How to decode a Chevrolet Geo Prizm VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Chevrolet Geo Prizm VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, forming the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This code provides specific information, including the vehicle’s country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. For example, Chevrolet Geo Prizm vehicles produced between 1998 and 2002 have a WMI of 1Y1, indicating they were manufactured by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. in Fremont, California, United States. These vehicles are classified as passenger cars, demonstrating how the WMI can offer valuable insights into a vehicle’s specifications and production background.
List of WMI Codes for a Chevrolet Geo Prizm
WMI: 1Y1
- Model Years Covered: 1998-2002
- Example VIN: 1Y1SK5481WZ438316
- Manufacturer Name: New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Fremont
- State or Province: California
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Chevrolet Geo Prizm 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 Chevrolet Geo Prizm:
| Known VDS for a Chevrolet Geo Prizm | |
|---|---|
| SK548 | SK528 |
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 Chevrolet Geo Prizm 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 Chevrolet Geo Prizm VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| 2 | 2002 Chevrolet Geo Prizm |
| 1 | 2001 Chevrolet Geo Prizm |
| Y | 2000 Chevrolet Geo Prizm |
| X | 1999 Chevrolet Geo Prizm |
| W | 1998 Chevrolet Geo Prizm |
11th Character in the Chevrolet Geo Prizm VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Chevrolet Geo Prizm Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z | Fremont | California | United States | New United Motor Manufacturing Inc | 1Y1SK5481WZ438316 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Chevrolet Geo Prizm
The final 6 characters in a Chevrolet Geo Prizm’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a Chevrolet Geo Prizm’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Chevrolet Geo Prizm is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Geo Prizm; the VIN is usually displayed on a small plate visible from outside the vehicle.
- Look at the driver’s side door frame or door post of your Chevrolet Geo Prizm, where the door latches when closed. There’s often a VIN sticker or plate in this area.
- Check beneath the hood of your Chevrolet Geo Prizm for a VIN plate located on the engine block; this location can vary, but it is typically found on the front of the engine.
- For older or restored Chevrolet Geo Prizm models, inspect the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. Occasionally, the VIN can be found stamped onto the chassis near the wheel.
- If you’re unable to locate the VIN using the above methods, review your Chevrolet Geo Prizm’s vehicle registration documents, insurance cards, or service records, as the VIN is always recorded on official vehicle documentation.
What info can a Chevrolet Geo Prizm VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2001, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type and Body Class: This vehicle is recognized as a Passenger Car with a Sedan/Saloon body class, offering clues about its size, style, and functionality.
- Engine Specifications: The vehicle is equipped with a Toyota 1ZZ-FE engine, featuring an in-line engine configuration, 4 cylinders, and a displacement of 1.8 liters, pointing towards its performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type and Efficiency: It is mentioned that the primary fuel type is gasoline, and it utilizes Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) for fuel delivery, which can give indications about the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: The mentioned safety features include front, curtain, knee, and seat cushion airbags for the 1st row (driver and passenger), highlighting the vehicle’s emphasis on safety.
- Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was manufactured in Fremont, California, by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., providing insights into the vehicle’s build quality and market value.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Classified under Class 1, with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less, providing information about its allowable carrying capacity, which can be crucial for load management and legal compliance.
Don’t have your Chevrolet Geo Prizm’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Chevrolet Geo Prizm
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Curtain Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Displacement (CC) | 1794 |
| Displacement (CI) | 109.84273937051 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.8 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Engine Model | 1ZZ-FE |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type | Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) |
| 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) |
| Knee Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Model | Geo Prizm |
| Model Year | 2001 |
| Plant City | Fremont |
| Plant Company Name | New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | California |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Seat Cushion Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Valve Train Design | Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1Y1SK528*1Z |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | 1Y1SK52801Z406906 |
Decode a Chevrolet VIN
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