How to decode a 2004 Nissan Maxima VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 Nissan Maxima VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code not only identifies the manufacturer but also provides information about the vehicle type and the country of manufacture. For instance, Nissan North America, Inc., based in Franklin, Tennessee, USA, uses the WMI “1N4” for its passenger cars. This identifier is critical for distinguishing vehicle specifics, such as the model and production year. As seen with Nissan, the WMI “1N4” specifically covers various model years, including 2004 Nissan Maxima, indicating its production for the North American market by Nissan.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 Nissan Maxima

WMI: 1N4

Model Years Covered: 2004-2014, 2016-2023
Example VIN: 1N4BA41E04C808494
Manufacturer Name: Nissan North America, Inc.
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Franklin
State or Province: Tennessee
Country: United States

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

Known VDS for a 2004 Nissan Maxima
BA41E

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 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 2004 Nissan Maxima VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
4	2004

11th Character in the 2004 Nissan Maxima VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 Nissan Maxima Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
C	Smyrna	Tennessee	United States	Smyrna Plant	1N4BA41E04C808494

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 Nissan Maxima

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

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How to find a 2004 Nissan Maxima’s VIN?

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

Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Nissan Maxima, just below the windshield where it can often be seen from outside the vehicle.
Inspect the driver’s side door jamb. Your 2004 Nissan Maxima should have the VIN on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
Look at the engine block. The VIN can sometimes be found stamped onto the engine of your Nissan Maxima.
Examine the vehicle’s frame. The VIN might be stamped onto the car’s frame in the area where the hood latch is located.
Consult the Nissan owner’s manual or maintenance records. The VIN is usually recorded in all official documents related to the car. 6. If you still can’t locate the VIN, it might be registered with your state’s vehicle licensing agency (e.g., the DMV). You can request a vehicle history report using your license plate number, which will include the VIN.

What info can a 2004 Nissan Maxima VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the year 2004 and giving insights into the age and potential technological and safety features of the vehicle.
Make and Model: The VIN specifies the vehicle as a Nissan Maxima, providing immediate recognition of the vehicle’s brand heritage and market positioning.
Engine Specifications: Details like a 3.5 Liter, V6 engine with an engine model of VQ35DE, manufactured by Nissan, are encoded, indicating the vehicle’s power capabilities, fuel efficiency, and overall performance character.
Safety Features: Airbag locations are specified, including all rows, the 1st row for both driver and passenger, and side airbags for the 1st row, showcasing the vehicle’s comprehensive approach to occupant safety.
Fuel Type: The VIN identifies the vehicle as running on Gasoline, which may influence owner considerations like fuel economy and operating costs.
Drive Type and Body Class: The VIN indicates a 4x2 drive system and describes the vehicle body as a Sedan/Saloon, offering insights into its handling characteristics and interior space.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides specifics such as the manufacturing plant location in Smyrna, Tennessee, United States, underlining the vehicle’s production background, which could affect parts availability and service considerations.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 Nissan Maxima

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Curtain Air Bag Locations	All Rows
Displacement (CC)	3500.0
Displacement (CI)	213.58310433156
Displacement (L)	3.5
Doors	4
Drive Type	4x2
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	Nissan
Engine Model	VQ35DE
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model	Maxima
Model Year	2004
Plant City	Smyrna
Plant Company Name	Smyrna plant
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Tennessee
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1N4BA41E*4C
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	1N4BA41E04C808494