How to decode a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-digit code that is an integral part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving to identify the manufacturer, vehicle type, and country of manufacture. For the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire, the WMI is “1G2,” indicating the vehicle was produced by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. This code is critical for automotive manufacturers as it ensures each vehicle can be accurately traced back to its origin, providing essential information for registration, service, and recall purposes. The 1998 Pontiac Sunfire’s WMI not only confirms its American heritage but also classifies it as a passenger car, reflecting its design and intended use within General Motors’ wide range of vehicles. This foundational piece of the VIN is vital for both regulatory compliance and consumer information.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire

WMI: 1G2

Model Years Covered: 1996-2004
Example VIN: 1G2JD12T0W7513176
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States WMI: 4G2
Model Years Covered: 1996-2000
Example VIN: 4G2JB32T2WB206363
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 1998 Pontiac Sunfire 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 Pontiac Sunfire:

Known VDS for a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire
JD12T	JB124	JB52T	JB32T	JB524

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 Pontiac Sunfire 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 Pontiac Sunfire VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Pontiac Sunfire Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
7	Lordstown	Ohio	United States	Na-Gm Corp	1G2JD12T0W7513176
B	Lansing - Craft Center	Michigan	United States	Na-Gm Corp	4G2JB32T2WB206363

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire

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

Check your Pontiac Sunfire’s VIN below:

How to find a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire’s VIN?

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

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. You can usually see the VIN through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and check the door jamb for a label or sticker; the VIN is often located where the door latches when it is closed.
Examine the engine block of your Pontiac Sunfire, as the VIN is sometimes stamped onto the engine itself.
Look inside the trunk of your car. There might be a sticker with the VIN in the area where the spare tire is stored.
Review your vehicle’s title or registration documents; the VIN for your 1998 Pontiac Sunfire will be listed on these official papers.

What info can a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Engine Specifications: The VIN discloses an in-line engine configuration with a 2.4 L capacity, showcasing specifics like the engine manufacturer and a multipoint fuel injection (MPFI) system. This suggests the vehicle’s potential performance and fuel delivery mechanisms.
Body Class and Size: The VIN specifies the sedan/saloon body class with 4 doors and windows, providing insights into the vehicle’s overall size and shape, offering an idea of the vehicle’s design and interior space.
Safety Features: The presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, as indicated by the VIN, may suggest a focus on safety features, potentially enhancing the vehicle’s safety profile.
Vehicle Make and Model: Detailed model information is revealed, identifying the vehicle as a Sunfire, which can assist in understanding specific vehicle specifications and features.
Manufacturing Details: Information regarding the manufacturing plant, including its location in Lordstown, Ohio, United States, underlines the vehicle’s production background, providing insights into its historical and geographical context.
Fuel and Engine Management: The VIN details the type of fuel delivery system used (Multipoint Fuel Injection - MPFI), emphasizing the vehicle’s fuel efficiency mechanisms and engine management features, potentially hinting at its fuel efficiency and engine performance.

Don’t have your 1998 Pontiac Sunfire’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	2200.0
Displacement (CI)	134.25223700841
Displacement (L)	2.2
Doors	4
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	LAN
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Model	Sunfire
Model Year	1998
Other Engine Info	Name Plate: Chev, Pont
Plant City	Lordstown
Plant Company Name	NA-GM Corp
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Ohio
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Vehicle Descriptor	1G2JB524*W7
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Windows	4
Sample_VIN	1G2JB5241W7568144