How to decode a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique sequence of letters and numbers assigned to every vehicle manufacturer for identification purposes. For the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix, the WMI is “1G2,” indicating it was produced by General Motors LLC in the United States. Specifically, “1” represents the country code for the United States, “G” denotes General Motors as the manufacturer, and “2” identifies the vehicle as a passenger car. This WMI is part of a broader Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system that helps track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, and thefts. The Pontiac Grand Prix’s assembly took place in Warren, Michigan, highlighting its American production roots.
List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
WMI: 1G2
- Model Years Covered: 1988-2003
- Example VIN: 1G2WJ12M0TF260708
- 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 a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix:
| Known VDS for a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix | ||
|---|---|---|
| WJ12M | WJ12X | WJ52M |
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 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix 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 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| T | 1996 |
11th Character in the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | Kansas City | Kansas | United States | Na-Gm Corporation-Fairfax Ii | 1G2WJ12M0TF260708 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
The final 6 characters in a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Pontiac Grand Prix, near where the dashboard meets the windshield. You can typically see the VIN through the windshield from outside the vehicle.
- Open the driver’s side door and check the door pillar (door jamb). There should be a sticker or plate with the VIN on it where the door latches when closed.
- Examine the engine block of your 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. The VIN might be stamped onto the engine itself.
- Check your vehicle’s registration card, insurance card, or title (also known as the pink slip), as these documents will have the VIN recorded for your Pontiac Grand Prix.
- If your Pontiac Grand Prix still retains its original owner’s manual or maintenance book, the VIN will often be recorded inside one of these booklets.
What info can a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Information: Details such as the engine being V-Shaped, having a displacement of 3.1 liters, and being configured with 6 cylinders can point to specific performance characteristics. The engine model L82 and branded by FLT may suggest its origin and capability.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 1996 vehicle, this may indicate a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, giving an idea about the size, style, and utility of the car.
- Fuel System: The vehicle utilizes a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) for fuel delivery, indicating a type of fuel system possibly designed for efficiency and performance.
- Safety Features: The presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row emphasizes the car’s commitment to safety.
- Manufacturing Details: According to the VIN, the vehicle was manufactured in Kansas City, United States, by NA-GM Corporation - Fairfax II, possibly providing insights into the vehicle’s origin and the quality standards it may adhere to.
- Additional Specifications: Features like manual seat belts and 4 windows contribute to understanding the vehicle’s basic amenity offerings and the driving experience it aims to provide.
Don’t have your 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 3100.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 189.17360669367 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.1 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | FLT |
| Engine Model | L82 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type | Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) |
| Model | Grand Prix |
| Model Year | 1996 |
| Other Engine Info | Name Plate: Chev, Pont, Olds, Buick |
| Plant City | Kansas City |
| Plant Company Name | NA-GM Corporation-Fairfax II |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Kansas |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | SE |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1G2WJ52M*TF |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Windows | 4 |
| Sample_VIN | 1G2WJ52M5TF236864 |
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