How to decode a 1996 Mazda MX-5 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Mazda MX-5 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe, consisting of the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This code not only identifies the manufacturer but also provides specific information about the vehicle, including its country of origin, vehicle type, and sometimes even the vehicle’s specific division within a company. For instance, the WMI for the 1996 Mazda MX-5 signifies that it was manufactured by Mazda Motor Corporation in Hiroshima, Japan. The MX-5, known for its lightweight and exceptional handling, falls under the category of passenger cars. The use of WMI ensures that each vehicle can be uniquely identified, reflecting its manufacturing legacy and foundational specifications.
List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Mazda MX-5
WMI: JM1
- Model Years Covered: 1990-1997, 1999-2024
- Example VIN: JM1NA3530T0700614
- Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Corporation
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Hiroshima
- State or Province: Hiroshima Prefecture
- Country: Japan
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1996 Mazda MX-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 1996 Mazda MX-5:
| Known VDS for a 1996 Mazda MX-5 |
|---|
| NA353 |
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 1996 Mazda MX-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 1996 Mazda MX-5 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| T | 1996 |
11th Character in the 1996 Mazda MX-5 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1996 Mazda MX-5 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Hiroshima | Japan | JM1NA3530T0700614 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Mazda MX-5
The final 6 characters in a 1996 Mazda MX-5’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your Mazda MX-5’s VIN below:
How to find a 1996 Mazda MX-5’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1996 Mazda MX-5 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mazda MX-5. This is the most common location for the VIN, and it can usually be seen through the windshield.
- Look on the driver-side door jamb of your Mazda MX-5. The VIN might be located on a label or sticker there, where the door latches when it is shut.
- Check any documentation or owner’s manual you have for the Mazda MX-5, as the VIN is typically recorded on the vehicle title, registration, and insurance documents.
- Inspect the engine bay of your Mazda MX-5. The VIN might be stamped onto a part of the chassis or on a plate located in this area.
- View the underside of the front of the car, near the windshield wiper assembly, to see if the VIN is located there on your Mazda MX-5.
- Look at the rear wheel well above the tire; sometimes the VIN can be found in this unusual place on vehicles like the Mazda MX-5.
What info can a 1996 Mazda MX-5 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturing Location: There’s a chance that the VIN can hint at the manufacturing location, potentially indicating the city of Hiroshima in Japan.
- Vehicle Specifications: The VIN can provide basic vehicle specifications like the Mazda MX-5, possibly equipped with a BPD engine model, and engine horsepower ranging from 120 to 146.
- Body Class and Size: It seems that from the VIN, you can learn about the body class and size, indicating this vehicle may be a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors.
- Safety Features: There’s a chance that the VIN may include information on safety features, specifying that this vehicle possibly has front airbags for both the driver and passenger located in the 1st row.
- Engine Specifications: Engine details such as model BPD and horsepower range from 120 to 146 hp can be decoded from the VIN, offering insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
- Vehicle Type: The type of vehicle, in this case, a Passenger Car, might be determined through the VIN, providing a general understanding of the vehicle’s intended use and classification.
Don’t have your 1996 Mazda MX-5’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Mazda MX-5
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Convertible/Cabriolet |
| Doors | 2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 120 |
| Engine Brake (hp) To | 146 |
| Engine Model | BPD |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Model | MX-5 |
| Model Year | 1996 |
| Plant City | Hiroshima |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Japan |
| Vehicle Descriptor | JM1NA353*T0 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | JM1NA3530T0700614 |
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