Vehicle Identification
Number VIN
By
Dwayne
Hickman
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.
 8th character- Identifies vehicle engine
size, in liters or cubic inches.
 9th character- Identifies VIN accuracy as
check digit.
9th 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)-----2001(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.