Free 1989 Honda Prelude VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1989 Honda Prelude VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1989 Honda Prelude VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. For instance, the 1989 Honda Prelude has a WMI that begins with “JHM,” indicating it was manufactured by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. The “J” signifies the country of manufacture as Japan, while “HM” identifies the specific Honda plant in Musashi, Tokyo. WMI codes are essential in decoding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), providing vital information about the vehicle’s manufacturer, type, and production location. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI, such as that of the 1989 Honda Prelude, is crucial for various legal, registration, and identification purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1989 Honda Prelude

WMI: JHM

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1982, 1985-2001
• Example VIN: JHMBA4243KC060965
• Manufacturer Name: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Tokyo
• State or Province: Musashi
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1989 Honda Prelude 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 1989 Honda Prelude:

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 1989 Honda Prelude 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 1989 Honda Prelude VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1989 Honda Prelude VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1989 Honda Prelude Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1989 Honda Prelude

The final 6 characters in a 1989 Honda Prelude’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1989 Honda Prelude VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1989, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, indicating a Coupe with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Specifications: Engine details, including manufacturer Honda, model B20A5, an in-line configuration with 4 cylinders, and a displacement of 2 liters, are encoded within the VIN, providing valuable information about the vehicle’s power and performance.
• Fuel Type: The VIN can reveal the primary fuel type the vehicle uses, such as Gasoline, guiding potential buyers in understanding its fuel requirements.
• Drive Type: It is possible to determine the drive type of the vehicle, in this case, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), from the VIN, offering insights into the vehicle’s handling and traction.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN provides information on the vehicle’s manufacturing location, pointing to Saitama/Sayama, Japan for specific models, which can be of interest to enthusiasts and collectors.
• Safety Features: Safety features like the type of seat belts used, for example, automatic seat belts, can be inferred from the VIN, potentially impacting insurance rates and safety assessments.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1989 Honda Prelude

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