How to decode a 1998 Mazda 626 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Mazda 626 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial sequence of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle. This three-character code reveals essential information about the vehicle, including the country of origin, the manufacturer, and the vehicle type. For the 1998 Mazda 626, the WMI ‘1YV’ signifies that the vehicle was assembled in the United States by Auto Alliance International, USA, specifically designated for the production of passenger cars. The WMI is an integral part of vehicle identification, aiding in vehicle tracking, registration, and recall processes. It provides a standardized method for identifying vehicles globally, making it an essential tool for automotive industry stakeholders.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Mazda 626

WMI: 1YV

Model Years Covered: 1990-2002
Example VIN: 1YVGF22C0W5701028
Manufacturer Name: Auto Alliance International, USA
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Wasington
State or Province: DC
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 Mazda 626 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 1998 Mazda 626:

Known VDS for a 1998 Mazda 626
GF22C	GF22D

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 1998 Mazda 626 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 1998 Mazda 626 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 Mazda 626 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Mazda 626 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
5	Flat Rock	Michigan	United States	Autoalliance International, Inc.	1YVGF22C0W5701028

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Mazda 626

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Mazda 626’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 1998 Mazda 626’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1998 Mazda 626 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mazda 626. The VIN can usually be seen through the windshield on a small metal or plastic plate mounted on the dashboard.
Examine the driver’s side door frame of your Mazda 626, where the door latches when closed. The VIN is commonly located on a sticker or a plate in this area.
Check the engine bay, as the VIN might also be stamped onto a part of the engine block or mounted on a plate in the Mazda 626.
Inspect the vehicle registration documents or the title of your Mazda 626, where the VIN will be listed.
Look into the owner’s manual or service book for your Mazda 626, as the VIN is often recorded in those documents by the dealership.
If all else fails, you can contact an authorized Mazda dealership or service center for assistance in locating the VIN on your Mazda 626.

What info can a 1998 Mazda 626 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting the year 1998, offering insights into the age and potential technological features of the vehicle.
Engine Type: This vehicle is powered by a Mazda KLD engine, possibly featuring a V-shaped, 2.5-liter, 6-cylinder configuration with horsepower ranging from 153 to 187, which may provide detailed insights into its performance capabilities.
Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates the vehicle is a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, possibly indicating its body style and potentially the interior space.
Safety Features: Key safety features can be identified, such as the presence of front airbags for both the driver and the passenger in the 1st row, offering insights into the vehicle’s safety design.
Fuel Type and Efficiency: It’s specified that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which can be crucial for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Manufacturing Information: The vehicle was assembled in Flat Rock, Michigan, United States by AutoAlliance International, Inc., which might influence the availability of parts and the overall quality.
Engine Cooling and Valve Train Design: The engine is water-cooled and features a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train design, highlighting the cooling system’s efficiency and the engine’s mechanical sophistication.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Mazda 626

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Cooling Type	Water
Displacement (CC)	2497
Displacement (CI)	152.55936023683
Displacement (L)	2.5
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	153
Engine Brake (hp) To	187
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	Mazda
Engine Model	KLD
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
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	626
Model Year	1998
Plant City	Flat Rock
Plant Company Name	Autoalliance International, Inc.
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Michigan
Series	Sedan
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1YVGF22D*W5
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	1YVGF22D1W5753163