How to decode a 2005 Mitsubishi Montero VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2005 Mitsubishi Montero VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code that signifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, including details about its vehicle type and where it was produced. For instance, vehicles made by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, designated for the multipurpose passenger vehicle category and crafted in Tokyo, Japan, carry the WMI “JA4.” This code helps in identifying vehicles globally, ensuring that each vehicle’s origin and its manufacturer can be traced accurately. In the case of the 2005 Mitsubishi Montero, the WMI is integral in decoding its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), aiding in vehicle tracking, registration, and recall processes. It serves as the first step in decoding the broader VIN, providing a snapshot of the vehicle’s manufacturing background.

List of WMI Codes for a 2005 Mitsubishi Montero

WMI: JA4

Model Years Covered: 1985, 1987, 1990, 1994-2006
Example VIN: JA4MW51S05J000427
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 2005 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 2005 Mitsubishi Montero:

Known VDS for a 2005 Mitsubishi Montero
MW51S

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 2005 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 2005 Mitsubishi Montero VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
5	2005

11th Character in the 2005 Mitsubishi Montero VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2005 Mitsubishi Montero Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
J	Nagoya		Japan	Nagoya-3	JA4MW51S05J000427

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2005 Mitsubishi Montero

The final 6 characters in a 2005 Mitsubishi Montero’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2005 Mitsubishi Montero’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2005 Mitsubishi Montero is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Mitsubishi Montero, near where the windshield meets the dash. The VIN can typically be seen from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb area. The VIN can often be found on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
Check under the hood of your Mitsubishi Montero; the VIN might be stamped on the engine block or affixed to the firewall of the engine compartment.
Look at the rear wheel well on the driver’s side. Sometimes, the VIN is placed above the tire area.
Examine the frame of the vehicle underneath the car. On some Mitsubishi models, the VIN can be located on the chassis.

What info can a 2005 Mitsubishi Montero VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating the year 2005. This provides insights into the age and potential technological features of the vehicle.
Manufacturing Location: The vehicle was assembled in Nagoya, Japan, by the company named NAGOYA-3, showcasing its manufacturing origin, which might influence build quality and performance.
Vehicle Specifications: The Mitsubishi Montero model is a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) equipped with a 3.8 MPI engine, highlighting its powertrain and vehicle category.
Engine and Performance: The vehicle features a 3.8L engine displacement and a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system, emphasizing the engine’s size and fuel delivery method, offering insights into performance and efficiency.
Drive Type and Capability: It has a 4WD (4-Wheel Drive) system, indicating enhanced off-road and adverse weather driving capabilities, suitable for various terrains.
Safety and Monitoring Systems: It includes a Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), emphasizing the vehicle’s safety features designed to alert the driver to tire pressure issues.
Fuel Type and Efficiency: Operating on gasoline fuel, with specific engine and fuel injection details provided, it offers clues about the vehicle’s fuel consumption and potential efficiency.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2005 Mitsubishi Montero

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	3800.0
Displacement (CI)	231.89022755998
Displacement (L)	3.8
Doors	5
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Model	3.8 MPI
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Model	Montero
Model Year	2005
Other Engine Info	MPI
Plant City	Nagoya
Plant Company Name	NAGOYA-3
Plant Country	Japan
Series	PREMIUM
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Vehicle Descriptor	JA4MW51S*5J
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	JA4MW51S05J000427