How to decode a 2002 Nissan Sentra VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2002 Nissan Sentra VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique three-character sequences that identify the manufacturer of a specific vehicle. These codes form the initial part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a 17-character serial number used to provide vital information about the vehicle. For instance, the WMI “3N1” is designated for Nissan Mexicana, S.A. de C.V., indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by Nissan in Mexico. This code is crucial for 1995-2024 model years, helping to accurately identify vehicles, their manufacturing location, and specific details related to their production. For example, a Nissan Sentra from the year 2002 would bear this WMI, pointing towards its origins and specifications as defined by its unique VIN.

List of WMI Codes for a 2002 Nissan Sentra

WMI: 3N1

Model Years Covered: 1995-2024
Example VIN: 3N1CB51A02L551971
Manufacturer Name: Nissan Mexicana, S.A. de C.V.
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City:
State or Province: C.P.
Country: Mexico

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2002 Nissan Sentra 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 2002 Nissan Sentra:

Known VDS for a 2002 Nissan Sentra
CB51A	AB51D	AB51A	CB51D

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 2002 Nissan Sentra 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 2002 Nissan Sentra VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
2	2002

11th Character in the 2002 Nissan Sentra VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2002 Nissan Sentra Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
L	Aguascalientes City	Aguascalientes	Mexico	Aguascalientes Assembly	3N1CB51A02L551971

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2002 Nissan Sentra

The final 6 characters in a 2002 Nissan Sentra’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2002 Nissan Sentra’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2002 Nissan Sentra is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Nissan Sentra. The VIN should be visible through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). The VIN might also be found on a sticker or plate in this location.
Examine the engine block, as the VIN is sometimes stamped onto the engine itself in the Nissan Sentra.
Inspect the frame of the vehicle beneath the hood. The VIN might be stamped on the car frame near the windshield washer fluid container.
Look at your vehicle’s title, registration, or insurance documents, which should all have the VIN for your Nissan Sentra 2002 listed.

What info can a 2002 Nissan Sentra VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2002, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Type and Size: It is categorized as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, possibly suggesting a focus on passenger comfort and accessibility.
Make and Model: This data points to a Nissan Sentra, possibly providing a clear identification of the vehicle’s brand and model name.
Engine Specifications: The engine is a Nissan QG18DE, with a 1.8 Liter displacement and an In-Line configuration. It might have 4 cylinders and operates on a 4-stroke cycle, further detailed with a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which can possibly suit the engine’s design for efficiency and performance.
Safety Features: Safety is highlighted with airbags located in both the 1st row (Driver and Passenger) and across all rows, along with the inclusion of manual seat belts, demonstrating the vehicle’s possible commitment to occupant safety.
Manufacturing Information: The VIN reveals that the vehicle was assembled in Nissan’s Aguascalientes Assembly plant in Aguascalientes City, Mexico, possibly offering insight into its geographic origin of production.

Don’t have your 2002 Nissan Sentra’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2002 Nissan Sentra

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	1800.0
Displacement (CI)	109.84273937051
Displacement (L)	1.8
Doors	4
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	Nissan
Engine Model	QG18DE
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Engine Stroke Cycles	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
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	Sentra
Model Year	2002
Plant City	Aguascalientes City
Plant Company Name	Aguascalientes assembly
Plant Country	Mexico
Plant State	Aguascalientes
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Side Air Bag Locations	All Rows
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	3N1CB51A*2L
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	3N1CB51A02L551971