How to decode a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer, comprising the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides essential information about the vehicle. Specifically, in the case of the 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, the WMI “1G1” highlights that the vehicle was manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States. This code indicates that the vehicle is of the type Passenger Car, aligning with General Motors’ broad catalog of automobiles. The manufacturing location for this particular model falls within Warren, Michigan, a significant hub for automotive production in the U.S. Understanding the WMI not only helps in recognizing the manufacturer but also offers insight into the vehicle’s origin and classification.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

WMI: 1G1

Model Years Covered: 2005-2010
Example VIN: 1G1AS58H097108959
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 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 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 Cobalt:

Known VDS for a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt
AS58H	AL18H	AS18H	AP58X	AT15H	AK58H	AT58H	AR15H	AK18H	AT18H
AP18X	AT55H	AL58H

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 Cobalt 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 Cobalt VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
9	2009

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

Known 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
7	Lordstown	Ohio	United States		1G1AS58H097108959

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

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

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How to find a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt’s VIN?

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

Examine the driver’s side dashboard of your 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt, where it can typically be seen through the windshield.
Look at the door post or door jamb on the driver’s side when the door is open, as there’s usually a sticker with the VIN in this location on a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.
Check the engine block, where the VIN might also be stamped onto a metal part of the engine in your Chevrolet Cobalt.
Inspect your vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card, which should list the VIN of your 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.
If your Chevrolet Cobalt has a spare tire, sometimes the VIN might be found in the compartment where the spare tire is stored.
Finally, consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or service manual, which could offer specific guidance about additional VIN locations for your 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt.

What info can a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 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.
Make and Model: The VIN indicates the vehicle is a Chevrolet Cobalt, offering specific insights into the car’s brand, design, and model specifics.
Engine Specifications: The VIN encodes engine details such as a 2.0L displacement, 260 horsepower, and a turbocharged In-Line 4-cylinder engine by GM, highlighting the vehicle’s potential performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type encoded in the VIN is Gasoline, which is essential for understanding the vehicle’s potential efficiency and environmental impact.
Safety Features: The VIN details the presence of front airbags for both driver and passenger, alongside additional roof airbags with an occupant sensor, indicating a potential focus on safety.
Transmission and Drive: It specifies a Manual/Standard transmission, complementing the information on the vehicle’s potential operational system.
Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN describes the vehicle as a Passenger Car with a Coupe body, providing a quick understanding of the car’s potential size, style, and purpose.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Coupe
Displacement (CC)	2000
Displacement (CI)	122.0474881894
Displacement (L)	2
Doors	2
Engine Brake (hp) From	260
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	GM
Engine Model	LNF
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
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	Cobalt
Model Year	2009
Other Engine Info	DI - Direct Injection
Other Restraint System Info	Roof Airbags for Driver and passenger and Occupant Sensor
Plant City	Lordstown
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Ohio
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Sport Coupe
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Transmission Style	Manual/Standard
Turbo	Yes
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1G1AP18X*97
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	1G1AP18X097122829