How to decode an Oldsmobile LSS VIN
Characters 1-3 of an Oldsmobile LSS VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, part of the larger Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system that classifies vehicles globally. The WMI for a specific make of the Oldsmobile LSS, produced by General Motors LLC, consists of the first three characters of the VIN, in this case, 1G3. This sequence not only indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by General Motors in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan, but also reveals the vehicle type, which is a passenger car. The WMI code is crucial for accurately identifying vehicles, especially those manufactured between 1996 and 1998, for purposes ranging from registration to repairs. It serves as a standardized fingerprint for vehicles, providing clear, concise information about their origin, type, and manufacturer.
List of WMI Codes for an Oldsmobile LSS
WMI: 1G3
- Model Years Covered: 1996-1998
- Example VIN: 1G3HY52K1T4842916
- Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Warren
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of an Oldsmobile LSS 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 an Oldsmobile LSS:
| Known VDS for an Oldsmobile LSS |
|---|
| HY52K |
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 an Oldsmobile LSS 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 Oldsmobile LSS VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| W | 1998 Oldsmobile LSS |
| V | 1997 Oldsmobile LSS |
| T | 1996 Oldsmobile LSS |
11th Character in the Oldsmobile LSS VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Oldsmobile LSS Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Orion | Michigan | United States | Na-Gm Corp | 1G3HY52K1T4842916 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of an Oldsmobile LSS
The final 6 characters in an Oldsmobile LSS’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find an Oldsmobile LSS’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Oldsmobile LSS is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Oldsmobile LSS. The VIN is usually visible through the windshield on a metal or plastic plate.
- Inspect the driver’s side door frame on your Oldsmobile LSS. The VIN can often be found on a sticker or a plate where the door latches when it is closed.
- Check under the hood of your Oldsmobile LSS for a VIN plate. This is often positioned on the engine block or fixed to the chassis or firewall.
- Examine your vehicle registration documents or insurance paperwork. The VIN of your Oldsmobile LSS should be clearly listed in these documents.
- For more thorough inspection, look underneath the spare tire in the trunk or cargo area of your Oldsmobile LSS. Sometimes the VIN is stamped in this less-common place for additional identification.
What info can an Oldsmobile LSS VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Engine Type: The vehicle is equipped with a 3.8 L V6 engine manufactured by FLT under the name L36, featuring a V-shaped configuration.
- Fuel Delivery: The car utilizes a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system for optimized fuel delivery, which can enhance engine performance and efficiency.
- Safety Features: Safety measures include front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, potentially improving occupant protection in the event of a collision.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates the vehicle is a Sedan/Saloon with four doors, providing ample room for passengers and showcasing the vehicle’s design and size.
- Manufacturing Details: Manufactured in Orion, Michigan, United States, under the company NA-GM Corp, highlighting the production location’s influence on the vehicle’s identity.
- Vehicle Identification: The VIN serves as a unique identifier, encoding individual vehicle information and offering a distinct label for this passenger car.
Don’t have your Oldsmobile LSS’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for an Oldsmobile LSS
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 3800.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 231.89022755998 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.8 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | FLT |
| Engine Model | L36 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type | Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) |
| Model | LSS |
| Model Year | 1996 |
| Other Engine Info | Name Plate: Chev, Pont, Olds, Buick |
| Plant City | Orion |
| Plant Company Name | NA-GM Corp |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Michigan |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1G3HY52K*T4 |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Windows | 4 |
| Sample_VIN | 1G3HY52K1T4842916 |
Decode a Oldsmobile VIN
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