How to decode a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that forms the first three characters of a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which unequivocally identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. For the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, the WMI code is “1G2,” indicating that General Motors LLC, located in Warren, Michigan, United States, is the manufacturer. This code is essential in pinpointing the vehicle’s country of origin, the manufacturer’s name, and the type of vehicle, specifically noting it as a passenger car. The WMI is an integral part of the automotive industry’s standardized identification system, which ensures that every vehicle can be uniquely identified worldwide. This system facilitates vehicle tracking, regulation, and recall procedures, making it a vital element in global automotive safety and compliance.

List of WMI Codes for a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire

WMI: 1G2

Model Years Covered: 1996-2004
Example VIN: 1G2JB124027146143
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 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Sunfire:

Known VDS for a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
JB124	JB52F	JD12T	JD12F	JB52T	JB12F	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 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Sunfire VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
2	2002

11th Character in the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2002 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	1G2JB124027146143

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire

The final 6 characters in a 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Sunfire’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Pontiac Sunfire; the VIN is typically visible from the outside, viewed through the windshield at the lower corner.
Inspect the driver’s side door jamb for a sticker on your 2002 Pontiac Sunfire; you should find the VIN printed there.
Look at the frame of the car where the driver’s side door latches when closed, as the VIN may be stamped onto the frame itself on your Pontiac Sunfire.
Check under the hood; the VIN might also be located on a sticker or plate on the firewall of your 2002 Sunfire.
For a thorough search, inspect the trunk area of your Pontiac Sunfire; sometimes, there’s a sticker with the VIN in the trunk under the spare tire or on the trunk’s lid. 6. Consult your vehicle’s documentation such as the title, registration, or insurance papers, which will list the VIN of your 2002 Pontiac Sunfire.

What info can a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2002, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Body Class and Size: The VIN specifies the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon, offering insights into both the body type and general dimensions.
Engine Specifications: Information about the engine, such as it being an inline configuration with a 2.2-liter displacement and 170 horsepower, manufactured by GM, may be found using the VIN.
Fuel Type and Efficiency: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle uses Gasoline as its primary fuel source and is equipped with a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system for fuel delivery.
Safety Features: The VIN can provide details about the presence of front airbags for both the driver and the passenger in the first row, highlighting key safety equipment.
Manufacturing Details: It may provide specifics on the manufacturing location, noting the vehicle was assembled in Lordstown, Ohio, United States, by NA-GM Corp.
Unique Vehicle Identifiers: The provided sample VIN (1G2JB52F127402850) and vehicle descriptor (1G2JB52F*27) offer unique identifiers for this particular model and its specifications.

Don’t have your 2002 Pontiac Sunfire’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2002 Pontiac Sunfire

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC)	2200.0
Displacement (CI)	134.25223700841
Displacement (L)	2.2
Doors	4
Engine Brake (hp) From	170
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	GM
Engine Model	L61
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type	Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Model	Sunfire
Model Year	2002
Other Engine Info	Name Plate: Chevrolet, Pontiac, Saturn, Oldsmobile
Plant City	Lordstown
Plant Company Name	NA-GM Corp
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Ohio
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1G2JB52F*27
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Windows	4
Sample_VIN	1G2JB52F127402850