How to decode a 1998 Saturn SL1 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Saturn SL1 VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique sequence of characters assigned to each vehicle manufacturer which forms the initial portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). In the case of the 1998 Saturn SL1, the WMI of “1G8” signifies that General Motors LLC, located in Warren, Michigan, United States, is the manufacturer. This three-character code not only identifies the manufacturer but also provides information about the vehicle type, which is a passenger car for this model. The WMI is an integral part of the VIN, allowing vehicles to be tracked and identified globally. It’s a critical tool for safety recalls, registration, and in identifying stolen vehicles.
List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Saturn SL1
WMI: 1G8
- Model Years Covered: 1992-2002
- Example VIN: 1G8ZH5280WZ314696
- 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 Saturn SL1 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 Saturn SL1:
| Known VDS for a 1998 Saturn SL1 | |
|---|---|
| ZH528 | ZG528 |
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 Saturn SL1 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 Saturn SL1 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| W | 1998 |
11th Character in the 1998 Saturn SL1 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1998 Saturn SL1 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z | Spring Hill | Tennessee | United States | Spring Hill Manufacturing | 1G8ZH5280WZ314696 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Saturn SL1
The final 6 characters in a 1998 Saturn SL1’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1998 Saturn SL1’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1998 Saturn SL1 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1998 Saturn SL1. The VIN can typically be seen through the windshield on a small plate near where the dashboard meets the glass.
- Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Saturn SL1. The VIN might be located on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
- Check under the hood of your Saturn SL1 for a VIN plate, which might be on the front engine block, or attached to the body/frame of the vehicle.
- Look in the trunk area of your 1998 Saturn SL1. The VIN might be found on the spare tire wheel well or on the trunk’s inner walls.
- Inspect your Saturn SL1’s service or maintenance book. The VIN is often recorded in the vehicle’s service history documentation provided by the manufacturer.
What info can a 1998 Saturn SL1 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that it could possibly be the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Size: The VIN suggests that the vehicle may be classified as a Sedan/Saloon, possibly suggesting a specific body style and interior space conducive to passenger comfort for up to 5 occupants.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN indicates that it possibly features a 1.8L In-Line engine with 4 cylinders, possibly manufactured by Toyota, highlighting the engine’s size, configuration, and the potential notable manufacturer behind its design.
- Plant Details: According to the VIN, the vehicle may have been manufactured in Spring Hill, United States, by Spring Hill Manufacturing, allowing one to trace its production origin and potentially its quality standards.
- Fuel Injection Type: It may be equipped with Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI), suggesting the vehicle possibly utilizes a specific fuel delivery system aimed at enhancing engine performance and fuel efficiency.
- Safety Features: The VIN possibly indicates the inclusion of front airbags for both the driver and the first-row passenger, indicating a possible focus on safety features designed to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
- Vehicle Descriptor: The VIN possibly ties to specific vehicle specifications and potentially unique features associated with its model and production.
Don’t have your 1998 Saturn SL1’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Saturn SL1
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sedan/Saloon |
| Displacement (CC) | 1800.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 109.84273937051 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.8 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type | Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) |
| Model | SL1 |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| Other Engine Info | Name Plate: Chevrolet, 8 coded twice in 8th position. Second Engine option: 1.9L, L4, MFI, Saturn, Name Plate: Saturn |
| Plant City | Spring Hill |
| Plant Company Name | Spring Hill Manufacturing |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Tennessee |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1G8ZG528*WZ |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Windows | 4 |
| Sample_VIN | 1G8ZG5281WZ176931 |
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