- Old Chevy Vin Decoder Chart
- 13 Digit Vin Decoder Gm
- 14 Number Vin Decoder
- 13 Number Vin Decoder Lookup
- 13 Number Vin Decoder Number
As you can see, each letter or number has been assigned to two different years. To find out which one applies to your VIN, you must look at the 7th letter or number in your VIN. If the 7th VIN position is a letter, then your vehicle is made in 2010 through 2039. If the 7th VIN is a number, then your vehicle is made prior to 2010. Decode the VIN. If you're like most people, you probably think a vehicle identification number (VIN) is just a series of random characters. Actually, each character in this highly structured code has its own meaning.
Jump to: VIN Trim Tag Engine Decoding Transmission Decoding Rear Axle Decoding
GM Body Types GM RPO Descriptions Build Sheets & other Paperwork
Chevy Engine Suffix Codes Small Block Parts Identification Big Block Parts Identification
Being able to decode the various markings on a car or part is important in establishing what type of car or part you have. This site is one of the most comprehensive numbers decoding places available anywhere. From this page, you can quickly get to the specific codes. I try and answer emails and decode specific requests, but often you can find the information here if you spend a couple minutes looking.
Above, left: A trim tag, lists original interior trim, exterior color, build date and other fisher body info.
Above, right: An engine showing engine suffix code and partial vin code.
You can verify the model of a car, or the originality of a car. The primary number on a car is the VIN number. The VIN is the legal and most accurate representation of the car. This will tell a lot of information about the car itself, where it was built, what model it is and what engine originally came in the car (generally or specifically after 1972). A trim tag or body number tag is FISHER BODYS representation of the car. It is used to identify when the car was built and how the car (body) was originally fitted out, what type of seats, colors, etc.. finally, the engine, transmission and rear axle markings tell where the unit was made or assembled, when it was made, what the specific characteristics it is and usually what it was originally installed in. By decoding these items, you can gather a lot of information about your car as well as check the originality of a car. This is especially helpful if you are checking out a 'numbers matching' car where the asking price is usually higher. If any item appears to be amiss, you should be VERY skeptical of the originality of the car. However, in some cases, legitimate changes could have been made (warranty work, production assembly line substitution, etc..) Most of this information pertains to the Chevrolet Camaro.
Please note - this site is heavily slanted towards Chevrolet decoding with an emphasis on Camaros. 1970 to 1981 specifically. Decoding other cars is similar but don't be surprised if you find an omission here or there.
Vin Number Decoding & General Info
The VIN is the Vehicle Identification number. It is the legal definition of the car - regardless of everything else you're looking at. When you buy ANY car, the VIN on the piece of paper in your hand MUST MATCH the VIN affixed to the car. Otherwise you're dealing with 2 different vehicles. And while it should be obvious - if you decode a Trans Am vin and you're buying a Camaro.. or you have what looks like a Nova sitting in the driveway, but the VIN decodes as a Monza.. remember - the VIN is the car. And if the VIN says the thing is a Monza and you're trying to buy a Nova - nevermind the paperwork. Walk away.
The VIN is 13 digits long, until 1981 when it goes to 17 digits. 'Carfax' needs 17 digits - therefore it can't do anything with a pre-81 vehicle. The VIN is affixed to the car with specific rivits called rosette rivits. It is not affixed with hardware store pop-rivits. If at all possible, never touch or remove the VIN from the vehicle for ANY reason.
In extreme cases where you have doubts about the validity of the VIN affixed to the vehicle (i.e. it's been tampered with or affixed with pop-rivits), you would double check it against the hidden (or confidential) vin. This number will be stamped on the last substantial thing that'll get destroyed during the cars life. In the case of the Camaro - this is the firewall, BEHIND the heater box. The theory is - if the firewall is destroyed, the whole car is gone. You won't accidentally fix and alter or obliterate the confidential vin during the repair process - so these numbers will always match up.
Here's the hidden vin on a Camaro. The format is not the complete VIN, but enough to conclude the original VIN's number.
1 = chevy, 4 = model year, N = assembly plant, xxxx = serial number of vehicle. (this will match the VIN plate)
The VIN will contain MODEL information. The 'SS', and 'Z28' are NOT MODELS. They are options. Options aren't coded in the VIN. However, beginning in 1972 when the specific engine is coded into the VIN, the ENGINE will give away or hint at the option. These 2 option packages required specific engines and the VIN engine code will nail down a Z28 or an SS. This becomes somewhat useless after 1974, but helpful again in 1981. The Type LT and Berlinetta are Models and the VIN will reveal this.
13 Digit Vin For Year
The sequential number for the vehicle doesn't start at 000001. The Camaro generally starts at either 100001 or 500001, depending on year and assembly plant. This way if the plant is building 3 different vehicles, each vehicle line will be in a unique sequential range - Camaros at 100001, Novas at 300001, Impalas at 700001, etc.. The first 10 or 20 cars are usually pilot cars and go to places other than dealers.
The VIN Number breakdown for specific year Camaros is located under each year Camaro information as the information contained in the VIN changes from year to year. The VIN on the 1967 Camaro is on a stainless steel plate rivited inside the drivers door jamb. All other models have the VIN located on a plate visible through the windshield on the drivers side dash panel.
VIN info from 1967 - 1971 were in the same format. The breakdown is as follows: |
The format for 1972 to 1980 VIN's is as follows: |
The VIN format in 1981 - 1984 changed.
