How to decode a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN

WMIs, or World Manufacturer Identifiers, are unique three-character codes assigned to vehicle manufacturers to signify where a vehicle was produced, by whom, and the type of vehicle it is. For instance, the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser has WMI codes starting with “3C8” and “3C4,” indicating that these vehicles were manufactured by Chrysler de Mexico Toluca in Santa Fe, Mexico City, Mexico. These codes specifically identify the PT Cruiser as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), catering to the model years between 2001 and 2005. The WMI is a crucial part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides valuable information regarding the car’s origin, characteristics, and manufacturer details, facilitating global vehicle identification and tracking.

List of WMI Codes for a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

WMI: 3C8

Model Years Covered: 2001-2005
Example VIN: 3C8FY78G04T231694
Manufacturer Name: Chrysler de Mexico Toluca
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Santa Fe
State or Province: Mexico City
Country: Mexico WMI: 3C4
Model Years Covered: 2001-2005
Example VIN: 3C4FY48B04T204161
Manufacturer Name: Chrysler de Mexico Toluca
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Santa Fe
State or Province: Mexico City
Country: Mexico

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser:

Known VDS for a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser
FY78G	FY48B	FY588	FY58B	FY688	FY68B

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 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
4	2004

11th Character in the 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
T	Toluca	State Of Mexico	Mexico	Toluca Assembly	3C8FY78G04T231694

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

The final 6 characters in a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Chrysler PT Cruiser’s VIN below:

How to find a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chrysler PT Cruiser, where it meets the windshield, as the VIN can typically be seen through the windshield.
Check the doorjamb on the driver’s side of your 2004 PT Cruiser; the VIN is frequently found on a sticker where the door latches when closed.
Examine the engine block, as the VIN can sometimes be stamped on the engine compartment of your Chrysler vehicle.
Inspect the trunk area, especially under the spare tire, where a sticker may be present with the VIN on your Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Review your vehicle’s documents, such as the title, registration, or insurance papers, which should have the VIN listed for your 2004 PT Cruiser.

What info can a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2004, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Specifications: The 2004 PT Cruiser features a 2.4-liter engine with an in-line configuration and 4 cylinders, including a 16V High Output and Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train design, highlighting its performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: This PT Cruiser runs on gasoline, which is a vital piece of information for assessing fuel consumption and environmental impact.
Body Class and Style: Described as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with a hatchback body style, this showcases the vehicle’s design and utility.
Safety Features: Equipped with manual seat belts and airbags located in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, demonstrating the vehicle’s commitment to safety.
Plant Information: Manufactured in Toluca, Mexico, by the Toluca Assembly plant, this detail provides insight into the vehicle’s origin and manufacturing quality.
Additional Features: The PT Cruiser features a turbo and hydraulic brake system type, indicating enhanced performance characteristics and reliability in its braking system.

Don’t have your 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

Search License Plate

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	2400.0
Displacement (CI)	146.45698582735
Displacement (L)	2.4
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Model	PT Cruiser
Model Year	2004
Other Engine Info	Sales Code:EDT
Plant City	Toluca
Plant Company Name	Toluca assembly
Plant Country	Mexico
Plant State	State Of Mexico
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series2	Hatchback Body Style
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Steering Location	Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
Trim	Limited
Turbo	Yes
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	3C8FY688*4T
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	3C8FY68804T204966