How to decode a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. Each character within the WMI provides specific information: the first character represents the country of origin, the second refers to the manufacturer, and the third gives insight into the vehicle type or manufacturing division. For the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse, the WMI is “1GN”, indicating that it is a vehicle manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Michigan. This particular vehicle is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), highlighting its versatile use. The WMI is a critical component in automotive identification, allowing for the tracking and registration of vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

WMI: 1GN

Model Years Covered: 2009-2023
Example VIN: 1GNER23D09S100579
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 2009 Chevrolet Traverse 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 Traverse:

Known VDS for a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
ER23D	ER13D	EV13D	ER33D	EV33D	EV23D

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 Traverse 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 Traverse VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
9	2009

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

Known 2009 Chevrolet Traverse Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
S	Springhill	Tennessee	United States		1GNER23D09S100579

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

The final 6 characters in a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse’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 Traverse’s VIN?

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

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet Traverse, where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb area, specifically the door pillar. A sticker or plate with the VIN should be present where the door latches when closed.
Inspect the engine bay. The VIN may also be stamped on the engine block or firewall within the engine compartment of your Chevrolet Traverse.
Review your vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card, which should list the VIN of your Chevrolet Traverse.
If the vehicle has a rear storage compartment or trunk, sometimes the VIN can be found in these areas, either on the floor or under a compartment cover.
Consult the owner’s manual of the Chevrolet Traverse for specific instructions on VIN locations or additional places where the VIN might be located.

What info can a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse 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.
Body Class: It may reveal the vehicle’s body class, such as Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) for enhanced versatility and capacity.
Drive Type: Users can learn about the vehicle’s drive type, showing this model features All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for improved traction and control under various conditions.
Engine Details: Detailed engine information, including the number of cylinders (6 in this instance), displacement (3.6L), and fuel type (Gasoline), are encoded within the VIN, highlighting the vehicle’s power and efficiency characteristics.
Safety Features: Specific safety systems, like the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type being Direct, can be identified, providing insights into the vehicle’s built-in safety technologies.
Manufacturing Information: The VIN may disclose manufacturing details such as the plant city (Springhill), country (United States), and state (Tennessee), offering a glimpse into the vehicle’s production origin.
Fuel Efficiency: Although not directly stated in this example, fuel type (Gasoline) alongside displacement and engine details can give potential clues towards the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	3600.0
Displacement (CI)	219.68547874103
Displacement (L)	3.6
Doors	4
Drive Type	FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Model	Traverse
Model Year	2009
Other Engine Info	Spark Ignition Direct Injection
Plant City	Springhill
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Tennessee
Series	1/2 Ton
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	LT
Vehicle Descriptor	1GNER23D*9S
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	1GNER23D09S100579