1st digit: Country of origin: 1 = USA, 2 = Canada.
2nd digit: G = General Motors
3rd digit: Division, 1 = Chevrolet.
4th digit: Restraint system:
A = Non-passive, B = Automatic belts, C = Inflatable restraint
5th digit: Series: P = Camaro Sport Coupe, S = Camaro Berlinetta
6th & 7th digit: Body Style: 87 = Sport Coupe
8th digit: Engine : See specific year (camaro info) for breakdown.
9th digit: Check digit - used to verify that the VIN was recorded correctly.
10th digit: Year: B = 1981
11th digit: Letter indicating assembly plant
L = Van Nuys, California, N = Norwood, Ohio
12th through 17th digits: Sequential production number starting with 100001.
Other miscellaneous VIN information
The following contains information which gives an example of what the various positions in a 1979 VIN stand for.
VIN EXAMPLE (1979/others similar): 1N19G9J100001
1 = Division Identification, Chevrolet Motor Division
N = Vehicle Series (Caprice)
19 = Model (4 door sedan)
G = Engine (305 CID V8 w/2 barrel carb)
9 = Year (1979)
J = Assembly plant (Janesville)
Download powtoon software. Position 1: Division Identification
Always 1 for Chevrolet
(2 = Pontiac, 3 = Oldsmobile, 4 = Buick, 5 = GM Overseas, 6 = Cadillac, 7 = GM of Canada
9 = GM Overseas, C = Chevy Truck, T = GMC Truck)
| L = Impala | N = Caprice Classic | Q = Camaro |
| S = Camaro Berlinetta | X = Nova | Y = Nova Custom |
| Z = Monte Carlo | T = Malibu | W = Malibu Classic & El Camino |
Positions 3 & 4: Model
17 2 Dr. Hatchback Coupe, 6-passenger
19 4 Dr. Sedan, 6-passenger
27 2 Dr. Coupe or Notchback Coupe, 4 or 6-passenger
35 4 Dr. Station Wagon
37 2 Dr. Sport Coupe, 6-passenger
47 2 Dr. Coupe, 6-passenger
69 4 Dr. Sedan, 6-passenger
80 El Camino
87 2 Dr. Sport Coupe, 4-passenger Camaro
Position 7: Assembly Plant
In 1972, plant codes changed to reflect the VIN code. For example, 'NOR' = Norwood before 1972. In 1972 and on, it was simply 'N'.
| A = Lakewood A = Atlanta GA | L = Van Nuys | W = Willow Run | 4 = Scarborough |
| B = Baltimore | M = Lansing | X = Fairfax | 5 = Bowling Green |
| C = Lansing (B) C = Southgate CA. | N = Norwood | Y = Wilmington | 5 = London |
| D = Doraville GA | P = Pontiac (Pontiac) | Z = Fremont | 6 = Oklahoma City |
| E = Linden | Q = Detriot | 1 = Wentzville | 7 = Lordstown |
| F = Flint (Chevy) | R = Arlington | 1 = Oshawa #2 | 8 = Shreveport |
| G = Framingham | S = St. Louis | 2 = Moraine (T&B) | 8 = Fujisawa (Japan) Luv |
| H = Flint (Buick) | S = Ramos Arizpe | 2 = St. Therese | 9 = Detroit (Cadillac) |
| J = Janesville | T = Tarrytown | 3 = Detroit (T&B) | 9 = Oshawa #1 |
| K = Kansas City K - Kosai | U = Hamtramck U = Lordstown OH. | 3 = St. Eustache | 0 GM Truck Pontiac |
| K = Leeds | V= Pontiac (GMC) | 4 = Orion |
The Cowl or Trim tag is FISHER BODYS representation of the BODY. Not a vehicle, but a shell. In Summary, Fisher body doesn't care if this is a Camaro or a Firebird. They need to know what color to paint the thing and what style & color interior to put into it. Anything related to their assembly of the thing and what they need to know is represented on it. After they're done with it, it gets the Division specific goodies.
I say this because fisher body doesn't care if this is a Z28. But they'll need to know to paint the stripes on one. Same thing with the big block super sport.. this had a black painted tail panel - so it'll be indicated (on norwood built cars. LA didn't code the tag in an obvious way). The small block SS isn't coded because there's typically nothing unique about it. Fisher body also punches holes and runs electrical items (power windows, power locks) in certain spots. In the mid 70's as these options became available, they'd be indicated on the tag as well. In some cases, these punched holes hint at things (like TH400 kickdown holes, or Muncie speedometer cable holes)..
The trim tag is not a legal piece of information. It's informative, but not definitive. In otherwords, a trim tag hinting at a SS 396 Camaro with a 6 cylinder VIN number is not an SS. It's a 6 cylinder Camaro - regardless of what the tag says. The VIN trumps the tag. What you see is what you get and that trumps the tag too. But it's nice to know what the tag is saying. Hopefully what you see is agreeing with the tag itself. You won't get arrested for removing or switching tags but you may wonder WHY the tag was switched, if it was. I have no idea why people would do that.. it could be innocent or it could be for nefarious purposes.
The Tag is generally rivited onto the body, except in some years (1973 & 1974) where they simply screw it onto the car with sheet metal screws.
