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VIN Numbers Explained Free VIN Number Decoding Guide & Lookup
What is a VIN Number & How do I decode and understand my VIN
The VIN vehicle identification number is a standard 17 digit reference unique to each vehicle. This standard method of identifying a vehicle is known as the WMI (World Manufacture Identifier) and has been in place since 1981 Numbers/letters 1 to 3 (WMI) These are assigned to the manufacturer (WMI) and will detail the company and where in the world they are based Example: KMH K= Korea MH= Hyundai Numbers/letters 4 to 9 are Vehicle Descriptive Section (VDS) Will refer to a vehicles individual details including model, engine type, body style, seat belts,drive etc The 9th number is often used as a check digit and is compulsory for cars made in North America A Check Digit is calculated through a number of mathematical steps. Each letter used in a VIN has a corresponding number value and using the correct calculation the result can show if the VIN is correct. Numbers/letters 10 to 17 are the Vehicle Identification Section (VIS) Position 10 Will usually give a guide to the year of manufacture (not always the same as the year it was registered) S = 1995 T = 1996 V = 1997 W = 1998 X = 1999 Y = 2000 1 = 2001 2 = 2002 3 = 2003 4 = 2004 5 = 2005 6 = 2006 7 = 2007 8 = 2008 9 = 2009 A = 2010 B = 2011 C = 2012 D = 2013 E = 2014 F = 2015 G = 2016 H = 2017 J = 2018 K = 2019 L = 2020 M = 2021 N = 2022 P = 2023 R = 2024 Positions 11 Is usually the Plant code The rest to 17 Can detail anything on the vehicle although they are usually the production sequence numbers and therefore produce a unique serial number |
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