (1-9) to represent the vehicle model's year. With 30 possible characters, 'A', for example, represents the year 1980 and 2010.
Step 7
The 11th character of the VIN represents the location of the plant where the vehicle was manufactured.
The 12th through 17th characters of the VIN represent the vehicle's sequence number as it was completed at the plant.
Items you will need
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Red sport scar image by Christopher Dodge from Fotolia.com
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GM vehicles, like all other vehicles, have a vehicle identification number (VIN) that provides a unique identifier for each vehicle. The VIN is stamped onto a plate attached to the left side of the vehicle's dashboard and can be most easily viewed from the outside of the vehicle by looking through the front window. A VIN is 17 characters long, is always unique (in line with the standards set by ISO) and gets assigned by GM at the end of the manufacturing process.
Step 1
Locate the VIN on the front dashboard of the vehicle.
Step 2
How To Read Vin Numbers Nissan
Verify that the first two numbers of the VIN, known as the World Manufacturer Identification (WMI) is 1G, meaning a GM vehicle manufactured in the United States. The third number of the VIN identifies the division of GM (1=Chevrolet; 2=Pontiac; 3=Oldsmobile; 4=Buick; 6=Cadillac; 8=Saturn).
Step 3
Locate the fourth and fifth characters of the VIN, which define the car line and series. For example, FP would represent a Camaro Sport, SL would represent a FWD Vibe, and ZR would represent an Aura Hybrid.
Step 4
Identify the sixth character of the VIN, which describes the body style. The GM body styles are defined as follows: 1=Two-door coupe 2=Two-door 3=Two-door convertible 5 or 6=Four-door sedan 7=Four-door MPV 8 or 9=Four-door station wagon
Step 5
Locate the seventh and eighth characters of the VIN. The seventh character describes the restraint code, such as active (manual) belts or airbags. The eighth digit describes the engine type and can be either a letter or a number since there are several engine types made each year.
Step 6
Locate the ninth character of the VIN, which is known as is the check digit. This digit is an ISO standard that is used for accuracy verifications. Each character of the VIN is assigned a value, and the resulting number of the equation should be equal to the check digit. If it is not equal, the VIN is likely false or inaccurate.
Step 7
The tenth and eleventh digit of the VIN is known as the Vehicle Identification Section (VIS). The tenth character defines the year, which starts with the letter A in 1980 and increases alphabetically and then numerically. The sequence begins repeating in 2010. The eleventh character of the VIN identifies the GM-specific assembly plant, such as the letter B for Lansing, MI and the number 4 for Orion, MI.
The final characters of the VIN, digits 12 through 17, define the serial number for the vehicle. Chevrolet restarts the serial number at 000001 each model year and increases sequentially as each vehicle is manufactured. This provides a unique distinction between vehicles for identification on title documentation and vehicle history reports.
Tip
- The best way to determine what the specific characters of your VIN represent is to verify on the GM Service website.
Warning
- The VIN information above applies only to GM passenger cars. The VIN numbers on GM trucks can vary slightly because of VIN requirements for detailing the brake system, cab type and chassis among others.
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