How to decode a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. For the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche, the WMI is “3GN,” which signifies that the vehicle was produced by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. This particular identifier not only denotes the manufacturer but also suggests the vehicle type, which in this case is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV). Each vehicle has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) where the WMI forms the initial segment, providing critical information about where and by whom the vehicle was manufactured. For example, in a VIN starting with “3GN,” the “3” indicates North American manufacture, highlighting its origin and the company behind its creation.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche

WMI: 3GN

Model Years Covered: 2002-2013
Example VIN: 3GNFK32Y09G214236
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche 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 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche:

Known VDS for a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
FK32Y	EC32J	EC12J	EC120	FK22Y	FK323	FK12Y	FK320	FK123	FK120
FK220	EC22J	EC320	EC32Y	EC220	FK223

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 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche 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 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
9	2009

11th Character in the 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
G	Silao	Guanajuato	Mexico	Silao Assembly	3GNFK32Y09G214236

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche

The final 6 characters in a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Chevrolet Avalanche’s VIN below:

How to find a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Avalanche. The VIN is often visible through the windshield on a small plate.
Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Avalanche. You might find the VIN on a label or sticker where the door closes.
Look at the frame of the vehicle underneath the hood. The Chevrolet Avalanche might have the VIN etched or stamped on the chassis.
Examine the front of the engine block. Your Chevrolet Avalanche’s VIN might be stamped on the engine itself.
Review your insurance or vehicle registration documents. The VIN for your Chevrolet Avalanche will be listed on these important documents.

What info can a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2009, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Specifications: This may include detailed specifications for a Chevrolet Avalanche, such as the engine model LC9, a V-shaped configuration, and its ability to operate on flexible fuel.
Engine and Performance: The dataset provides insights into an engine displacement of 5.3 liters (5300 CC or 323.42584370208 CI) with an engine manufacturer being GM and the number of cylinders set at 8, indicating a powerful performance capability.
Drive Type and Body Class: The VIN can specify the vehicle as having a 4WD (4-Wheel Drive / 4x4) drive type and categorized under a Sport Utility Truck (SUT) body class, offering a glimpse into its functionality and design.
Fuel System and Efficiency: It is possible to identify the fuel type as a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV), with the fuel delivery system being Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI), which could point to modern fuel management technology.
Manufacturing Details: Production information includes the plant location in Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico, under the company name Silao Assembly, providing insight into the vehicle’s origin.
Safety and Capacity: The dataset indicates the gross vehicle weight rating is classified as Class 2F: 7,001 - 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg), which, when combined with its hydraulic brake system type, might suggest a robust safety and capacity profile.

Don’t have your 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Truck (SUT)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Cooling Type	Water
Displacement (CC)	5300.0
Displacement (CI)	323.42584370208
Displacement (L)	5.3
Doors	4
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	GM
Engine Model	LC9
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2F: 7,001 - 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg)
Model	Avalanche
Model Year	2009
Plant City	Silao
Plant Company Name	Silao assembly
Plant Country	Mexico
Plant State	Guanajuato
Series	1/2 Ton
Trim	LS
Valve Train Design	Overhead Valve (OHV)
Vehicle Descriptor	3GNFK123*9G
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	3GNFK12309G114419