How to decode a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing crucial details about where and by whom a vehicle was made. Specifically, in the case of the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado, its WMI, “1GC”, denotes that General Motors LLC in the United States is the manufacturer. This code reveals that the vehicle was assembled in Warren, Michigan, and indicates that it is classified as a truck. WMIs serve a key role in the automotive industry by enabling the tracking and registration of vehicles worldwide. They form the first segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which further assists in the specific identification of vehicles, including details about their model, year, and manufacturing specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado

WMI: 1GC

Model Years Covered: 2004-2012, 2015-2024
Example VIN: 1GCDT24E688230388
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Truck
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado 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 2008 Chevrolet Colorado:

Known VDS for a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado
DT24E	DT29E	CS349	CS24E	CS299	DT43E	CS399	CS39E	DT199	DT49E
CS34E	DT149	DS49E	DT14E	DT249	DT19E	DS43E	CS149	DT13E	CS339
DS19E	DT399	CS249	CS139	CS19E	DS13E	CS199	DT39E	CS14E	DT299
DT44E	DT33E	CS13E	CS33E

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 2008 Chevrolet Colorado 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 2008 Chevrolet Colorado VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
8	2008

11th Character in the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 Chevrolet Colorado Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
8	Shreveport	Louisiana	United States	Gm Truck Group	1GCDT24E688230388

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado

The final 6 characters in a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2008 Chevrolet Colorado is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Colorado. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield on a metal or plastic plate attached to the dashboard.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb. The VIN is typically found on a sticker or a plate where the door latches when it’s closed.
Examine the engine block of your Chevrolet Colorado, as the VIN is often stamped onto the engine itself.
Look in the truck’s maintenance or owner’s manual. The VIN for your Chevrolet Colorado should be printed inside the booklet.
Inspect the frame of the vehicle underneath the car; sometimes the VIN is stamped on the frame, especially in older vehicles like the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado.
If your Chevrolet Colorado has a spare tire, sometimes the VIN can be found near the spare tire well or area, either on the body of the vehicle or on the well itself.

What info can a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that the truck may be from the year 2008, providing insights into its potential age and market value.
Make and Model: This VIN information provides the make and model as a GM Colorado, offering insight into the vehicle’s brand and specific model type.
Engine Specifications: Details about the engine reveal it to be a GM LLR model with a 3.7-liter displacement, 5 cylinders, and characteristics such as VVT and DOHC, indicating advanced engine technology for enhanced performance.
Fuel Type: The vehicle is designed to run on gasoline, highlighting its fuel preference which can affect fuel efficiency and performance.
Drive Type: It specifies the truck as having 4WD (4-Wheel Drive), suggesting its capability to handle rough terrains and offering better traction in varied driving conditions.
Safety Features: Including a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), this specification underscores the vehicle’s safety measures to maintain proper tire pressure for safe driving.
Body Class and Size: The VIN categorizes the vehicle as a Pickup with a Class 1D gross vehicle weight rating, indicating its body type and capacity which is essential for understanding its utility and load-carrying abilities.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Pickup
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Cooling Type	Water
Displacement (CC)	3700.0
Displacement (CI)	225.78785315050
Displacement (L)	3.7
Doors	2
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	GM
Engine Model	LLR
Engine Number of Cylinders	5
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Model	Colorado
Model Year	2008
Other Engine Info	VVT, DOHC< Gas
Plant City	Shreveport
Plant Company Name	GM Truck Group
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Louisiana
Series	1/2 Ton
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	LS
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1GCDT24E*88
Vehicle Type	Truck
Sample_VIN	1GCDT24E688230388