How to decode a 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code allocated to every vehicle manufacturer globally. It forms the initial part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which helps in identifying key details about a vehicle, such as its manufacturer, type, and the place of manufacture. For instance, in the case of the 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan, the WMI “1B4” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by FCA US LLC, a major United States automotive company based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This specific Dodge model is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), reflecting its design and functionality for varying passenger and cargo needs. The presence of a WMI code like “1B4” provides essential information for vehicle registration, identification, and regulatory purposes.
List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan
WMI: 1B4
- Model Years Covered: 1988, 1990-1994, 2002
- Example VIN: 1B4FK5032JX362185
- 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 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan 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 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan:
| Known VDS for a 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan |
|---|
| FK503 |
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 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan 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 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| J | 1988 |
11th Character in the 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | Fenton | Missouri | United States | St. Louis Assembly #2 | 1B4FK5032JX362185 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan
The final 6 characters in a 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Dodge Grand Caravan. The VIN is often visible through the windshield on a small plate or sticker.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door jamb. The VIN can typically be found on a label or sticker where the door latches.
- Check under the hood of your Dodge Grand Caravan. The VIN can sometimes be located on the engine block or on a metal plate attached to the chassis.
- Inspect the rear wheel well. Sometimes the VIN is placed above the tire on the body of the vehicle.
- If the vehicle has one, look at the spare tire well. The VIN may be located in this area, often on a label or stamped onto the body.
- Examine official documentation related to your Dodge Grand Caravan, such as the title, registration, and insurance papers, where the VIN will be recorded.
What info can a 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Size: This detail suggests that the vehicle is a Minivan, more specifically an Extended Wagon, implying ample space often associated with family-oriented or multipurpose use.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN provides insight into the vehicle’s performance capabilities, showcasing a V-Shaped engine with a displacement of 3 liters (3000 CC or 183.0712322841 CI) and a horsepower starting from 136, powered by gasoline.
- Drive Type: The metadata specifies that the vehicle features a 4x2 drive type, highlighting its drivetrain configuration which might imply it is better suited for on-road rather than off-road performance.
- Manufacturer and Assembly Details: The Engine is manufactured by MMC, while the vehicle’s assembly was completed in Fenton, Missouri, United States by St. Louis Assembly #2, providing insight into its production origin.
- Vehicle Type and Use: Classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, it can typically serve various roles from personal to utility use, fitting a wide range of user needs.
- Safety and Support Features: The inclusion of a manual seat belt type hints at the vehicle’s age but also points towards standard safety features of the time.
Don’t have your 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Dodge Grand Caravan
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Minivan |
| Displacement (CC) | 3000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 183.0712322841 |
| Displacement (L) | 3 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 136 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | MMC |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Model | Grand Caravan |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| Plant City | Fenton |
| Plant Company Name | St. Louis assembly #2 |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Missouri |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series2 | Extended Wagon |
| Trim | LE |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1B4FK503*JX |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Sample_VIN | 1B4FK5032JX362185 |
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today