Free 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which specifically identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacturing. For the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the WMI “1J4” signifies that it is manufactured by FCA US LLC, formerly known as Chrysler, and categorizes the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV). This code points to the vehicle’s production in the United States, specifically in Auburn Hills, Michigan. WMIs are crucial in pinpointing the origin and type of vehicle, aiding in regulatory, registration, and identification processes worldwide. This system ensures a standardized method for recognizing the make and model of vehicles across the global automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee

WMI: 1J4

• Model Years Covered: 1993-2006, 2010-2011
• Example VIN: 1J4GZ58S0VC533201
• 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 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

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 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN reveal?

• Model Year and Manufacturing Details: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as a 1997 model, and provide insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle. Additionally, manufacturing information such as the location, Detroit, Michigan, USA, and the assembly plant, Jefferson North Assembly, offer details about the vehicle’s origin.
• Vehicle Type and Specifications: The VIN can indicate that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, specifically a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with a Laredo trim, illustrating its intended use and level of luxury.
• Engine and Performance: The presence of a V-Shaped, 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of 5.2L (5200 CC or 317.323 CI) and electronic fuel injection suggests a powerful gas engine, potentially offering a robust driving experience.
• Drive Type and Safety Features: The VIN can help in identifying the drive type, such as 4-Wheel Drive (4WD), and features like front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, highlighting its safety and off-road capabilities.
• Fuel Type and Brake System: It may reveal that the vehicle runs on gasoline with a hydraulic brake system type, providing insights into its fuel preference and braking mechanics.
• Body Class, Doors, and Other Specifications: A VIN can specify the body class, such as a vehicle with four doors, falling within the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg), offering a mix of utility and capacity.
• Additional Features: The VIN might detail additional features like manual seat belts and a left-hand steering location, contributing to the user’s understanding of the vehicle’s interior layout and safety mechanisms.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee