Free 1996 GMC Sonoma VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 GMC Sonoma VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 GMC Sonoma VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and provides specific information about the vehicle, including its country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. In the case of a 1996 GMC Sonoma, the WMI is “1GT,” signifying that the vehicle was manufactured by General Motors LLC, a major automotive company based in the United States. This truck was assembled in Warren, Michigan, highlighting its American manufacturing roots. The WMI is an integral part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a 17-character code that offers detailed information about a vehicle, ensuring the vehicle’s identity and history can be accurately tracked. The GMC Sonoma’s WMI indicates it is a truck, providing insight into the vehicle’s classification and intended use.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 GMC Sonoma

WMI: 1GT

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2004
• Example VIN: 1GTDT19W3T8511908
• 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 1996 GMC Sonoma 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 1996 GMC Sonoma:

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 1996 GMC Sonoma 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 1996 GMC Sonoma VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 GMC Sonoma VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 GMC Sonoma Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 GMC Sonoma

The final 6 characters in a 1996 GMC Sonoma’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your GMC Sonoma’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1996 GMC Sonoma VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting it may be from 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: It can indicate the type of vehicle and its body class, possibly showing that it is a Truck with a Pickup body, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Details: Specifics about the engine, including its displacement in CC (4300.0), L (4.3), and configuration (V-Shaped), along with the type of fuel injection (Multipoint Fuel Injection), may be gleaned.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type the vehicle uses is likely gasoline, potentially providing insight into its efficiency and potential environmental impact.
• Drive Type and Doors: Details about the vehicle’s drive type, such as 4x2, and the number of doors (2), might offer clues into its design and functionality.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN can reveal where the vehicle was manufactured, including the country (United States), state (Louisiana), and city (Shreveport), potentially offering insights into its production location.
• Safety and Class Rating: While not directly stated, the VIN can often hint at safety features. In this case, it may provide the gross vehicle weight rating, placing it in Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), which could inform about its size and payload capabilities.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 GMC Sonoma