How to decode a 1983 Dodge W-Series VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1983 Dodge W-Series VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes serve as a unique identifier for every vehicle manufacturer. Comprised of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the WMI reveals essential information about the vehicle, including the manufacturer’s name, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For the 1983 Dodge W-Series, the WMI “1B7” indicates that the truck was manufactured by FCA US LLC (formerly known as Chrysler Group LLC), in Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States. This specific coding ensures that each vehicle can be accurately identified and traced back to its manufacturer, providing a standardized method of vehicle identification worldwide.
List of WMI Codes for a 1983 Dodge W-Series
WMI: 1B7
- Model Years Covered: 1981-1993
- Example VIN: 1B7HW14U1DS447161
- 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 1983 Dodge W-Series 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 1983 Dodge W-Series:
| Known VDS for a 1983 Dodge W-Series | |
|---|---|
| HW14U | HW14T |
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 1983 Dodge W-Series 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 1983 Dodge W-Series VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| D | 1983 |
11th Character in the 1983 Dodge W-Series VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1983 Dodge W-Series Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Warren | Michigan | United States | Warren Truck Assembly | 1B7HW14U1DS447161 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1983 Dodge W-Series
The final 6 characters in a 1983 Dodge W-Series’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your Dodge W-Series’s VIN below:
How to find a 1983 Dodge W-Series’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1983 Dodge W-Series is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1983 Dodge W-Series. It’s usually visible through the windshield on a metal plate.
- Open the driver’s side door to check the door jamb. There’s often a sticker or plate with the VIN where the door latches.
- Examine the firewall of the engine compartment; this is another common place where the VIN might be stamped onto a metal plate.
- Look in the truck’s owner’s manual or maintenance records, as the VIN is often recorded there for reference.
- Check the frame of the vehicle. On older trucks like the Dodge W-Series, the VIN might be stamped directly onto the frame, often under the front hood or along the side rails.
What info can a 1983 Dodge W-Series VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating it may be from 1983, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Type: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle is a Pickup, giving potential clues about the body style and uses, such as cargo transport or off-road capability.
- Engine Specifications: The vehicle is equipped with an 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of 5.2 liters and an engine model of 4 BBL, suggesting a powerful performance.
- Drive Type: The drive type specified by the VIN is 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, highlighting the vehicle’s capability to handle different terrains and road conditions, showcasing its versatility.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type identified in the VIN is Gasoline, which is crucial for understanding the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and operational costs.
- Plant Information: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in Warren, Michigan, United States by Warren Truck Assembly, adding to the vehicle’s history and origin for potential buyers or enthusiasts.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Classified as Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), it hints at the vehicle’s load-carrying capacity, which is pertinent for tasks requiring heavy lifting or towing.
Don’t have your 1983 Dodge W-Series’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1983 Dodge W-Series
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Pickup |
| Displacement (CC) | 5200.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 317.32346929260 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.2 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Engine Model | 4 BBL |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
| Model | W-Series |
| Model Year | 1983 |
| Plant City | Warren |
| Plant Company Name | Warren Truck assembly |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Michigan |
| Series | Power (Conventional Cab) |
| Trim | 150 JOB RATED |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1B7HW14U*DS |
| Vehicle Type | Truck |
| Sample_VIN | 1B7HW14U1DS447161 |
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