A note about paint. As we know, Fisher Body paints the car. Generally, the regularly available color code will be indicated, but occasionally, you'll see '--' where a number should be. This means the car had SPECIAL PAINT. It doesn't say WHAT paint was used - simply that the car isn't getting a stock offered color. It could represent anything. Sometimes (generally not on camaros) - a WA code will be stamped, and you can translate that WA code to a color. Or it might have the color code from some other car line on it. Generally on the Camaro, special paint is represented as '--', and it's generally indicating 'black'.. but not always. You'll need to check the Build sheet (if available) or check for trace evidence on the car as to the original color. Otherwise, your guess is as good as mine.
The Corvette is totally built by Chevrolet. It has a tag, but it's not a Fisher Body tag. This also explains why you will find complete assembly instructions in the Assembly Manual and Shop manual. All aspects of the Corvette are Chevrolets responsibility.
Location on 1967 - 1969 Camaros is on firewall next to brake booster. From 1970 - 1981 it's facing up on the cowl panel as you open the hood, right near the windshield on the drivers side. 1982 - 1985 model location is under the hood on the radiator cross support. Mid 1984 models contain the body tag and a Service Parts Identification Label located in the center of the console cover). In 1986 the body tag is no longer used, replaced with just the Service Parts Identification Label (which is useless if you replace the console lid). The Service Parts ID Label contains VIN, option codes, paint type, paint code, convertible top code and interior trim code.
13 Digit Chevy Vin Number Decoder
For additional tag info including Los Angeles Build codes: See Stegmillers Cowl Tag info page
Norwood built cowl tag decoding.
Read the tags from left to right, top to bottom. Additional detail may be hyperlinked and spans years. My individual yearly Camaro information also has a tag specific to the year contained in there, as well as a wide amount of color/trim information specific to that year. Where OPTIONAL is mentioned, this data may or may not be present. ** For example, if the car doesn't say Z27, it's 99.9% sure it's NOT a SS car.
| 71 = Model Year 12487 = Model Description (Chevrolet Camaro, V8 2dr coupe) NOR = Norwood Assembly Plant 158343 = Body sequence # 775 = Interior trim code (standard black vinyl) 75 = lower body color (cranberry red) 75 = upper body color or vinyl top code 03D = Build date (month/week). Z28.19 = Accessory code, Z28, w/black stripes OPTIONAL |
Sample for years 1974 - 1978 (1974 shown)
| 74 = Model Year 1FQ87 = Model description N = Norwood Assembly Plant 152322 = Body sequence # 798 = interior trim code A51 = Seat code 74 = lower body paint color 74 = upper body paint color or vinyl top code 02C = Build date. (month/week) Z28 = Accessory CodeOPTIONAL SAD = SADdle dashboard |
| 80 = Model Year 03C = Build month & week. 1FP87 = model description N = Norwood Assembly Plant 099640 = Body sequence # 74R interior trim code (dark carmine) 19L lower body color (Black) 19U = upper body color or vinyl top code (black) 74A = stripe code (Carmine) Optional? L = Paint Type (Lacquer) A51 = Seat code CC1 = T-Tops (or --- if not equipped) A31 = Power Windows (or blank if not equipped) Z28 Accessory code Optional CAR = Steering Column & Dash color (Carmine) |
Sample Cowl Tag - 1973
| 73 | Model Year (1973) | 778 | Interior Trim (Dark Saddle) |
| 1 | Car Division (Chevrolet) | A51 | Seat Type (Bucket) |
| FQ | Series (Camaro Base) | 97 | Lower Body Color (Medium Orange) |
| 87 | Body Style (2-dr. Sport Coupe) | 97 | Upper Body Color (Medium Orange) |
| N | Assembly Plant (Norwood, Ohio) | 05B | Build Date (May, 2nd week) |
| 158854 | Body number | Z28 | Accessory Code |
Model Description Izotope ozone crack keygen. - Combination of Car division, Series and body style. (extracted fromVIN)
Breaks out as 1 24 87.
1 = Division (chevrolet)
23 = 6 cylinder Camaro (1970 - 1972)
24 = 8 cylinder Camaro (1970 - 1972)
FQ = Camaro Base level (1973 - 1978)
FS = Type LT (1973 - 1978)
FP = Camaro Base level (beginning in 1979)
FS = Berlinetta (beginning in 1979)
87 = body style (2 door coupe)
Assembly Plant - identifies which assembly plant built the car
Assembly plant code designation changed in 1973 from 3 characters to 1.
L (or LOS) = Van Nuys, N (or NOR) = Norwood
See above for additonal examples of assembly plants for other car lines.
Body Sequence Number - production serial number of the body, won't match the VIN sequence.
Trim Code - Indicates (interior) trim color and material.
Due to the wide variety of trim colors available, and especially after 1973 in which various dashboard, rug & fabric combinations were offered.. it's best to select the year you wish to decode from the drop box below.
Paint Code - indicates the exterior paint color and vinyl top color if so equipped. A two part code indicates bottom and top colors respectively on a 2 tone paint option, or what color an optional stripe, convertible top or vinyl top was ordered. When a car has the same upper & lower code, it can be assumed the car was a solid color.
Chevy 13 Digit Vin Number Decoder
Old Chevy Vin Decoder Chart
Due to the wide variety of colors available, and especially in later years in which color keyed wheels, dual or triple tone color schemes or stripes were used, it's best to select the model year car you want to decode from the drop box. In addition to the codes, I've added color chips where available.
