How to decode a 1998 Acura RL VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Acura RL VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) forms the initial segment of a vehicle’s unique identification number (VIN), which serves as a global standard to identify the manufacturer of a particular vehicle. For the 1998 Acura RL, the WMI is “JH4”, indicating it was produced by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. This specific WMI points to a passenger car built in Tokyo, Musashi, Japan, reflecting both the vehicle’s type and geographical origin. The presence of a WMI not only aids in identifying the manufacturer but also facilitates the tracking of safety recalls, registrations, and warranty claims, ensuring a level of transparency and accountability within the automotive industry. The WMI is integral to distinguishing one vehicle make and model from another in the vast global market.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Acura RL

WMI: JH4

Model Years Covered: 1996-2012
Example VIN: JH4KA9660WC005193
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 1998 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 1998 Acura RL:

Known VDS for a 1998 Acura RL
KA966	KA968	KA964	KA965

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 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 1998 Acura RL VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 Acura RL VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Acura RL Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
C	Sayama	Saitama	Japan		JH4KA9660WC005193

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Acura RL

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

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How to find a 1998 Acura RL’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1998 Acura RL is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Inspect the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Acura RL. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield on a small metal or plastic plate.
Look inside the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Acura RL. There’s often a sticker or label there with the VIN.
Examine the engine bay. The VIN may be stamped onto a part of the engine block or on a metal plate fixed within this area.
Check the front of the car frame, near the container that holds windshield washer fluid.
Review your Acura RL’s vehicle registration documents, as the VIN will be recorded there.
Consult the owner’s insurance card/policy as the VIN will be listed for identification purposes.

What info can a 1998 Acura RL VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Configuration: It details the engine configuration, indicating potential performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which informs about the vehicle’s energy requirements and possibly its efficiency.
Safety Features: The VIN includes information about front and side airbags, highlighting the vehicle’s safety provisions.
Transmission and Drive: With a 4-speed automatic transmission, it indicates the vehicle’s operational system and ease of driving.
Plant Origin: The VIN indicates where the vehicle was manufactured, giving a hint of the production quality and standards.
Additional Features: The trim specification suggests extra amenities for comfort and handling, enhancing the vehicle’s appeal.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Acura RL

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	3474.057568
Displacement (CI)	212
Displacement (L)	3.474057568
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	210
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Model	C35A1
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Model	RL
Model Year	1998
Plant City	Sayama
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Japan
Plant State	Saitama
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Transmission Speeds	4
Transmission Style	Automatic
Trim	Moonroof & Traction Control w/Florida Navigation
Valve Train Design	Single Overhead Cam (SOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	JH4KA968*WC
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	JH4KA9681WC013336