How to decode a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial sequence of three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the 2008 Chevrolet Suburban, the WMI codes are “1GN” and “3GN”, indicative of General Motors LLC based in Warren, Michigan, United States. These codes are pivotal in classifying the Suburban as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), designed to provide versatile transport solutions. The “1GN” and “3GN” codes signify vehicles produced for different market segments or equipped with specific features, underlining the diversity within General Motors’ production line. This identification system aids in vehicle tracking, registration, and recall processes, ensuring each vehicle’s authenticity and origin.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban

WMI: 1GN

Model Years Covered: 1987-2024
Example VIN: 1GNFK16Y08R132875
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States WMI: 3GN
Model Years Covered: 1995-2009
Example VIN: 3GNFC16008G116229
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

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

Known VDS for a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban
FK16Y	FK163	FC160	FC16Y	FC16J	FK363	GK26K	GC26K

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 Suburban 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 Suburban VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
8	2008

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

Known 2008 Chevrolet Suburban Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
0	Lansing - Grand River	Michigan	United States	Na-Gm Group	1GNFK363080013342
1	Wentzville	Missouri	United States	Gmna	1GNFK163081193484
G	Silao		Mexico	Gmna	3GNFC16008G116229
J	Janesville	Wisconsin	United States	Gm Truck Group	1GNFC16008J122837
R	Arlington	Texas	United States	Gmna	1GNFK16Y08R132875

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban

The final 6 characters in a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban’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 Suburban’s VIN?

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

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Suburban, near where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield.
Examine the doorjamb on the driver’s side of your 2008 Chevrolet Suburban. The VIN can often be found on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
Check under the hood of your Chevrolet Suburban; the VIN might be located on the front of the engine block.
Inspect the rear wheel well of the driver’s side. Sometimes the VIN is placed above the tire on the frame.
Look at the vehicle’s title, registration, or insurance documents, which should list the VIN of your 2008 Chevrolet Suburban.

What info can a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, potentially indicating the year 2008, offering insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
Engine Specifications: Details about the engine, such as a 5.3L displacement, V-Shaped configuration, and GM manufacturer, may be encoded in the VIN, providing insights into the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The vehicle possibly supports Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) technology, indicating its ability to run on multiple fuel types, such as gasoline and ethanol, enhancing its versatility and possibly its environmental impact.
Drive Type and Body Class: The VIN possibly reveals the vehicle to be equipped with 4-Wheel Drive (4x4) and classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), which may illustrate its design for off-road capability and family-friendly utility.
Safety Features: The vehicle may be equipped with a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type, possibly contributing to safer driving conditions by alerting the driver to low-pressure conditions.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN may disclose manufacturing details, including the plant location in Arlington, Texas, United States, and the company name as GMNA, offering insight into the vehicle’s production background.
Vehicle Weight Class: The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating may classify this vehicle in Class 2F, indicating its potential capacity for carrying heavier loads, which is particularly relevant for those concerned with towing or cargo capabilities.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Cooling Type	Water
Displacement (CC)	5300.0
Displacement (CI)	323.42584370208
Displacement (L)	5.3
Doors	4
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	GM
Engine Model	LC9
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2F: 7,001 - 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg)
Model	Suburban
Model Year	2008
Other Engine Info	Active Fuel MGT.
Plant City	Wentzville
Plant Company Name	GMNA
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Missouri
Series	1/2 Ton
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	LS
Valve Train Design	Overhead Valve (OHV)
Vehicle Descriptor	1GNFK163*81
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	1GNFK163081193484