Paint Type Code: L = Lacquer, E = Enamel, W = Water
Starting in 1985 the paint types are:
DIS Lacquer - Dispersion LacquerSOL Lacquer - Solution Lacquer
BC CC - Base Coat/Clear Coat
Water - Enamel
Build Date - digit 1 & 2 identify month, 3rd digit identifies week.
Month code: 01 = Jan, 02 = Feb, 03 = Mar, 04 = Apr, 05 = May, 06 = Jun, 07 = Jul, 08 = Aug, 09 = Sep, 10 = Oct, 11 = Nov, 12 = Dec
Week code: A = 1st, B = 2nd, C = 3rd, D = 4th, E = 5th
Accessory codes (or optional information):
On Norwood cars, Z28 and SS (Z27) will be indicated here. In addition to the 'FS' on Type LT's, a 'S' may be in this area to signify Type LT's. In 1975 with the reintroduction of the Rally Sport, a Z85 will be in this position. In 1979 that designation was shortened to 'Z'. If the car was a standard sport coupe, this area would be blank.
If the car is a Super Sport, the tag will be stamped Z27. Next to this will be the engine RPO if it was a Big Block. (LS3, L78)
If the car was a Z28 the number next to the code is the stripe code. The stripe code corresponds with the year paint code. Blank = no stripes. 19 = black, 10 or 11 = white.
Stripe code in 1973 was
Blank = Wasn't ordered with D88 stripes YF8 = black stripes ZR8 = white stripes
One word of caution.. the 'reproduction' (or counterfeiting) market is now making these tags for sale - stamped as the buyer desires. As such, extra scrutiny should be used in comparing the body tag, VIN, any other documentation, and the actual car, to look for oddities.
The other 'demand' for these tags is not just to fake Z28's or Super Sports, but to restore a car, then get a trim tag to match the restored car and try and call it '100% original'. Not many people want to meticulously restore a lime green car with tan interior.
Batch codes - Very few people know how to decode these. I'll put more in here later. With the counterfeiting of trim tags, this is the last code which could be used to scrutinize the trim tag as being straight up, or faked.
Engine Decoding/IdentificationThis file has gotten so large that I've split this file up and moved the engine identification information here.
Transmission Decoding/Identification
This file has gotten so large that I've split this file up and moved the chevy transmission identification information to here.
Rear Axle Decoding/Identification
This file has gotten so large that I've split this file up and moved the chevy rear axle identification information to here.
Last updated: 2/19/2011
Author: MadMike Maciolek
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North Georgia Classic Camaro
All rights reserved
It is the tenth digit that gives you the model year for GM. Ive been working at a Chevy dealer for years running codes/vins.For example ( my examples only apply to 2001-2015 gm vehicles)Remember 10th digit from the beginning, (left to right).2001.. 12002..22003..3.etc.2009..9After 09 the tenth digit was given a letter2010.. A2011..B2012..C2013..D2014..E2015..FEtc..We have another 20 years worth of lettersThanks for reading.You can always check your model year by looking in your drivers side door jamb and it will give you model year. If it was assembled in July or later it's probably a model year later than listed.
- 1American GM
- 2Body style codes
- 2.2American engine codes
American GM[edit]
American VIN format[edit]
GM has traditionally encoded the platform as the fourth character of the VIN. Other content includes an engine code and manufacturing plant. GM's VIN format is as follows:
| on | Sample | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | World Manufacturer Identifier | |
| 2 | G | ||
| 3 | 6 | ||
| 4 | D | G | Platform |
| 5 | M | Platform Series Code | |
| 6 | 5 | Body style | |
| 7 | 7 | Restraint type | |
| 8 | N | Engine type | |
| 9 | 0 | Check digit | |
| 10 | 3 | Model year | |
| 11 | 0 | Factory ID | |
| 12 | 1 | Sequential number | |
| 13 | 2 | ||
| 14 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 7 | ||
| 16 | 6 | ||
| 17 | 2 |
Platform codes[edit]
GM used a lettered system of automobile platform codes for three decades. These letters were used as the fourth position of the VIN. Though today's GM platforms use Greek characters, they are still encoded with Latin characters in the fourth position. Position five encodes the specific model and trim level of the vehicle.
