Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Decoding
VIN plates are read through the windshield on the driver’s side of most vehicles. A manufacturer may use a variation of the same size engine in one model. To insure that you are using the correct filters for the application, it is necessary to identify the proper engine code. The * 9th Character (or Check Digit) Is determined by a complicated formula. Each character is assigned a numerical value and then multiplied by the value assigned to its position. These values are added and then divided by 11. The remainder is the Check Digit. This character can be numeric or the letter X.

 

Tips To Decoding your Car’s VIN Number?

A car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) is the automotive equivalent of
human "DNA".

It sets their vehicles apart from the millions of vehicles out there. In later years it is reflected in 17 digit characters. 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. Each character or digit has a particular purpose.

Tips to understanding your vehicles serial (VIN) number

They are as follows:

  • 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)
  • 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).
  • 3rd character- Identifies vehicle type or manufacturing division.
  • 4th to 8th characters- Identifies vehicle features such as body style, engine type, model, series, etc.
  • 9th character- Identifies VIN accuracy as check digit.
  • 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)------2001(1), 2002(2), 2003(3)
  • 11th character- Identifies the assembly plant for the vehicle.
  • 12th to 17th characters- Identifies the sequence of the vehicle for production
    as it rolled of the manufacturers assembly line.

Understanding the cars vehicle identification number has become very popular with car collectors for new and old vehicles alike. Collectors can confirm a vehicles uniqueness, collectability and date of production. Consider this- owning one of the last cars off the assembly line for a certain year or model or how about owing one of the first 50 of a new model off the assembly line. Car collecting has become an immense world wide hobby/business and knowing how to read and understand a VIN is a very important aspect.

The reference chart below will help you locate the engine code on the your Vehicle Identification Plate.
Once you know this info you will be able to accurately use Our Online reference to find the correct information on your vehicle. 

Domestic Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years American Motors / Eagle (Except Jeep).
7th ................................................1972-80 A3M798Z700001
4th ................................................1981-88 2CCBN387*GB529063
8th ................................................1989-on 2E3BB66U*LH038364
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Chevy & GMC Trucks
7th ................................................1970-80 CCD13AF100007
8th ................................................1981-on 1GTDC14N*GF100001
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Ford Trucks
4th ................................................1970-80 F25FLGA0000
8th ................................................1981-on 1G3AL69N*CM100001
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Hummer
4th ................................................1981-on 137XE82H*TE013212
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Chrysler, Ford, GMC
5th ................................................1972-80 1H35L7R100001
8th ................................................1981-on 1G3AL69N*CM100001
Jeep Most VIN plates are read through the windshield on the driver’s side of cars. But on some Older Jeeps, the VIN plate is found under the hood.
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years  
8th ...............1971-74 (up to S-N 100000) J4A154CN00001
7th ........................1975-80 (S-N 100000) J5A15EN100011
4th ................................................1981-88 1JTHE811*HT309520
8th ................................................1989-on 1J4ET37L*LT438789

 
Imported Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Daihatsu
8th ................................................1988-92 JD1FG120*J4200020
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Hyundai
8th ................................................1988-92 KMHBF31S*MU000001
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Infiniti
8th ................................................1988-92 JNKNG01C*M1100001
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Isuzu (Except Oasis)
8th ................................................1988-92 JABRT697*FU15643
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Jaguar
5th ................................................1979-80 JAVLN49C000001
7th ................................................1981-on SAJAV13N*00000100
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Kia
8th ................................................1994-on KNARA122*T1234560
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Land Rover
7th ................................................1987-on SALHV124*MA123456
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Merkur
8th ................................................1985-on WF1BT81V*H1000010
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years MG
2nd ................................................1970-79 GNN5UH000001G
5th ................................................1980-on GVADJ1AG000001
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Mitsubishi
8th ................................................1983-on JA4MT41P*WP123456
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Nissan (Except Quest)
4th ................................................1995-on JN1PS245*GW000001
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Peageot
6th ................................................1981-91 VF3BA516*FS368001
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Saab
7th ................................................1981-83 YS3BT55S*D000001
8th ................................................1984-on YS3CT55N*F3000001
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Suzuki
6th ................................................1986-on JS3TA01C*K1000010
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Subaru
3rd............................1975-79, 1980 (Brat) A26-000001
7th ................................1980 (Except Brat) JF1AF421FAG000001
6th ................................................1981-on JF1AC43B*GB200001
Eng. VIN Character..........................Years Volvo
6th & 7th ......................................1981-96 YV1AX845*C2275067

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