How to decode a 2006 Dodge Dakota VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2006 Dodge Dakota VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-character code allocated to vehicle manufacturers to identify the make of a vehicle. This code forms the first segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is essential in tracking registrations, warranty claims, thefts, and recalls. For instance, the 2006 Dodge Dakota, manufactured by FCA US LLC in Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States, has two such WMIs: ‘1D7’ for certain truck models produced between 2003 and 2011, and ‘1D3’ for trucks manufactured from 2005 to 2009. These identifiers not only pinpoint the vehicle manufacturer but also indicate the type and the specific period of production, ensuring each vehicle’s uniqueness and traceability worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 2006 Dodge Dakota

WMI: 1D7

Model Years Covered: 2003-2011
Example VIN: 1D7HE22N06S664357
Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
Vehicle Type: Truck
City: Auburn Hills
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States WMI: 1D3
Model Years Covered: 2005-2009
Example VIN: 1D3HE22K06S617420
Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
Vehicle Type: Truck
City: Auburn Hills
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2006 Dodge Dakota 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 2006 Dodge Dakota:

Known VDS for a 2006 Dodge Dakota
HE22N	HW48K	HE22K	HW48J	HW58N	HW52N	HE42J	HW42N	HE58N	HE42K
HW28K	HW28N	HE52N	HW42K	HE28K	HW58K	HE48N	HE42N	HW22K	HW58J
HW52J	HW52K	HE48K	HE48J	HW48N	HE58J	HE28N	HW22N	HW42J

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 2006 Dodge Dakota 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 2006 Dodge Dakota VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
6	2006

11th Character in the 2006 Dodge Dakota VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2006 Dodge Dakota Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
S	Warren	Michigan	United States	Dodge City Assembly	1D7HE22N06S664357

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2006 Dodge Dakota

The final 6 characters in a 2006 Dodge Dakota’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Dodge Dakota’s VIN below:

How to find a 2006 Dodge Dakota’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2006 Dodge Dakota is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2006 Dodge Dakota. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield on a metal or plastic plate.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb for a label or sticker where the door latches, which often contains the VIN for your Dodge Dakota.
Examine the engine block, as the VIN is sometimes stamped onto the engine itself in vehicles like the 2006 Dodge Dakota.
Look at the vehicle’s registration documents or insurance papers, which should list the VIN for your Dodge Dakota.
Check the frame of the truck, beneath the vehicle. Some trucks, including the Dodge Dakota, may have the VIN on the chassis.
Consult the owner’s manual of your Dodge Dakota for specific locations of the VIN, as it may provide illustrations for additional areas where the VIN can be found.

What info can a 2006 Dodge Dakota VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2006, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Size: The body class and cab type (e.g., Pickup, Crew, Super Crew) can be determined, showcasing the vehicle’s structure and passenger capacity.
Engine Details: Information about the engine, including its configuration (V-shaped), displacement (e.g., 4.7L, 4700cc, or 286.81 cubic inches), and specific model (e.g., High Output MPI) with an 8-cylinder layout, can be obtained.
Fuel Type and Efficiency Systems: The primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, along with the fuel delivery method, like Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI), is specified, highlighting the vehicle’s fuel consumption technology.
Safety Equipment: Details about the safety equipment, including the locations of front and side airbags (1st Row for both driver and passenger), and the type of seat belt system (Manual) used, are outlined.
Manufacturing Information: The plant where the vehicle was assembled, including the city (Warren), state (Michigan), country (United States), and the name of the company (Dodge City Assembly), illustrates the manufacturing origin.
Vehicle Specifics: The VIN encodes unique identifiers such as the vehicle’s make (Dakota), series (ND, P for Premium), and trim level (Laramie), providing comprehensive details about the vehicle’s specifications and features.

Don’t have your 2006 Dodge Dakota’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2006 Dodge Dakota

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Pickup
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Cab Type	Extra/Super/Quad/Double/King/Extended
Displacement (CC)	4700.0
Displacement (CI)	286.81159724524
Displacement (L)	4.7
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Model	High Output MPI
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
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 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Model	Dakota
Model Year	2006
Plant City	Warren
Plant Company Name	Dodge City assembly
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Michigan
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	ND
Series2	P (Premium)
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Trim	Laramie
Vehicle Descriptor	1D3HW52J*6S
Vehicle Type	Truck
Sample_VIN	1D3HW52J26S669203