| List of GM platforms | Platform Code | Series Code | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| GM C platform | C | ||
| W | Buick Park Avenue | ||
| D, T | Cadillac DeVille | ||
| B | Cadillac Fleetwood | ||
| G | Cadillac Sixty Special | ||
| GM D platform | D | W | Cadillac Brougham |
| V | Buick Terraza | ||
| G, M, P, R, U | Cadillac CTS | ||
| GM E platform | E | C | Pontiac G8 |
| L, T | Cadillac Eldorado | ||
| Z | Buick Riviera | ||
| GM F platform | F | P | Chevrolet Camaro |
| S | Pontiac Firebird | ||
| V,W | Pontiac Firebird Formula/ Trans Am | ||
| GM G platform | G | R, S | 1995-99 Buick Riviera & Oldsmobile Aurora |
| GM H platform | H | P | Buick Le Sabre Custom |
| R | Buick Le Sabre Limited | ||
| X | Pontiac Bonneville SE | ||
| Y | Pontiac Bonneville SLE | ||
| Z | Pontiac Bonneville SSEi | ||
| GM J platform | J | B | Pontiac Sunfire |
| C, F | Chevrolet Cavalier | ||
| H | Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 | ||
| U | Pontiac Sunbird | ||
| GM2900 platform | J | T, U | Saturn L200 |
| W | Saturn L300 | ||
| GM K platform | K | D, E, F | Cadillac Deville |
| S | Cadillac Seville/ Cadillac SLS | ||
| Y | Cadillac Seville/ Cadillac STS | ||
| GM Kappa platform | M | A, B, E, F | Pontiac Solstice/ Saturn Sky |
| GM L platform | L | ||
| D | Chevrolet Corsica Base | ||
| T | Chevrolet Corsica LT | ||
| V | Chevrolet Beretta 'GT' | ||
| W | Chevrolet Beretta 'GT' RPO Z21 & Z26 | ||
| Z | Chevrolet Corsica LTZ RPO Z54 | ||
| Z | Chevrolet Beretta 'GTZ' RPO Z04 | ||
| GM M platform | M | R | Pontiac Firefly |
| GM N platform | N | D | Chevrolet Malibu |
| E | Chevrolet Malibu LS/ Pontiac Grand Am SE | ||
| F | Pontiac Grand Am SE1/ Oldsmobile Alero GLS | ||
| G | Pontiac Grand Am SE2 | ||
| K | Oldsmobile Alero Level I | ||
| L | Oldsmobile Alero Level II | ||
| V | Pontiac Grand Am GT1 | ||
| W | Pontiac Grand Am GT | ||
| GM P platform | P | ||
| E | Pontiac Fiero Coupe | ||
| F | Pontiac Fiero SE | ||
| G | Pontiac Fiero GT | ||
| M | Pontiac Fiero Sport coupe | ||
| GM S platform | S | L | Pontiac Vibe |
| M | Pontiac Vibe AWD | ||
| N | Pontiac Vibe GT | ||
| GM V platform | V | R | Cadillac Allanté/ Cadillac Catera |
| S | Cadillac Allanté coupe | ||
| X | Pontiac GTO coupe | ||
| GM W platform | W | B | Chevrolet Impala / Buick Regal LS |
| C | Buick Lacrosse / Allure (in Canada) CX | ||
| D | Buick Lacrosse / Allure (in Canada) CXL | ||
| E | Buick Lacrosse / Allure (in Canada) CXS | ||
| F | Chevrolet Impala/ Buick Regal GS | ||
| H | Chevrolet Impala LS | ||
| J | Pontiac Grand Prix SE | ||
| K | Pontiac Grand Prix SE1 | ||
| L | Chevrolet Lumina | ||
| P | Pontiac Grand Prix GT / Chevrolet Impala | ||
| R | Pontiac Grand Prix GTP | ||
| S | Buick Century Custom | ||
| W | Chevrolet Monte Carlo LS | ||
| X | Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS | ||
| Y | Buick Century Limited | ||
| GM Y platform | Y | V | Cadillac XLR |
| Y | Chevrolet Corvette | ||
| Z | Chevrolet Corvette | ||
| GM Z platform | Z | ||
| E | SC1 (manual transmission) | ||
| F | SC1 (automatic transmission), SL (manual transmission) | ||
| G | SC2 (manual transmission), SW1 (manual transmission), SL1 (manual transmission) | ||
| H | SC2 (automatic transmission), SW1 (automatic transmission LHD), SL1 (automatic transmission) | ||
| J | SW2 (manual transmission), SL2 (manual transmission) | ||
| K | SW2 (automatic transmission 1992-1999), SL2 (automatic transmission) | ||
| M | SW1 (automatic transmission RHD) | ||
| N | SC1 (manual transmission 3 Dr), SW2 (automatic transmission 2000-2001) | ||
| P | SC1 (automatic transmission 3 Dr) | ||
| R | SC2 (manual transmission 3 Dr) | ||
| Y | SC2 (automatic transmission 3 Dr) |
Body style codes[edit]
The Body type is specified as character six of the American GM VIN for passenger cars.
| VIN | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two-Door Coupe |
| 2 | Two-Door |
| 3 | Two-Door Convertible |
| 5 | Four-Door Sedan |
| 6 | Four-Door Sedan Hatchback |
| 8 | Four-Door Station Wagon/Two-Door Hatchback |
| 9 | Four-Door Station Wagon |
American restraint types[edit]
The restraint type is specified as character seven of the American GM VIN for passenger cars.
Missing Entry: Corvette Z06, vin code S 5.7L LS6 2001-2204 and vin code E 7.0L LS7 2005-2010 and later. 2010 Impala vin code K is a 3.5L MFI
American engine codes[edit]
GM encodes the engine type in character 8 of the VIN. The following table outlines the various engines encoded there:
Engine codes for passenger cars[edit]
2010 Chevy Malibu engine code B, 2.4lMistake on the engine code M, this M code comes out on the 1995 - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and the engine is an RPO L82 3.1 SFI engine. This engine made it's first appearance on the A-Body sisters Buick Century and Oldsmobile's Cutlass Ciera 'S', the 1994 L-Body Chevrolet Beretta/Corsica, and it's N-Body siblings, which include the Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Achieva, and Pontiac Grand Am, but Oldsmobile also had offerings of this engine offering in the 'Late' 1993 W-Body Cutlass for the engine to also incorporate into the 1994 model year W-Bodies, which included the Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, with the aforementioned Monte Carlo and it's sedan equivalent, the revised Lumina to follow suit the next model year, 1995. It continued it's second iteration, the LG8 3.1 in 2000 (VIN code 'J'), which finally ceased production in the 2005 model year W-Body version of the Century.
