How to decode a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences of characters assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). These codes identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, place of manufacture, and the vehicle type. For instance, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, based in Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, has the WMI code “JA3” for some of its vehicles. This specific code is used for passenger cars produced during several years, including the 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage. The WMI forms the initial portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the vehicle’s unique identity and specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage

WMI: JA3

Model Years Covered: 1992-1994, 1996-2002
Example VIN: JA3AY36C5WU037321
Manufacturer Name: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Minato-Ku
State or Province: Tokyo
Country: Japan

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

Known VDS for a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
AY36C	AY11A	AY26A

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 Mitsubishi Mirage 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 Mitsubishi Mirage VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
U	Mizushima		Japan		JA3AY36C5WU037321

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage

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

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How to find a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage’s VIN?

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

Review the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mitsubishi Mirage. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield on a small metal or plastic plate.
Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage. The VIN might be located on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
Check under the hood of your Mitsubishi Mirage; the VIN may be stamped on the front engine block.
Examine the frame around the area where the driver’s side door attaches to the vehicle, as your Mirage’s VIN may also be located here.
If your Mirage still retains its rear-wheel well trim, inspect inside the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. Sometimes the VIN can be found in this location.
If you still cannot locate the VIN, look in the trunk under the spare tire. Sometimes the VIN is placed there on a sticker or directly stamped on the body.

What info can a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as the year 1998, potentially offering insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
Manufacturing Location: The VIN provides information that the vehicle was manufactured in Mizushima, Japan, possibly indicating the geographic origin of the vehicle.
Vehicle Specifications: The VIN details that the vehicle is a Mirage model with a 1.8 L engine, possibly showcasing specific engine displacement and model details.
Body Type and Size: The VIN specifies the body class as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, potentially providing a clear understanding of the vehicle’s design and size.
Safety Features: According to the VIN, the vehicle may be equipped with front airbags in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, suggesting the presence of safety mechanisms.
Fuel System and Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle uses Gasoline as its primary fuel type and features a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system for fuel delivery, possibly outlining key aspects of the vehicle’s fuel management system.
Engine Information: Additional engine details provided by the VIN include the use of Multipoint Injection (MPI), enriching the understanding of its operational intricacies.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	1500.0
Displacement (CI)	91.53561614209
Displacement (L)	1.5
Doors	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Model	Mirage
Model Year	1998
Other Engine Info	MPI
Plant City	Mizushima
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Japan
Series	LOW
Vehicle Descriptor	JA3AY26A*WU
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	JA3AY26A5WU018714