How to decode a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code assigned to vehicle manufacturers to identify the make and location of production. For instance, the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a WMI of either “1J8” or “1J4”, signifying it was produced by FCA US LLC in Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States. These WMIs indicate that the vehicle falls under the category of a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), showcasing its utility nature. The first digit “1” denotes that the vehicle was manufactured in the United States, establishing its geographic origin. These codes are integral to understanding a vehicle’s manufacturing backdrop, signifying both the company that built it and the type of vehicle it is.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee

WMI: 1J8

Model Years Covered: 2002-2009
Example VIN: 1J8GW58S03C620438
Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Auburn Hills
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States WMI: 1J4
Model Years Covered: 1993-2006, 2010-2011
Example VIN: 1J4GW58J13C521166
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 2003 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 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

Known VDS for a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
GW58S	GW48S	GW58J	GW58N	GX58N	GW68J	GX48S	GX58S	GX48N	GX58J
GW48N

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 2003 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 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
3	2003

11th Character in the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
C	Detroit	Michigan	United States	Jefferson North Assembly	1J8GW58S03C620438

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The final 6 characters in a 2003 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:

How to find a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Inspect the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Jeep Grand Cherokee, near where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN is often visible from the outside.
Look at the door frame of the driver’s side door on your Jeep Grand Cherokee. The VIN can commonly be found on a label or sticker when you open the door.
Open the hood of your Jeep Grand Cherokee and check the front of the engine block; the VIN might be stamped onto the metal there.
Examine the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. Peer into the well above the tire; sometimes the VIN is located on the body of the car in this area. 5. Check inside the driver’s side door jamb where the door latches when it’s closed. There can often be a sticker or a plate with the VIN on your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Look in the vehicle registration documents or the insurance card for your Jeep Grand Cherokee; the VIN is printed on these documents as well.

What info can a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the year as 2003, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Specifications: The VIN provides engine details, indicating a V-shaped configuration with eight cylinders and a displacement of 4.7 liters (4700 CC or 286.81 CI), suggesting the vehicle’s possible performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, paired with a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system, which might influence fuel efficiency and performance.
Drive Type and Brake System: The Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 system and hydraulic brakes, suggesting its capabilities for off-road and challenging driving conditions while possibly maintaining safety.
Safety Features: The VIN indicates the presence of front airbags in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, and side airbags for the 1st row, suggesting the vehicle is equipped with standard safety features to help protect occupants in case of a collision.
Body Class and Doors: Described as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) / Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with four doors, it highlights the vehicle’s design for utility and convenience, catering to family or group travel needs.
Manufacturing Details: Production details, such as the assembly in Detroit, Michigan, United States by Jefferson North Assembly, may offer insights into the quality and heritage of the vehicle, potentially enhancing its appeal to enthusiasts or those concerned with manufacturing origin.

Don’t have your 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	4700.0
Displacement (CI)	286.81159724524
Displacement (L)	4.7
Doors	4
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Model	Grand Cherokee
Model Year	2003
Other Engine Info	Sales Code: EVA
Plant City	Detroit
Plant Company Name	Jefferson North assembly
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Michigan
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	WJ
Series2	P Series
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Steering Location	Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
Trim	Limited
Vehicle Descriptor	1J8GW58N*3C
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	1J8GW58N03C519488