How to decode a 1998 Plymouth Neon VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Plymouth Neon VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-digit code used to identify the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system. For the 1998 Plymouth Neon, the WMI could be either “1P3” if the car was manufactured by FCA US LLC in Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States, or “3P3” if produced by Chrysler De Mexico in Santa Fe, Mexico City, Mexico. This coding system, through the WMI, signifies not only the company that built the vehicle but also highlights the global nature of the automotive industry, with manufacturers operating across different countries. It covers various model years, indicating the history and changes in manufacturing locations over time. This distinction is especially relevant for vehicles like the Plymouth Neon, which was produced during a period when manufacturers were expanding their global footprint.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Plymouth Neon

WMI: 1P3

Model Years Covered: 1995-2001
Example VIN: 1P3ES47Y6WD666056
Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Auburn Hills
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States WMI: 3P3
Model Years Covered: 1995, 1997-1999
Example VIN: 3P3ES47C4WT271761
Manufacturer Name: Chrysler De Mexico Toluca
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Santa Fe
State or Province: Mexico City
Country: Mexico

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

Known VDS for a 1998 Plymouth Neon
ES47Y	ES47C	ES42C

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 Plymouth Neon 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 Plymouth Neon VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 Plymouth Neon VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Plymouth Neon Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
D	Belvidere	Illinois	United States	Belvidere Assembly	1P3ES47Y6WD666056
T	Toluca	State Of Mexico	Mexico	Toluca Assembly	3P3ES47C4WT271761

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Plymouth Neon

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

Check your Plymouth Neon’s VIN below:

How to find a 1998 Plymouth Neon’s VIN?

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

Look at the dashboard of your 1998 Plymouth Neon, typically on the driver’s side where the dash meets the windshield and is visible from outside the vehicle.
Examine the driver’s side door jamb on your Neon; there should be a label or sticker when the door latches, which includes the VIN.
Inspect under the hood of your Plymouth Neon; the VIN may be stamped on the engine block or on a placard located on the firewall.
Check the trunk area, including under the spare tire if applicable, as the VIN might be located there in some 1998 Plymouth Neon models.
If you have documentation for your vehicle such as insurance cards, registration, or the owner’s manual, the VIN should also be printed there for reference.

What info can a 1998 Plymouth Neon VIN reveal?

Model Year and Make: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, as for the 1998 Neon, providing insights into the age and model for identification or valuation purposes.
Engine Specifications: The VIN specifies an In-Line engine configuration with 4 cylinders, a displacement of 2 liters, and features such as Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) and a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) valve train design, indicating specific performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle, as revealed by the VIN, is gasoline, a crucial detail for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Safety Features: The VIN provides details on safety features, including front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, along with manual seat belt types, offering insights into the vehicle’s safety equipment.
Manufacturing Details: According to the VIN, the car was assembled in Belvidere, Illinois, United States, at the Belvidere Assembly Plant, offering insights into its production origin which might influence quality perceptions and part sourcing.
Body and Size: The VIN classifies the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon, with a 4-door configuration, essential for buyers focused on vehicle size, style, and practicality.
Unique Identifiers and Series: Additional details like trim level (Expresso), series (H Series), and specific engine information (16V, Sales Code: ECC) enrich the vehicle’s unique profile, helpful for precise identification or customization.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Plymouth Neon

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	2000
Displacement (CI)	122.0474881894
Displacement (L)	2
Doors	4
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Model	Neon
Model Year	1998
Other Engine Info	Engine Info: 16V, Sales Code: ECC
Other Restraint System Info	CGW except LH
Plant City	Belvidere
Plant Company Name	Belvidere assembly
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Illinois
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series2	H Series
Trim	Expresso
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1P3ES47Y*WD
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	1P3ES47Y6WD666056