VIN code T also designates a 3.1 V6, the base engine in the 1990-92 Camaro/Firebird platform, and VIN code 8 is much better known as the L98 5.7 V8 TPI, standard in the 1985-91 Corvette and optional in the 1987-92 Camaro/Firebird platform .
Missing Entry: 1985-1988 Pontiac Fieros have a 9 engine code for the 2.8L L44 V6.
Missing Entry: The 2009 Corvette and 2011 Camaro SS use a W engine code for the 6.2L LS3 V8.
Missing Entry: Vin Code V for 2.4 L LE9 2.4L MFI I4
Warning: Issues with the decoding are related to year/model combinations. Such as the 4.1 V6 is not included in the list, however it was used on El Dorada and some Cadillac models. Each Year has different break down for each code, a complete list would be a subject of its own. Along with Plants and some model break downs over years.
Missing Entry: 1991 Limo with engine code 7, is not listed. According to one source the limo engine is a 5.7L.
Missing Entry: Corvette Z06, vin code S 5.7L LS6 2001-2204 and vin code E 7.0L LS7 2005-2010 and later
| VIN | RPO | Size | Type | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | L67 | 3.8 L | V6 | SFI |
| 2 | LY8 | 1.3 L | I4 | MFI |
| 4 | LN2 | 2.2 L | I4 | SFI |
| 6 | L42 | 2.2 L | I4 | MFI |
| 7 | LY7 | 3.6 L | V6 | SFI |
| 8 | LV6 | 1.8 L | I4 | MFI |
| 9 | L37 | 4.6 L | V8 | SFI |
| A | LGO | 2.3 L | I4 | MFI |
| C | L47 | 4.0 L | V8 | SFI |
| D | LD2 | 2.3 L | I4 | MFI |
| E | LA1 | 3.4 L | V6 | SFI |
| E | L03 | 5.0 L | V8 | TBI |
| F | L61 | 2.2 L | I4 | MFI |
| F | LB9 | 5.0 L | V8 | TPI |
| G | LS1 | 5.7 L | V8 | MFI |
| H | LX5 | 3.5 L | V6 | SFI |
| H | LG4 | 5.0 L | V8 | 4BBL |
| J | LG8 | 3.1 L | V6 | SFI |
| K | L36 | 3.8 L | V6 | SFI |
| L | LNK | 1.8 L | I4 | SFI |
| M | L95 | 1.4 L | I4 | MFI |
| M | LY9 | 2.6 L | V6 | MFI |
| N | LA3 | 3.2 L | V6 | MFI |
| P | LT1 | 5.7 L | V8 | SFI |
| P | LSJ | 2.0 L | I4 | SFI |
| R | L81 | 3.0 L | V6 | MFI |
| S | LS6 | 5.7 L | V8 | SFI |
| S | LB8 | 2.8 L | V6 | MPFi |
| T | LD9 | 2.4 L | I4 | SFI |
| U | LS2 | 6.0 L | V8 | MFI |
| W | L35 | 2.8 L | V6 | MPI |
| X | LG5 | 3.1 L | V6 | MPFI |
| Y | LD8 | 3.8 L | V8 | SFI |
LY7; 3.6; v6
Engine codes for light trucks[edit]
There is a mistake for 2012. The engine code for 4.8 L Flexfuel engine is an A and is not listed.
| VIN | Size | Type | Fuel | Gen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6.6L | V8 | Diesel | |
| 2 | 6.6L | V8 | Diesel | |
| B | 5.3L | V8 | Gas | III-L33 Vortec 5300 310hp Alum Block Alum Heads HO |
| C | 5.3L | V8 | FLEX | Gas/E85 Flex Fuel with Active Fuel Management |
| D | 6.6L | V8 | Diesel | |
| G | 8.1L | V8 | Gas | Vortec 8100 |
| H | 5.0L | V8 | Gas | |
| J | 6.2L | V8 | Gas | 2014+ L86 EcoTec3 With Active Fuel Management |
| K | 5.7L | V8 | GAS | TBI V0604VSA |
| L | 2.5L | I4 | Gas | |
| M | 5.3L | V8 | Gas | LH6 SFI |
| N | 6.0L | V8 | Gas | III-LQ9 |
| P | 5.3L | V8 | Gas | III-LM4 Vortec 5300 290hp Alum Block Alum Heads |
| R | 5.7L | V8 | Gas | L31 Vortec 5700 |
| S | 4.2L | I6 | Gas | |
| T | 5.3L | V8 | Gas | III-LM7 Vortec 5300 270-295hp |
| U | 6.0L | V8 | Gas | III-LQ4 |
| V | 4.8L | V8 | Gas | |
| W | 4.3L | V6 | Gas | CPI |
| X | 4.3L | V6 | Gas | Vortec Iron Block Iron Heads |
| Z | 4.3L | V6 | Gas | TBI |
American GM factories[edit]
List of GM Factories3GCPCREC3EG483841
GM WMIs[edit]
Also mistake on Country codes..GMC light trucks are not listed. The code is 1GT which indicates Ft Wayne, IN.Missing 2G6 on Country Codes.
