Free 1997 Mitsubishi Montero VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sets of characters used in automotive identification, comprising the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). These codes reveal key information about a vehicle, including its manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacturing. For instance, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan, uses the WMI “JA4” for its series of Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPVs), such as the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero. This system ensures that every vehicle can be globally identified by manufacturer and type, providing a standardized method for classification. Hence, the WMI serves as a crucial tool in automotive industry analytics, vehicle tracking, and regulatory compliance.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero

WMI: JA4

• Model Years Covered: 1985, 1987, 1990, 1994-2006
• Example VIN: JA4MR31H4VJ007218
• Manufacturer Name: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Minato-Ku
• State or Province: Tokyo
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero 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 Mitsubishi Montero:

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 Mitsubishi Montero 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 Mitsubishi Montero VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Mitsubishi Montero VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The vehicle’s model year, possibly around 1997, can be directly identified from the VIN, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: The production details like the plant city being in Nagoya and the country of origin being Japan may hint at the geographical origin of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: Essential information about the make being Montero, including engine configuration described as V-Shaped and displacement in liters at 3.0L, is encoded within the VIN, offering specific details about the vehicle’s construction and power.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN reveals the body class as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with a specification of 5 doors, indicating its size and purpose, it seems.
• Drive Type and Engine Details: Details such as the drive type being 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 and the engine featuring a 6-cylinder configuration are specified, offering insights into the possible capabilities of the vehicle.
• Fuel Type and Engine Technology: Information about the primary fuel type possibly being Gasoline and the engine’s fuel delivery system possibly being Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) is available, reflecting on its potential efficiency and performance technology.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The classification, such as Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg), provides an idea about the vehicle’s weight bracket, possibly crucial for understanding its load capacity and regulatory classification.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero