How to decode a Jeep CJ-5 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Jeep CJ-5 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. Each WMI code is specific to one manufacturer, and for the Jeep CJ-5, that WMI is typically 1JC. These initial characters reveal the brand’s country of origin and the manufacturer’s name, reflecting the vehicle’s pedigree. For instance, the Jeep CJ-5 with a VIN starting with 1JC indicates it was produced by FCA US LLC, formerly known as Chrysler Group LLC, in the United States. This code serves as the fingerprint for the vehicle’s manufacturer, setting the stage for the rest of the VIN to unfold the vehicle’s individual history and specifications.
List of WMI Codes for a Jeep CJ-5
WMI: 1JC
- Model Years Covered: 1981-1983
- Example VIN: 1JCCM85A1BT066607
- Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Auburn Hills
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Jeep CJ-5 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 Jeep CJ-5:
| Known VDS for a Jeep CJ-5 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CM85A | BM85A | HM85E | BM85E | CM85E | BN85A |
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 Jeep CJ-5 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 Jeep CJ-5 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| D | 1983 Jeep CJ-5 |
| C | 1982 Jeep CJ-5 |
| B | 1981 Jeep CJ-5 |
11th Character in the Jeep CJ-5 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Jeep CJ-5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T | Toledo | Ohio | United States | Toledo Assembly Plant | 1JCCM85A1BT066607 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Jeep CJ-5
The final 6 characters in a Jeep CJ-5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a Jeep CJ-5’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Jeep CJ-5 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side of your Jeep CJ-5, which is a common spot where the VIN plate is mounted, making it easily viewable from outside the vehicle.
- Open the driver’s side door and examine the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). Often, the VIN can be found on a sticker or a plate in this area of your Jeep CJ-5.
- Check your Jeep CJ-5’s vehicle title, registration, or insurance papers, since the VIN is typically recorded on all official vehicle documents.
- Inspect the frame of your Jeep CJ-5, as some models have the VIN stamped directly onto the frame or on a plate attached to it, especially in older vehicles.
- For older Jeep CJ-5s, consider looking under the hood for a metal plate on the firewall of the vehicle where the VIN might be placed.
- Examine the body tub by looking for a plate with the VIN engraved, which could be located just under the edge of the hood or in the engine compartment.
- If none of the above methods are successful, refer to the owner’s manual for specific information on VIN location for your Jeep CJ-5, or contact a local Jeep dealership for assistance.
What info can a Jeep CJ-5 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1983, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN provides information on the vehicle type, indicating that it is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), which offers insights into its potential use and capabilities.
- Transmission Style: The VIN decoding provides the transmission style of the vehicle, which is Manual/Standard, suggesting a potentially engaging driving experience for the driver.
- Drive Type: The VIN indicates the drive type of the vehicle, which is 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, possibly suggesting good off-road capabilities and traction in various driving conditions.
Don’t have your Jeep CJ-5’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Jeep CJ-5
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Displacement (CC) | 4981.667456 |
| Displacement (CI) | 304 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.981667456 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 8 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Model | CJ-5 |
| Model Year | 1981 |
| Plant City | Toledo |
| Plant Company Name | Toledo assembly plant |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Ohio |
| Series | Open Body |
| Transmission Speeds | 4 |
| Transmission Style | Manual/Standard |
| Trim | with Extra Duty Suspension |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1JCHM85E*BT |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Sample_VIN | 1JCHM85E3BT063507 |
Decode a Jeep VIN
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