| WMI | Marque | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1G1 | Chevrolet | United States |
| 2G1 | Canada | |
| 3G1 | Mexico | |
| KL1 | South Korea | |
| 9BG | Brazil | |
| 8AG | Argentina | |
| 8GG | Chile | |
| 8Z1 | Venezuela | |
| KLA | GM Daewoo | South Korea |
| 1G2 1G5 | Pontiac | United States |
| 2G2 | Canada | |
| 3G2 | Mexico | |
| 5Y2 | United States | |
| 6G2 | Australia | |
| KL2 | South Korea | |
| 1G3 | Oldsmobile | United States |
| 2G3 | Canada | |
| 1G4 | Buick | United States |
| 2G4 | Canada | |
| 3G4 | Mexico | |
| 1G6 | Cadillac | United States |
| W06 | Germany | |
| 1G8 | Saturn | United States |
| W08 | Belgium |
Do you want to learn about the engine, transmission, or any other vital info about your car? Would you like to find out when and where the car was produced? It's easy! You only need to use our free, handy, and intuitive VIN decoder.
What is a VIN Decoder?
A VIN decoder is an online tool designed to assist the automobiles buyers and owners know all the data related to a particular car easily and quickly. To use the tool, you need to input the VIN of the transport you are interested in, in the VIN decoder search bar and then click the 'decode' button. Whether you want statistic about your car or you need the information about the auto you want to buy, you will get all the crucial details about it on the screen once you click the decode button.
VIN Decoder is absolutely free
In most cases, when buyers go to a showroom to buy a car, they are uncertain about the features of a certain vehicle. Sometimes they are afraid they might end up buying a car with different features rather than the ones they expected. Sometimes they don't know the origin of the car, the model or even how old it is. If you find yourself in this confusing situation, VIN decoder is your savior. It will eradicate all those fears you have since it provides you with all the vital data about the car you are purchasing.
How VIN Decoder Works?
VIN decoder works straightforwardly. With immense data about all the vehicles, it can access and provide details about any carrier. The information about vehicles stored in VIN decoder includes features such the engine, the make of the car, model, transmission type, the year when it was produced, the place of manufacture, production number and much more. The data stored here is continuously updated and more data added. Therefore, you get the correct and up-to-date data about a particular car.
Hence, the VIN decoder identification can protect you from fraudulent vehicle deals especially when buying a car.
What Vehicles can VIN Decode?
Introduced in 1981 in the USA, VIN system doesn't cover all types of vehicles. Here we have compiled some of the vehicles where you can use the Vehicle Identification Number:
- Car;
- SUV;
- Pickup;
- Motorcycle;
- VAN;
- Commercial Truck;
- RV and Motorhome;
- Moped and Scooter;
- Buses;
- ATV.
What is a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?
A vehicle identification number is a unique cryptogram for identifying a specific automobile. Basically, it is like a vehicle's fingerprint since no two vehicles can share the same vehicle identification number.
The VIN is a composition of 17 characters (capital letters and digits) that serves as a unique identifier for each vehicle. However, it doesn't include letters I, O and Q. The VIN shows the unique specifications, features, and manufacturer of each vehicle. They help track recalls, registrations, insurance coverage, warranty claims, and theft.
What does each digit mean in a VIN?
In the VIN number, the first digit shows the country where the vehicle was manufactured, the second and third digits shows the maker or the manufacturer, and the car type respectively. The fourth and the eighth characters represent the vehicle attributes such as brand and the size. The ninth digit represents the security code that classifies the VIN as approved by the maker. The tenth digit represents the model year of the vehicle, and the eleventh digit shows the authorized plant which assembled the vehicle (table below). The last six characters represent the serial number.
Here is a table simplifying the VIN:
| VIN Digit | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1st digit | Country |
| 2nd digit | Region / Maker |
| 3rd digit | Vehicle Type |
| 4th digit | Vehicle Attributes |
| 5th digit | Vehicle Attributes |
| 6th digit | Vehicle Attributes |
| 7th digit | Vehicle Attributes |
| 8th digit | Vehicle Attributes |
| 9th digit | Check digit |
| VIN Digit | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 10th digit | Year |
| 11th digit | Assembly Plant |
| 12th digit | Sequential Number |
| 13th digit | Sequential Number |
| 14th digit | Sequential Number |
| 15th digit | Sequential Number |
| 16th digit | Sequential Number |
| 17th digit | Sequential Number |
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)
World Manufacturer Identifier briefly referred to as WMI code is part of the 17 digits of the VIN. It describes a specific vehicle in terms of the country where it was produced, the manufacturer and the type of the vehicle. It is usually the first three digits of VIN. If a manufacturer manufactures less than 1000 vehicles yearly, uses 9 as the third character and the 12th, 13th and 14th characters of the VIN for the next part of identification.
- Country — It is represented by the first character in the VIN, e.g., AA-AH represents South Africa.
- Manufacturer — Represented by the second character e.g.,1G represents General Motors in the US.
- Vehicle Type — It is represented by the third character, e.g., 1G1 represents Chevrolet passenger cars.
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
The 4th to 8th characters are usually set aside to acquire the descriptive features of the vehicle. Almost all the essential data encoded in a VIN is captured here. However, some attributes of the specific vehicle captured are left to the maker to decide. And to make everything more intricate, each maker possesses a unique system of encoding vehicle data into the VIN.
- Vehicle Attributes — The main data captured here include the engine, restraint system and the body type.
