Free 1997 Acura RL VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Acura RL VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Acura RL VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. These three-character codes, as part of a vehicle’s VIN, provide valuable information including the manufacturer name, vehicle type, and country of origin. For instance, the WMI for a 1997 Acura RL indicates that Honda Motor Co., Ltd., a renowned vehicle maker based in Tokyo, Japan, is its manufacturer. This code specifically identifies passenger cars produced by the company. The presence of this WMI in a vehicle’s VIN is a testament to Honda’s legacy in crafting quality vehicles and assures the holder of globally recognized manufacturing standards.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Acura RL

WMI: JH4

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2012
• Example VIN: JH4KA9650VC006723
• Manufacturer Name: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Tokyo
• State or Province: Musashi
• Country: Japan

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

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 Acura RL 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 Acura RL VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Acura RL VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Acura RL Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Acura RL

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

What info can a 1997 Acura RL VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Plant Location: It can pinpoint the manufacturing location, including the country, city, and state where the vehicle was produced.
• Vehicle Specifications: Detailed specifications such as the make, model information, including its engine model, type, and fuel type, are often encoded within the VIN.
• Engine Details: Insights into the engine’s specifics, such as displacement in liters, cubic inches, or cubic centimeters, along with the engine brake horsepower and the number of cylinders, may be derived from the VIN.
• Transmission and Valve Train Design: The VIN may reveal the type of transmission and the valve train design, providing a deeper understanding of the vehicle’s mechanical makeup.
• Body Class and Doors: Information about the vehicle’s body class and the number of doors can often be obtained, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and functionality.
• Safety and Series Information: Additional details like the series might give clues about the level of luxury or additional features the vehicle may possess, whereas safety features and standards typically tied to a specific make and model can be inferred, enhancing a user’s knowledge about the vehicle’s positioning and safety record.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Acura RL