How to decode a 1986 GMC Caballero VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1986 GMC Caballero VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer to distinguish where a vehicle is made, by whom, and its type. For instance, the GMC Caballero produced in 1986 is identified by a WMI code “3GT,” specifying that it’s a General Motors LLC vehicle. This code indicates the truck originates from Warren, Michigan, within the United States. Through the WMI, every vehicle, including the mentioned GMC Caballero, can be traced back to its roots, ensuring clarity in its manufacture history and authenticity. This system is part of the broader Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which uniquely identifies individual vehicles globally.
List of WMI Codes for a 1986 GMC Caballero
WMI: 3GT
- Model Years Covered: 1985-1987
- Example VIN: 3GTCW80Z2GS800939
- Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
- Vehicle Type: Truck
- City: Warren
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1986 GMC Caballero 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 1986 GMC Caballero:
| Known VDS for a 1986 GMC Caballero | |
|---|---|
| CW80Z | CW80H |
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 1986 GMC Caballero 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 1986 GMC Caballero VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| G | 1986 |
11th Character in the 1986 GMC Caballero VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1986 GMC Caballero Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | Ramos Arizpe | Mexico | Gm Overseas-Truck | 3GTCW80Z2GS800939 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1986 GMC Caballero
The final 6 characters in a 1986 GMC Caballero’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1986 GMC Caballero’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1986 GMC Caballero is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your GMC Caballero; the VIN is usually visible through the windshield on a metal or plastic plate attached to the top of the dashboard.
- Look at the door frame on the driver’s side where the GMC Caballero’s door latches when closed. There might be a VIN sticker or plate in this area.
- Check the engine block of your 1986 GMC Caballero, as the VIN is sometimes stamped onto the engine itself.
- Inspect the frame of the vehicle around the driver’s door area; the VIN may be stamped into the vehicle’s frame.
- Review your GMC Caballero’s vehicle registration documents. The VIN should be clearly listed on any legal documents related to the vehicle.
- Consult the insurance card or policy for your GMC Caballero, as insurance documents usually have the VIN listed.
What info can a 1986 GMC Caballero VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN may indicate that the truck is possibly from the year 1986, suggesting insights into the vehicle’s age and potential market value.
- Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN possibly reveals that the vehicle could be classified as a Truck with a Pickup body style, offering insights into the potential use and configuration of the vehicle.
- Engine Specifications: According to the VIN, the engine is possibly manufactured by Chevrolet, possibly has a V-Shaped engine configuration, and might feature a displacement of 4.3 liters with six cylinders.
- Fuel Type: The VIN suggests that the primary fuel type for the vehicle could be Gasoline, with a Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBI) system for fuel delivery, possibly indicating specific fuel efficiency and potential performance characteristics.
- Drive Type and Braking System: It appears that the VIN specifies the vehicle possibly has a 4x2 drive type along with a Hydraulic brake system type, suggesting potential handling and safety features.
- Manufacturing Details: The VIN indicates that the vehicle could have been assembled in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico by GM Overseas - Truck, potentially providing insight into its geographical manufacturing origin.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN categorizes the truck within Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), giving a potential indication of its weight class and possible load capacity.
Don’t have your 1986 GMC Caballero’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1986 GMC Caballero
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Pickup |
| Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
| Displacement (CC) | 5000.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 305.11872047366 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.0 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Chevrolet |
| Engine Model | 4BBL |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Model | Caballero |
| Model Year | 1986 |
| Plant City | Ramos Arizpe |
| Plant Company Name | GM Overseas-Truck |
| Plant Country | Mexico |
| Series | Special Pickup and Panel Delivery from Passenger car |
| Trim2 | 1/2 ton nominal |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 3GTCW80H*GS |
| Vehicle Type | Truck |
| Sample_VIN | 3GTCW80H0GS800509 |
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