- Check Digit — It is represented by the ninth digit. It is the security code that classifies the VIN as approved by the maker. It verifies the first eight digits based on mathematical calculations developed by the Transportation Department in the US.
Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)
13 Digit Vin Decoder Gm
This starts from the 10th character to 17th character.
- Year — The 10th character stands for the year the vehicle was built. The years are represented as follows:
Code Year A 1980 B 1981 C 1982 D 1983 E 1984 F 1985 G 1986 H 1987 J 1988 K 1989 L 1990 Code Year M 1991 N 1992 P 1993 R 1994 S 1995 T 1996 V 1997 W 1998 X 1999 Y 2000 1 2001 Code Year 2 2002 3 2003 4 2004 5 2005 6 2006 7 2007 8 2008 9 2009 A 2010 B 2011 C 2012 Code Year D 2013 E 2014 F 2015 G 2016 H 2017 J 2018 K 2019 L 2020 M 2021 N 2022 P 2023 - Assembly Plant — It is represented by the 11th character, and it shows the plant where the vehicle was built.
- Sequential Number — This is the serial characters of the vehicle represented by digits starting from 12th to 17th.
Where to find VIN?
The VIN can be found on either the vehicle and in the documents. Whether in the documents or on the vehicle, it should be the same. It is essential to make sure the VIN on the record matches that one on the vehicle especially if you are buying a second-hand car.
Depending on the firm which produced a vehicle, you can find VIN in different locations.
- On vehicle:
- The lower corner of the dashboard near the driver (you can also see it from outside). Some manuals call it windshield;
- Drivers or passenger’s door jamb. You can see it whenever you open the door;
- The front area of the block with the engine, below the hood of the car.
- In the documents. You can find it in these documents:
- Vehicle title;
- Insurance card;
- Manuals;
- Car registration card;
- Body repair records;
- Police reports.
Why does a VIN Matter?
There are circumstances in which you will need to check VIN of a vehicle because a lot of information registries utilize it to capture details about the vehicle.
If you are planning to purchase a second-hand vehicle, you can check VIN of the vehicle you want to buy to know more about it such as acquire information concerning its previous owners, repairs and if it had been involved in accidents. You will also be able to know if the maker of the car had at any time issued a recall of the car and whether the repairs in question were taken care of. Lastly, the VIN assist the law enforcement agencies in identifying stolen vehicles.
Is it Safe to Give Out a VIN Number?
Absolutely, Yes. Failure to do so will make anyone interested in buying your car unable to verify some features about the care which you claim your car has. That may make them suspicious of your claims about your car attributes.
VIN is not a sensitive element like a social security number, and there is no harm in giving it out to whoever is concerned. While the Vehicle Identification Number is unique for a specific car, it cannot put your safety at risk if you give it out. Sincerely speaking, some VIN is placed in open areas on the vehicle where anyone can access them easily such as on the dashboard. Besides, you are always driving around every day with your license plate suspended on your car. Also, any license plate can be effortlessly convert to a VIN on the same site.
Example of VIN Decoding
The vehicle identification number is used to identify your car. It consists of unique letters and numbers with special meaning and offers information about your car. There are various reasons you may want to decode it. Maybe you are replacing a part of your car, and you need to get the same replacement part, or perhaps you are buying a car, and you want to be sure about its features as claimed by the owner. Whatever the reason you want to decode it, you will get a lot of information about it.
Here is an example of VIN decoding:
| VIN | Year | Manufacturer | Model | Engine | Trim |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1FTFW1CT5DFC10312 | 2013 | Ford | F-150 | 3.5L V6 TURBO | FX2 SuperCrew 5.5-ft. Bed 2WD |
| 1GC5CZEG0F0017106 | 2015 | Chevrolet | Silverado | 6.0 Li | 3500 LT |
| 4T1BG28K81U790207 | 2001 | Toyota | Camry | 2.2L L4 DOHC 16V | CE |
| WBA5B3C50GG252337 | 2016 | BMW | 5-Series | 3.0L L6 DOHC 24V | 535i xDrive |
| JN1AZ4EH7DM430111 | 2013 | Nissan | Z | 3.7L V6 DOHC 24V | 370Z Coupe |
14 Number Vin Decoder
How to Lookup a VIN?
Start by inputting the VIN of the car in the VIN decoder search bar. You will get the history of the car you are looking for such as the general info about the car, if it was involved in an accident, crash and manufacturer recalls among other information. You will also know the appropriate equipment of the car which may include the kind of air conditioning, windows, and reupholster. Check VIN to see the odometer readings, and also see archival photos, if they exist for your car.
How can I Decode a VIN?
Now you understand the primary information concerning VIN; you are prepared to continue to the next step which is the epitome of the whole process. What should you do next? To decode your vehicle, you should follow these four steps, and you will get the information you need about your vehicle for free.
13 Number Vin Decoder Lookup
- Enter your VIN into VIN decoder search bar.
- Click on the “Decode” button.
- Receive free information about your vehicle in a matter of seconds.
- You can access the report using your laptop or your phone.
From what you have read here from the start up to here, the process is very straightforward and thanks to our free VIN decoder, you don't need to pay anything. So, don't risk the next time you want to buy a second-hand car.
13 Number Vin Decoder Number
Consider using our decoder today. It is absolutely free, reliable, fast and it will come in handy next time you are purchasing a car. Give it a try, and you will never regret your decision!