How to decode a 1997 Mazda MPV VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Mazda MPV VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a unique sequence of three letters or numbers assigned to automotive manufacturers to distinguish between them globally. For the 1997 Mazda MPV, the WMI “JM3” signifies that Mazda Motor Corporation, located in Hiroshima, Japan, is the manufacturer. This specific WMI indicates that the vehicle is a type of multipurpose passenger vehicle, aligning with Mazda’s renowned focus on producing versatile and reliable vehicles. The WMI not only denotes the manufacturer but also provides a hint to the vehicle’s origin, being manufactured in the Hiroshima Prefecture of Japan, which is a hub for Mazda’s production activities. This system of identification ensures a standardized method for identifying vehicles worldwide, allowing for easier recognition of a vehicle’s make and model year.
List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Mazda MPV
WMI: JM3
- Model Years Covered: 1990-1998, 2000-2006
- Example VIN: JM3LV5222V0830147
- Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Corporation
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Hiroshima
- State or Province: Hiroshima Prefecture
- Country: Japan
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Mazda MPV 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 Mazda MPV:
| Known VDS for a 1997 Mazda MPV |
|---|
| LV522 |
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 Mazda MPV 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 Mazda MPV VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| V | 1997 |
11th Character in the 1997 Mazda MPV VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1997 Mazda MPV Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Hiroshima | Japan | Mazda Motor Corporation | JM3LV5222V0830147 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Mazda MPV
The final 6 characters in a 1997 Mazda MPV’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your Mazda MPV’s VIN below:
How to find a 1997 Mazda MPV’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1997 Mazda MPV is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mazda MPV. The VIN can commonly be seen from the outside by looking through the windshield at the lower corner on the driver’s side.
- Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Mazda MPV. There is usually a sticker or plate that will have the VIN printed on it where the door latches when closed.
- Inspect under the hood of your Mazda MPV for a metal plate that typically contains the VIN; this can often be found on the front engine block or on a strut tower.
- Observe the area behind the spare tire in the trunk of your Mazda MPV. Sometimes, the VIN is located on the body of the car in that compartment.
- Examine your vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card; the VIN of your Mazda MPV will be listed on these documents as well.
What info can a 1997 Mazda MPV VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Specifications: Engine details, including the displacement, number of cylinders, configuration, and manufacturer, can be decoded, offering a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle’s powerplant.
- Fuel Type: The identifiable fuel type, in this instance, Gasoline, provides crucial information regarding the vehicle’s operational costs and environmental impact.
- Body Class and Size: The VIN can reveal the body class as a Minivan with 4 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s size, passenger capacity, and potential usage.
- Drive Type: The VIN decoded drive type (4x2) indicates the vehicle’s drivetrain configuration, affecting handling, fuel economy, and performance.
- Manufacturing Details: Information about the manufacturing, including the plant location (Hiroshima, Japan) and company name (Mazda Motor Corporation), sheds light on the vehicle’s origin and quality standards.
- Vehicle Type and Series: The VIN deciphers the vehicle type as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle and the series as a Wagon, providing a clear view of the vehicle’s intended use and market positioning.
Don’t have your 1997 Mazda MPV’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Mazda MPV
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Minivan |
| Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
| Displacement (CC) | 3000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 183.0712322841 |
| Displacement (L) | 3 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 137 |
| Engine Brake (hp) To | 167 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Engine Model | JEE |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) |
| Model | MPV |
| Model Year | 1997 |
| Plant City | Hiroshima |
| Plant Company Name | Mazda Motor Corporation |
| Plant Country | Japan |
| Series | Wagon |
| Vehicle Descriptor | JM3LV522*V0 |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Sample_VIN | JM3LV5222V0830147 |
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