How to decode a 1997 GMC Savana VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1997 GMC Savana VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a critical component of every vehicle’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving as a code that identifies the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacturing. Specifically, in the case of a 1997 GMC Savana, the WMI “1GT” is indicative of a vehicle that is manufactured by General Motors LLC, revealing that it is categorized as a truck. This particular WMI also communicates that the manufacturing location is in Warren, Michigan, United States. The usage of such a WMI is universal in the auto industry, ensuring that every vehicle can be distinctly traced back to its origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. This system of identification plays a crucial role in vehicle registration, recall implementation, and ownership tracking efforts worldwide.
List of WMI Codes for a 1997 GMC Savana
WMI: 1GT
- Model Years Covered: 1996-2024
- Example VIN: 1GTGG25RXV1036034
- 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 1997 GMC Savana 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 1997 GMC Savana:
| Known VDS for a 1997 GMC Savana | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GG25R | FG15R | HG39R | FG25R | FG15W | HG35R | FG15M |
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 1997 GMC Savana 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 1997 GMC Savana VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| V | 1997 |
11th Character in the 1997 GMC Savana VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1997 GMC Savana Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wentzville | Missouri | United States | Gm Truck Corp | 1GTGG25RXV1036034 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 GMC Savana
The final 6 characters in a 1997 GMC Savana’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your GMC Savana’s VIN below:
How to find a 1997 GMC Savana’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1997 GMC Savana is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your GMC Savana; the VIN is usually visible through the windshield.
- Check the driver’s side door frame, as there may be a sticker or plate with the VIN where the door latches when closed.
- Examine the engine block, which can have the VIN stamped onto it - this can be seen when you open the hood.
- Inspect the rear wheel well; sometimes the VIN is located above the tire.
- Look at your vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card, as your GMC Savana’s VIN will be printed there.
- If your vehicle was manufactured before 1981, the VIN could also be on the front frame of the vehicle near the windshield washer fluid container.
What info can a 1997 GMC Savana VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can indicate the vehicle’s model year as 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: The VIN provides detailed specifics about the vehicle, confirming it is a GMC Savana with a 5.7L engine by the manufacturer WRN and has a V-Shaped engine configuration.
- Body Class and Size: The VIN reveals the vehicle is classified as a Cargo Van and further specifies it to be an Extended Van with a 3500 (1 ton) trim, illustrating its intended use and capacity.
- Drive Type and Engine Details: It is outlined as having a 4x2 drive type with an engine that boasts 8 cylinders and utilizes Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) for fuel delivery, underlining its performance characteristics.
- Fuel Type and Efficiency: This VIN specifies the primary fuel type as Gasoline, which, combined with the displacement information, could give insights into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and power output.
- Manufacturing Information: Production details are adequately represented, identifying the plant location as Wentzville, Missouri, United States, and the plant company name as GM Truck Corp, suggesting the vehicle’s assembly context.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Classified under Class 2H: 9,001 - 10,000 lb (4,082 - 4,536 kg), this specification illustrates the vehicle’s load-carrying capacity, crucial for understanding its utility scope and registration requirements.
Don’t have your 1997 GMC Savana’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 GMC Savana
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Cargo Van |
| Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
| Displacement (CC) | 5700.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 347.83534133997 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.7 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | WRN |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type | Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 2H: 9,001 - 10,000 lb (4,082 - 4,536 kg) |
| Model | Savana |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| Plant City | Wentzville |
| Plant Company Name | GM Truck Corp |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Missouri |
| Series | Extended Van |
| Trim | 3500 (1 ton) |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1GTHG39R*V1 |
| Vehicle Type | Truck |
| Sample_VIN | 1GTHG39R2V1093042 |
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