Diesel Data: Automotive Repair

Vehicle Identification Number






DESCRIPTION




Figure 1 - VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER PLATE
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate is attached to the top left side of the instrument panel. The VIN contains 17 characters that provide data concerning the vehicle. Refer to the decoding chart to determine the identification of a vehicle.

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.

POSITIONS 1 - 3: WORLD MANUFACTURER IDENTIFIER





POSITION 4: RESTRAINT SYSTEM





POSITIONS 5 - 7:

Brand, marketing name, price series, code drive position, drive type, and body type.






POSITION 8: ENGINE





POSITION 9: CHECK DIGIT

0 through 9 or X

POSITION 10: MODEL YEAR

C = 2012

POSITION 11: ASSEMBLY PLANT





POSITION 12 - 17: PLANT SEQUENCE NUMBER

A six digit number assigned by assembly plant.