How to decode a 1999 GMC Sonoma VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1999 GMC Sonoma VIN

WMI, or World Manufacturer Identifier, is an essential part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that specifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the 1999 GMC Sonoma, the WMI is “1GT,” which signifies that General Motors LLC in the United States is the manufacturer. Specifically, these trucks were assembled in Warren, Michigan. The WMI not only indicates the manufacturer but also provides insights into the vehicle type, in this case, highlighting that it’s a truck. This unique identifier is crucial for vehicle tracking, registration, and recall purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1999 GMC Sonoma

WMI: 1GT

Model Years Covered: 1991-2004
Example VIN: 1GTCS19X1X8508907
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 1999 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 1999 GMC Sonoma:

Known VDS for a 1999 GMC Sonoma
CS19X	CS14X	DT19X	DT14X	DT19W	CT19W	CS194	CS144	CT19X	CT14W
CS19W	CT14X

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 1999 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 1999 GMC Sonoma VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
X	1999

11th Character in the 1999 GMC Sonoma VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1999 GMC Sonoma Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
8	Shreveport	Louisiana	United States	Gm Truck Group	1GTCS19X1X8508907
K	Linden	New Jersey	United States	Gm Truck Group	1GTDT14X3XK512274

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 GMC Sonoma

The final 6 characters in a 1999 GMC Sonoma’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your GMC Sonoma’s VIN below:

How to find a 1999 GMC Sonoma’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1999 GMC Sonoma is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1999 GMC Sonoma. The VIN should be visible through the windshield on a small plate.
Examine the driver’s side door jamb on your GMC Sonoma. The VIN is often located on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
For your GMC Sonoma, check under the hood. The VIN might be stamped on the front engine block.
On your 1999 GMC Sonoma, inspect the frame around the windshield wiper area once you open the hood; sometimes the VIN is placed here.
Look inside the glove box compartment of your Sonoma; occasionally, the VIN can be found on the inside of the compartment door.

What info can a 1999 GMC Sonoma VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1999, providing insights into the age and potential technological features at the time of production.
Body Class and Vehicle Type: The VIN indicates the vehicle is a Pickup Truck, offering specifics on the body style that may influence its usage, capacity, and appeal to certain buyers or industries.
Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information can be decoded, including that the vehicle has a 2.2L In-Line 4-Cylinder engine with Multipoint Fuel Injection, indicating efficiency and performance characteristics.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which is important for understanding its environmental impact and fuel economy.
Drive Type and Braking System: The VIN specifies a 4x2 drive type paired with a Hydraulic brake system, providing potential buyers with essential insights into the vehicle’s handling and safety features.
Manufacturing Details: The vehicle is assembled in Shreveport, Louisiana, United States by GM Truck Group, offering a glimpse into the production origin which can affect perceptions of quality and support local economies.
Vehicle Identification: Specific identifiers such as the model (Sonoma), series (Small Conventional Cab), and trim (1500 1/2 ton) can be determined, assisting in accurate vehicle identification and comparison.

Don’t have your 1999 GMC Sonoma’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 GMC Sonoma

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Pickup
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	2200.0
Displacement (CI)	133.6
Displacement (L)	2.2
Doors	2
Drive Type	4x2
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	WRN
Engine Model	LN2
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Model	Sonoma
Model Year	1999
Plant City	Shreveport
Plant Company Name	GM Truck Group
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Louisiana
Series	Small Conventional Cab
Trim	1500 (1/2 ton)
Vehicle Descriptor	1GTCS194*X8
Vehicle Type	Truck
Sample_VIN	1GTCS1941X8501431