Free 1998 Nissan Maxima VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Nissan Maxima VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Nissan Maxima VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique, three-letter code designated to every vehicle manufacturer globally to indicate essential information about the vehicle, including its place of production and the manufacturer’s identity. In the case of the 1998 Nissan Maxima, the WMI “JN1” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., which is based in Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. This code is the initial part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides a detailed and standardized identification for individual vehicles. The WMI reveals that this particular Nissan Maxima is a passenger car, reflecting its designed use. Understanding the WMI is crucial for various stakeholders in the automotive industry, including manufacturers, regulators, and consumers, for purposes of identification, registration, and compliance with safety standards.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Nissan Maxima

WMI: JN1

• Model Years Covered: 1981, 1985-2003
• Example VIN: JN1CA21A3WM800986
• Manufacturer Name: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Chuo-Ku
• State or Province: Tokyo
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 Nissan Maxima 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 1998 Nissan Maxima:

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 1998 Nissan Maxima 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 1998 Nissan Maxima VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Nissan Maxima VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Nissan Maxima Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Nissan Maxima

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Nissan Maxima’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 Nissan Maxima VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as the 1998 Maxima, providing clarity on the vehicle’s production year and potential market value.
• Engine Specifications: Information within the VIN, such as a V-Shaped engine configuration with 3,000 CC (3 L) displacement and manufactured by Nissan, may hint at the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is a Sedan/Saloon, suggesting a four-door configuration designed for comfort and style.
• Safety Features: Standard safety features, like the presence of front and side airbags for both driver and passenger in the 1st row, are often encoded within the VIN, indicating the vehicle’s commitment to passenger safety.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle, such as Gasoline, is typically specified, offering insight into the vehicle’s environmental impact and fuel consumption.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN often reveals the vehicle’s manufacturing location, including the plant city Tochigi, and country Japan, shedding light on the origin and quality assurance processes of the vehicle.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN indicates the GVWR class, placing this vehicle into Class 1: 6,000 lb or less, providing information on the vehicle’s maximum safe weight, which can influence its handling and performance.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Nissan Maxima

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