Free 1988 GMC Suburban VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 GMC Suburban VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 GMC Suburban VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing insight into where and by whom a vehicle was made. For the 1988 GMC Suburban, the WMI is “1GK,” signifying that it was manufactured by General Motors LLC. This code points to the fact that the vehicle was produced in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. Additionally, the vehicle type associated with this WMI classifies it as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), highlighting its design for various driving needs and passenger use. The WMI is an integral part of the vehicle identification number (VIN), offering a standardized method to track and identify vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 GMC Suburban

WMI: 1GK

• Model Years Covered: 1987-2000
• Example VIN: 1GKEV16K0JF519364
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 GMC Suburban 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 1988 GMC Suburban:

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 1988 GMC Suburban 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 1988 GMC Suburban VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 GMC Suburban VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 GMC Suburban Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 GMC Suburban

The final 6 characters in a 1988 GMC Suburban’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1988 GMC Suburban VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN provides detailed information about the engine, including that it is a V-Shaped, 5.7 L (347.835 CI) engine with 8 cylinders, manufactured by CPC, and features a Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBI) system.
• Fuel Type: The VIN indicates that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, but it also notes the engine’s capability for LPG conversion, highlighting alternative fuel options.
• Drive Type and Brake System: It is noted in the VIN that the vehicle is equipped with a 4x2 drive type and a hydraulic brake system, specifying the vehicle’s drivetrain and braking mechanics.
• Body Class and Vehicle Type: The VIN categorizes the vehicle as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) and a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, providing insight into its intended use and body style.
• Plant Information: The VIN reveals that the vehicle was manufactured in Flint, Michigan, United States, giving a glimpse into its production location and potentially affecting its collectability or parts availability.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: It is indicated in the VIN that the vehicle falls within Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), indicating its weight class, which can be critical for licensing, regulatory compliance, and usage purposes.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 GMC Suburban

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