How to decode a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN
World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to distinguish their products. For instance, the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier’s WMI numbers include “1G1”, “4G1”, and “3G1”, indicating they were manufactured by General Motors LLC in Warren, Michigan, United States. These WMIs are part of the vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving as the first three characters. They reveal the vehicle’s manufacturer, the region where it was produced, and the type of vehicle it is, specifically marking it as a Passenger Car. This system of identification enables precise tracking and recognition of vehicles globally.
List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
WMI: 1G1
- Model Years Covered: 1983-1989, 1991-2005
- Example VIN: 1G1JF52T0V7284356
- Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Warren
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States WMI: 4G1
- Model Years Covered: 1996-2000
- Example VIN: 4G1JF32T0VB101179
- Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Warren
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States WMI: 3G1
- Model Years Covered: 1996-2004
- Example VIN: 3G1JC5244VS853762
- Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Warren
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Chevrolet Cavalier:
| Known VDS for a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JF52T | JC524 | JF524 | JF12T | JF32T | JC124 | JF324 |
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 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| V | 1997 |
11th Character in the 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Lordstown | Ohio | United States | Na-Gm Corp | 1G1JF52T0V7284356 |
| B | Lansing - Craft Center | Michigan | United States | Na-Gm Corp | 4G1JF32T0VB101179 |
| M | Lansing - North Plant | Michigan | United States | Na-Gm Corp | 1G1JC1240VM152564 |
| S | Ramos Arizpe | Mexico | 3G1JC5244VS853762 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
The final 6 characters in a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Cavalier; the VIN is typically visible through the windshield on a small plate.
- Inspect the door frame on the driver’s side of your 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. The VIN can often be found on a sticker or plate where the door latches.
- Examine the engine bay. The VIN may also be stamped on a plate or directly on the engine of your Chevy Cavalier.
- Look at the vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card, which should list the VIN for your Chevrolet Cavalier.
- Check under the spare tire in the trunk. Sometimes the VIN is located in that area in the Chevrolet Cavalier models.
What info can a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class and size, indicating it as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Specifications: Details such as engine displacement in liters (2.4 L), engine configuration (In-Line), and the number of cylinders (4) can typically be decoded, providing valuable information about the vehicle’s power and performance.
- Fuel Efficiency and Type: The VIN can provide insights into the vehicle’s fuel delivery system, like Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI), which may influence the fuel efficiency and performance, offering potential understanding of the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: Information regarding safety features, including the locations of front airbags (1st Row for Driver and Passenger), and the type of seat belt (Manual) may be gleaned, potentially indicating the level of safety and protection for occupants.
- Manufacturing Location: A VIN can indicate the manufacturing country (United States), state (Ohio), and the city (Lordstown), offering insights into the vehicle’s origin and potential history.
- Vehicle Type and Weight Class: The type of vehicle (Passenger Car) and its gross vehicle weight rating (Class 1: 6,000 lb or less) are specified, providing information to classify the vehicle’s size and potential usage.
Don’t have your 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 2400.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 146.45698582735 |
| Displacement (L) | 2.4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Manufacturer | LAN |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type | Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) |
| 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 | Cavalier |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| Other Engine Info | Name Plate: Chev, Pont, Olds, Buick, Toyota |
| Plant City | Lordstown |
| Plant Company Name | NA-GM Corp |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Ohio |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | Cavalier Sedan |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1G1JF52T*V7 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Windows | 4 |
| Sample_VIN | 1G1JF52T0V7284356 |
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