How to decode a 1998 Dodge Durango VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Dodge Durango VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-digit code assigned to each vehicle manufacturer to distinguish its brand, country of origin, and specific attributes. For the 1998 Dodge Durango, the WMI is “1B4,” indicating it was manufactured by FCA US LLC, formerly known as Chrysler Group LLC, in the United States. This code is essential in identifying the vehicle type, in this case, pointing towards a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), and provides crucial information regarding its manufacturing location, Auburn Hills, Michigan. The WMI is the initial segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is a unique identifier for vehicles. The VIN containing this WMI allows for the tracking of recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts, and insurance coverage for the 1998 Dodge Durango.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Dodge Durango

WMI: 1B4

Model Years Covered: 1998-2002
Example VIN: 1B4HS28Y0WF101223
Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Auburn Hills
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 Dodge Durango 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 1998 Dodge Durango:

Known VDS for a 1998 Dodge Durango
HS28Y	HS28Z

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 1998 Dodge Durango 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 1998 Dodge Durango VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 Dodge Durango VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Dodge Durango Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
F	Newark	Delaware	United States	Newark Assembly	1B4HS28Y0WF101223

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Dodge Durango

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Dodge Durango’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 1998 Dodge Durango’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1998 Dodge Durango is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1998 Dodge Durango. The VIN is commonly located there and can be seen from outside the vehicle through the windshield.
The door jamb on the driver’s side is another common place for the VIN. When you open the door of your Dodge Durango, check for a sticker or plaque on the edge where the door latches when closed.
Check under the hood of the Durango; the VIN might be found on a plaque or sticker on the firewall of the engine compartment.
You can look at the chassis of the vehicle; sometimes the VIN will be stamped onto the frame. It may be visible from the engine bay or from underneath the vehicle near the front.
The vehicle’s insurance card or registration documents will also have the VIN listed if physical inspection isn’t possible or turns up no results for your 1998 Dodge Durango.

What info can a 1998 Dodge Durango VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN provides details indicating that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, specifically a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), offering insight into the vehicle’s design and intended use.
Engine Details: Through the VIN, one can learn that the vehicle features a V-Shaped engine configuration with 8 cylinders and a displacement of 5.9 L (5900.0 CC), highlighting the vehicle’s power capacity.
Drive Type: The encoding within the VIN reveals the vehicle is equipped with a 4WD (4-Wheel Drive/4x4) system, indicating its capability to handle various terrains and driving conditions.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type is identified as Gasoline, which is valuable information for understanding the vehicle’s fuel compatibility and efficiency.
Safety Features: Key safety features can be inferred, such as the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, emphasizing the vehicle’s safety measures.
Manufacturing Details: VIN decoding can unlock specific manufacturing information like the vehicle being assembled in Newark, Delaware, United States by the Newark Assembly Plant, providing insight into the origin and production standards of the vehicle.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Dodge Durango

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	5200.0
Displacement (CI)	317.32346929260
Displacement (L)	5.2
Doors	4
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Model	Durango
Model Year	1998
Other Engine Info	Sales Code:ELF
Plant City	Newark
Plant Company Name	Newark assembly
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Delaware
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series2	L Series
Trim	Base
Vehicle Descriptor	1B4HS28Y*WF
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	1B4HS28Y0WF101223