Free 1997 Cadillac Catera VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Cadillac Catera VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Cadillac Catera VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) comprises the first three characters of a vehicle’s unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), signifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, make, and country of origin. For instance, the 1997 Cadillac Catera, which flaunts a WMI of W06, indicates it was produced by Adam Opel AG, a well-known manufacturer operating out of Russelsheim, Germany. Despite its luxurious Cadillac branding for the American market, the WMI reveals its European manufacturing origin, specifically designed as a passenger car. The WMI serves as an essential tool in identifying key vehicle specifics, including its global manufacturer identity, offering a swift way to understand a vehicle’s foundational heritage and design purpose. This system ensures each vehicle carries a unique identifier, reflecting its production history and lineage.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Cadillac Catera

WMI: W06

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2001
• Example VIN: W06VR54R6VR159207
• Manufacturer Name: Adam Opel AG
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Russelsheim
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Cadillac Catera 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 1997 Cadillac Catera:

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 1997 Cadillac Catera 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 1997 Cadillac Catera VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Cadillac Catera VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Cadillac Catera Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Cadillac Catera

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Cadillac Catera’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1997 Cadillac Catera VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that it was possibly manufactured in 1997, offering insights into its age and potentially its design features.
• Engine Specifications: The vehicle possibly features a 3.0 L V-shaped engine with 6 cylinders, most likely produced by Opel, illustrating its powertrain setup and potential performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: Safety mechanisms may include front airbags for the driver and front passenger in the first row, as well as side airbags, emphasizing the vehicle’s possible focus on occupant protection.
• Vehicle Type and Body: The vehicle is described as a Passenger Car with a Sedan/Saloon body class, identifying the model’s possible design and intended use, offering clues about its size, capacity, and style.
• Fuel Injection Type: The vehicle is equipped with Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI), potentially impacting its fuel efficiency and performance.
• Manufacturing Details: The model, Catera, was possibly assembled in Russelsheim, Germany by Opel, hinting at the possible quality and engineering approach of the manufacturing plant.
• Additional Features: The Catera possibly features manual seat belts, a 4-door configuration, and the same number of windows, indicating its possible convenience and safety specifications.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Cadillac Catera

Source