Free Chevrolet VIN decoder: lookup windows sticker / build sheet options

Example: 1GCPTDE16K1285394

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A 17-digit identification number, known as a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), is assigned to each Chevrolet car. This code, comprised of characters and digits, can be found on the actual car. It is used by various organizations, including Chevrolet, car dealerships, and insurance companies, to identify and track a specific car. To learn more about the details encoded in the VIN of your Chevrolet, such as the brand and model of the vehicle, its production history, and other information, you can use a tool called a VIN decoder. This can help enhance your understanding of your specific Chevrolet. Fun fact: Chevrolet, also known as Chevy, is an American car company founded in 1911. They produce a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, trucks, and SUVs.

Where to find Chevrolet VIN number

The exact location of the VIN number can vary, but a specific car can be identified by its unique VIN or Vehicle Identification Number. It can be found in several places, such as:

On the driver's side dashboard, near the bottom of the windshield. It should be visible from outside through the windshield.
At the spot where the driver-side door jamb connects to the vehicle's frame when closed.
In automobile-related literature, such as the owner's manual.
On documents like the title, registration, and insurance policies, which can be stored at home, in the glove compartment, or in the trunk.
Engraved on the engine block, often found near the front of the engine.
On the vehicle's frame or chassis.
On the transmission. It's worth noting that if a vehicle history report is available for the car, the VIN may also be listed on it. This report contains information about the ownership, maintenance, and accident history of the vehicle.

Chart option of VIN number

The World Manufacturer Identifier, commonly known as WMI, is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a Chevrolet vehicle. It is typically the first three characters found in a VIN and helps determine the country of origin, manufacturer, and type of vehicle. Here are some examples of WMI codes for Chevrolet vehicles:

WMI code	Company	Location	Vehicle Type	Date
1G1, 1G3, 1G4, 1G6, 1G7, 1G8	GM (USA)	USA	Various	2007-03-19
1GA	GM (USA)	USA	Buses	2015-09-07
1GB	GM (USA)	USA	Vans, Chassis	2007-03-19
1GC	GM (USA)	USA	Vans, Light Trucks	2007-03-19
1GE	GM (USA)	USA	Various	2007-03-19
1GN	GM (USA)	USA	MPVs	2007-03-19
KL1	GM-DAT (KOR)	Korea	Various	1899-12-31
KL7	GM-DAT (KOR)	Korea	MPVs	2015-09-08
KL8	GM-DAT (KOR)	Korea	Light Trucks	2015-09-08
KLN	GM-DAT (KOR)	Korea	Various	1899-12-31
KLY	GM-DAT (KOR)	Korea	Electric Vehicles	2013-03-25

A VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section) is a part of the VIN that provides specific details about the vehicle model, body style, engine type, and transmission. It generally consists of six to seven characters, which can be used to determine the vehicle's original configuration and check for any modifications.

A VIS (Vehicle Identification Section) is another portion of the VIN, which also offers specific information about the vehicle, such as the model, body style, engine type, and transmission. The VIS typically consists of six to eight characters, which can be used to identify the vehicle's attributes, place of production, build sequence, and production year.

What you can know from VIN decoder tool

A VIN decoder tool can reveal a variety of details about a car, including:

The brand, model, and year of the car;
The engine type and size;
The transmission type;
The trim level, options, and packages;
The body style and number of doors of the car;
The location where the car was made;
Safety features and equipment installed;
The date of production and serial number;
The color and interior trim of the car;
The fuel efficiency and emissions rating;
Recall and service bulletins issued;
Warranty information from the manufacturer;
Registration and title information.

Example of free VIN decoding

The VIN number "1GCDL19W7YB219298" belongs to a 2000 Chevrolet Astro Cargo Base.

1st character (1): Indicates the country of origin, in this case, it is the USA.
2nd character (G): Indicates the manufacturer, in this case, it is General Motors (GM).
3rd-8th characters (CDL19W): Identify the model, in this case, it is the Chevrolet Astro Cargo Base.
9th character (7): Check digit, used to ensure the accuracy of the VIN.
10th character (Y): Identifies the model year, in this case, it is 2000.
11th character (B): Identifies the manufacturer's plant code, in this case, it is Baltimore/Lansing (Craft Center).
12th-17th characters (219298): Identify the production number, used to identify the specific vehicle within the production run.

Using this breakdown of the VIN, we can determine that this is a 2000 Chevrolet Astro Cargo Base, manufactured in Baltimore/Lansing (Craft Center), Maryland, and Michigan by General Motors LLC.

What you can know from VIN history

In a vehicle history report, often referred to as a VHR, you can find additional information about a car's background, such as:

Past ownership and registration;
Accidents, repair, and damage reports;
Service and maintenance records;
Recalls, safety alerts, and defects;
Odometer readings and rollback history;
Salvage or scrap status;
Flood or fire damage;
Lemon history;
Records of total loss;
Emissions test results;
Title and registration information;
Plate numbers;
Insurance claims and reports.

The plate may have been covered up using paint or other methods, or the VIN may have been lost.
The owner of the vehicle or someone seeking to conceal the identity of the vehicle may have intentionally removed the VIN.

Reach out to the vehicle's manufacturer. They may have records of the VIN or be able to provide information on how to obtain it.
If known, contact the dealership where the car was purchased. They may be able to assist in obtaining the VIN or may already have records of it.