How to decode a 2004 Mitsubishi Montero VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 Mitsubishi Montero VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), signifying the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For example, Mitsubishi Montero models produced in 2004 have a WMI beginning with “JA4,” indicating they were manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Japan, specifically aimed to be multipurpose passenger vehicles. This code is essential for identifying the vehicle’s origin, make, and specific attributes tied to its manufacturer’s details. Manufacturers like Mitsubishi Motors, based in Minato-Ku, Tokyo, utilize these identifiers to ensure each vehicle can be accurately traced and identified, reflecting its global footprint in the automotive industry. This system aids in standardizing vehicle identification worldwide, streamlining registration, recall processes, and maintenance history tracking.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 Mitsubishi Montero

WMI: JA4

Model Years Covered: 1985, 1987, 1990, 1994-2006
Example VIN: JA4MW51S04J006856
Manufacturer Name: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Minato-Ku
State or Province: Tokyo
Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2004 Mitsubishi Montero 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 2004 Mitsubishi Montero:

Known VDS for a 2004 Mitsubishi Montero
MW51S

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 2004 Mitsubishi Montero 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 2004 Mitsubishi Montero VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
4	2004

11th Character in the 2004 Mitsubishi Montero VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
J	Nagoya		Japan	Nagoya-3	JA4MW51S04J006856

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 Mitsubishi Montero

The final 6 characters in a 2004 Mitsubishi Montero’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Mitsubishi Montero’s VIN below:

How to find a 2004 Mitsubishi Montero’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2004 Mitsubishi Montero is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Inspect the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mitsubishi Montero. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield.
Look at the door frame for the driver’s side door of your Mitsubishi Montero. There should be a label or a sticker where the door latches when closed that includes the VIN.
Examine the engine block of your 2004 Mitsubishi Montero, as the VIN can also be stamped onto the engine itself.
Check the vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card for the Mitsubishi Montero, as the VIN will be printed there.
Explore the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. The VIN might be located above the tire on the frame.

What info can a 2004 Mitsubishi Montero VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2004, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Make and Model: The VIN decodes to reveal the vehicle as a Montero, providing insights into the make and model for identification purposes.
Engine Specifications: Details such as a V-Shaped engine configuration, a 3.8-liter displacement, and six cylinders can be discerned, offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, indicating the energy source that powers it.
Drive Type and Body Class: The VIN indicates a 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 system and identifies the vehicle as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), which hints at its versatility and off-road capability.
Safety Features: The presence of a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) of the Direct type is revealed, which is a critical safety feature monitoring tire pressure.
Manufacturing Information: Details such as the plant city being Nagoya and the plant country being Japan provide context on where the vehicle was produced, adding to its history and pedigree.

Don’t have your 2004 Mitsubishi Montero’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 Mitsubishi Montero

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	3800.0
Displacement (CI)	231.89022755998
Displacement (L)	3.8
Doors	5
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Model	Montero
Model Year	2004
Plant City	Nagoya
Plant Company Name	NAGOYA-3
Plant Country	Japan
Series	PREMIUM
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Valve Train Design	Single Overhead Cam (SOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	JA4MW51S*4J
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	JA4MW51S04J006856