How to decode a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which signifies the manufacturer, the vehicle’s country of origin, and the type of vehicle. In the case of the Chrysler PT Cruiser manufactured in 2009, the WMI “3A8” identifies Chrysler de Mexico Toluca as the manufacturer, indicating that the vehicle was assembled in Mexico, specifically in Mexico City’s Santa Fe area. This designation categorizes the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), reflecting its versatile design suitable for various passenger and lightweight cargo transportation needs. WMIs are crucial for vehicle identification, allowing for precise tracking of vehicle specifications, manufacturing location, and the company responsible for its production.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

WMI: 3A8

Model Years Covered: 2006-2009
Example VIN: 3A8FY58819T560015
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 2009 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 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser:

Known VDS for a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser
FY588	FY589	FY688	FY489

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 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 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
9	2009

11th Character in the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
T	Toluca	Mexico	Mexico	Toluca Assembly	3A8FY58819T560015

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

The final 6 characters in a 2009 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 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2009 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, usually near where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN can often be seen from outside the vehicle through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb area. On many Chrysler PT Cruisers, a VIN sticker or plate is located where the door latches, providing important vehicle information.
Examine the engine block, as the VIN is sometimes stamped onto a part of the engine in various Chrysler models including the PT Cruiser.
Check your Chrysler PT Cruiser’s vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or title for the VIN, as it will be recorded there for legal and identification purposes.
If your Chrysler PT Cruiser has a rear-wheel well trim, look behind the plastic cover inside the rear wheel well. Some vehicles have the VIN hidden in this somewhat less common location.
Look in the trunk under the carpet near the spare tire well. A VIN label may be present in this area on some PT Cruisers for added identification.

What info can a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN reveal?

Don’t have your 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Destination Market	U.S., Canada, Other Export Market (BUX)
Displacement (CC)	2400.0
Displacement (CI)	146.45698582735
Displacement (L)	2.4
Doors	4
Drive Type	FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
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	2009
Other Engine Info	Sales code:EDZ
Plant City	Toluca
Plant Company Name	Toluca assembly
Plant Country	Mexico
Plant State	Mexico
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	PT
Series2	Hatchback Body Style
Steering Location	Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Trim	LX/Classic/Street
Turbo	No
Vehicle Descriptor	3A8FY489*9T
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	3A8FY48909T501752