How to decode a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). For the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick, the WMI is “2S3,” denoting Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. as the manufacturer. This three-character code not only identifies the company but also indicates it is a vehicle made in the United States, specifically in Brea, California. Furthermore, the WMI tells us that this Suzuki Sidekick is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), highlighting its versatility. Understanding the WMI is crucial for decoding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which offers detailed information about the vehicle’s specifications and history.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick

WMI: 2S3

Model Years Covered: 1990, 1992-1998
Example VIN: 2S3TE02V7W6402980
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Brea
State or Province: California
Country: United States

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

Known VDS for a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick
TE02V	TD03V	TA02C

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 Suzuki Sidekick 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 Suzuki Sidekick VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 Suzuki Sidekick VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Suzuki Sidekick Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
6	Ingersoll	Ontario	Canada	Cami	2S3TE02V7W6402980

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick

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

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How to find a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick’s VIN?

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

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Suzuki Sidekick, near where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN can typically be seen from outside the vehicle.
Open the driver’s door and examine the door jamb area, the VIN may be located on a sticker or plate where the door latches when it is closed.
Check under the hood of your Suzuki Sidekick for a VIN plate, which might be on the firewall, the strut tower, or another component of the engine bay.
Review your Suzuki Sidekick’s vehicle registration documents or insurance papers, as the VIN is always recorded there.
If your Suzuki Sidekick has its original owner’s manual or maintenance book, the VIN is often recorded in these documents as well.

What info can a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that the vehicle is from the year 1998, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Manufacturing Details: The vehicle was assembled in Ingersoll, Ontario by CAMI, Canada, possibly highlighting the geographic origin of the vehicle’s manufacturing.
Vehicle Type and Body Class: Described as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, specifically a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), the VIN decodes to possibly reveal the vehicle’s intended use and capacity.
Engine and Performance: Engine details are outlined, specifying a 1.6L engine with 4 cylinders and a displacement of 1600 CC, which might influence fuel efficiency and performance.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which may be important for understanding fuel consumption and environmental impact.
Drive Type and Doors: The vehicle is possibly identified as having a 4x2 drive type and possibly comes with 4 doors, potentially providing insights into its drivetrain and accessibility.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Classified under Class 1B: 3,001 - 4,000 lb (1,360 - 1,814 kg), this rating can help in understanding the vehicle’s weight category and possible usage restrictions or capabilities.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Destination Market	U.S., Canada
Displacement (CC)	1600.0
Displacement (CI)	97.63799055157
Displacement (L)	1.6
Doors	4
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1B: 3,001 - 4,000 lb (1,360 - 1,814 kg)
Model	Sidekick
Model Year	1998
Other Engine Info	Valve #: 4
Plant City	Ingersoll
Plant Company Name	CAMI
Plant Country	Canada
Plant State	Ontario
Trim	Hard Top
Vehicle Descriptor	2S3TD03V*W6
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	2S3TD03V3W6403626