How to decode a 1988 Jaguar XJ VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Jaguar XJ VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code, which forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), provides valuable information about the vehicle’s make and country of origin. For example, the WMI for Jaguar Land Rover Limited, a prestigious automobile manufacturer based in Coventry, United Kingdom, is “SAJ.” This code indicates that any vehicle with a VIN starting with “SAJ” was produced by Jaguar Land Rover Limited. Specifically, for Jaguar models like the 1988 Jaguar XJ, the WMI of SAJ identifies it as a Passenger Car manufactured in the United Kingdom, underlining Jaguar’s British heritage and manufacturing location.
List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Jaguar XJ
WMI: SAJ
- Model Years Covered: 1985-1989, 1998, 2002-2019
- Example VIN: SAJNA5840JC146746
- Manufacturer Name: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Whitley
- State or Province: Coventry
- Country: United Kingdom
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 Jaguar XJ 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 Jaguar XJ:
| Known VDS for a 1988 Jaguar XJ | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| NA584 | NA384 | KV164 | NV584 |
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 Jaguar XJ 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 Jaguar XJ VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| J | 1988 |
11th Character in the 1988 Jaguar XJ VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1988 Jaguar XJ Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Browns Lane | England | SAJNA5840JC146746 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Jaguar XJ
The final 6 characters in a 1988 Jaguar XJ’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1988 Jaguar XJ’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1988 Jaguar XJ is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1988 Jaguar XJ. Look through the windshield to spot the VIN on a metal plate near where the dashboard meets the windshield.
- Inspect the driver’s side door jamb on your Jaguar XJ. The VIN can often be found on a label or sticker where the door latches upon closing.
- Check the engine block of your 1988 Jaguar XJ. The VIN is sometimes stamped onto the engine itself.
- Review the vehicle’s registration documents, insurance papers, or title, as they will all contain the VIN of your Jaguar XJ.
- Look beneath the spare tire in the trunk of your Jaguar XJ. Occasionally, the VIN may be found in this area, marked on the body of the vehicle.
What info can a 1988 Jaguar XJ VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the year 1988 and potentially providing insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: The VIN discloses that the Jaguar XJS has a V-Shaped engine configuration with a 5.3-liter displacement and 12 cylinders, indicating its performance capabilities.
- Body Class and Size: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, shedding light on its design and style preferences.
- Fuel Type: The vehicle uses Gasoline as its primary fuel source, a crucial detail for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: Features such as Passive Belts, indicated by the VIN, provide insights into the safety measures that were standard for the model year 1988.
- Manufacturing Details: The VIN specifies that the vehicle was manufactured in Browns Lane, England, offering background on its production origin which can influence its craftsmanship and value.
- Transmission Style: It is equipped with an Automatic transmission, offering insights into the driving experience and the vehicle’s ease of use.
Don’t have your 1988 Jaguar XJ’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Jaguar XJ
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Displacement (CC) | 5300.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 323.42584370208 |
| Displacement (L) | 5.3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 12 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | XJS |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Passive Belts |
| Plant City | Browns Lane |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | England |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Steering Location | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) |
| Transmission Style | Automatic |
| Vehicle Descriptor | SAJNA384*JC |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | SAJNA3841JC140135 |
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