Free 1985 GMC Suburban VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1985 GMC Suburban VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1985 GMC Suburban VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code designated to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe, serving as the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It comprises three characters that provide detailed information about the vehicle’s manufacturer, including the country, type, and manufacturing division. For 1985 GMC Suburban vehicles, the WMI “1G5” signifies that General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan, produced them. These vehicles are classified as Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPVs), highlighting their versatile nature for both passenger and cargo transportation. This code not only helps in identifying the vehicle’s origin but also plays a crucial role in recall, registration, and insurance processes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1985 GMC Suburban

WMI: 1G5

• Model Years Covered: 1983-1986
• Example VIN: 1G5GK26J0FF530535
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1985 GMC Suburban VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1985 GMC Suburban:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1985 GMC Suburban VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 1985 GMC Suburban VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1985 GMC Suburban VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1985 GMC Suburban Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1985 GMC Suburban

The final 6 characters in a 1985 GMC Suburban’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1985 GMC Suburban VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 1985, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN encodes details such as the make, Chevrolet Suburban, and engine specifics, such as a 5.7-liter V-shaped engine with 8 cylinders, offering insights into the performance and capability of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Drive Type: A VIN can specify the body class and drive type. In the case of the Chevrolet Suburban, the VIN reveals it as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with a 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 system, highlighting its versatility and off-road capabilities.
• Engine and Fuel Specifications: The VIN provides critical information about the engine’s size, power, and fuel efficiency, with a significant displacement of 5700 CC (or 5.7 L) and a primary fuel type of Gasoline.
• Safety and Regulatory Information: The VIN also offers insights into the vehicle’s safety features and regulatory classification. For example, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) falls within Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), potentially indicating usage limitations.
• Manufacturing Details: Detailed manufacturing information, including the assembly plant’s location in Kansas City, Michigan, under Flint Truck Assembly and a specific engine manufactured by Chevrolet, can impact collectability and part sourcing.
• Vehicle Type and Series: The VIN details the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle with a “Conventional Cab” series and a “1/2 ton nominal” trim, providing further understanding of its intended use, capacity, and design nuances.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1985 GMC Suburban

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