How to decode a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a unique sequence of characters assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). These codes are the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and provide detailed information about the manufacturer and vehicle type. For instance, the Chevrolet Colorado 2009 has a WMI of “1GC,” which signifies it was made by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. This vehicle is classified under the truck category and includes models produced over various years, including 2004-2012 and 2015-2024. Understanding the WMI code is invaluable for identifying specific vehicle attributes directly from the VIN.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado

WMI: 1GC

Model Years Covered: 2004-2012, 2015-2024
Example VIN: 1GCDT14E098109867
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 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet Colorado:

Known VDS for a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado
DT14E	DT19E	DS13L	DT13L	CS14E	CS19L	CS19E	DS13E	DS19E	CS13E
DS19L	DT13E	CS13L	CS139	DT199	DT19L	CS149	CS199	DT149

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 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 2009 Chevrolet Colorado VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
9	2009

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

Known 2009 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		1GCDT14E098109867

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado

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

Check your Chevrolet Colorado’s VIN below:

How to find a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2009 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, specifically near where the windshield meets the dash. The VIN should be visible from the outside.
Inspect the driver’s side door jamb on your 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. There should be a sticker or a plate with the VIN where the door latches when closed.
Examine the frame of the vehicle. On trucks like your Chevrolet Colorado, the VIN is sometimes stamped onto the frame itself, which can be seen when you look under the vehicle.
Review your vehicle registration documents or insurance card. For your Chevrolet Colorado, the VIN will be listed on these official documents.
Check the engine block, as many vehicles have the VIN stamped directly onto the engine, and this includes the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado.
Look into the spare tire well. Sometimes, the VIN is placed inside the compartment where the spare tire is stored in the Chevrolet Colorado.

What info can a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado 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 Type and Body Class: The VIN suggests that the vehicle is classified as a Truck with a Pickup body style, which may indicate its intended use and design.
Engine Details: The VIN provides insights into the engine, indicating a 3.7 Liter, 5-cylinder engine from GM, model LLR, with an In-Line configuration and a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train design. This information offers valuable details about the vehicle’s power and performance.
Fuel Specifications: According to the VIN, the vehicle runs on Gasoline with a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system for fuel delivery, providing information about its fuel efficiency and engine technology.
Drive Type and Brake System: The VIN classifies the drive type as 4x2, complemented by a Hydraulic brake system, which may help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and braking capabilities.
Safety Features: The VIN data suggests that the vehicle is equipped with a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), enhancing vehicle safety by monitoring tire conditions and potentially reducing the risk of tire-related accidents.
Manufacturing Information: The VIN reveals the plant location in Shreveport, Louisiana, United States, offering insights into where the vehicle was assembled and its manufacturing origins.

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

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 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	4x2
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	GM
Engine Model	LLR
Engine Number of Cylinders	5
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Model	Colorado
Model Year	2009
Plant City	Shreveport
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Louisiana
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	1/2 Ton
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1GCCS14E*98
Vehicle Type	Truck
Sample_VIN	1GCCS14E098101458