Free 1985 Volkswagen Golf VIN Decoder

Discover the rich heritage and sleek design of your classic Volkswagen Golf with our free VIN decoder. Enter your VIN in the box below to unlock detailed insights into this iconic hatchback.

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How to decode a 1985 Volkswagen Golf VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1985 Volkswagen Golf VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which designates the vehicle manufacturer, its country of origin, and the type of vehicle. For instance, the WMI for a 1985 Volkswagen Golf identifies it as a passenger car manufactured by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., located in Herndon, Virginia, USA. This code helps in tracking the vehicle’s history, specifications, and compliance with regulations. It’s particularly useful for identifying vehicles that may have region-specific features or recalls. The 1985 Volkswagen Golf’s WMI of “1VW” stands as a testament to its manufacturing origin and classification within the broader Volkswagen lineup.

List of WMI Codes for a 1985 Volkswagen Golf

WMI: 1VW

  • Model Years Covered: 1985-1989
  • Example VIN: 1VWFA0172FV077075
  • Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
  • Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
  • City: Herndon
  • State or Province: Virginia
  • Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1985 Volkswagen Golf 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 1985 Volkswagen Golf:

Known VDS for a 1985 Volkswagen Golf
FA017

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 1985 Volkswagen Golf 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 1985 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Year Code

Year Code Year
F 1985

11th Character in the 1985 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1985 Volkswagen Golf Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code Plant City Plant State Plant Country Plant Company Name Example VIN
V Westmoreland Nan 1VWFA0172FV077075

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1985 Volkswagen Golf

The final 6 characters in a 1985 Volkswagen Golf’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 1985 Volkswagen Golf’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1985 Volkswagen Golf is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

  1. Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Volkswagen Golf. It’s commonly located just below the windshield and visible from outside the vehicle.
  2. Inspect the driver’s side door jamb. The VIN can often be found on a sticker or a plate where the door latches when closed.
  3. Check under the hood. You might find the VIN on a plaque or sticker near the front of the engine bay.
  4. Examine the trunk area. Sometimes, the VIN is located in the spare tire well or on the trunk lid.
  5. Review your Volkswagen Golf’s vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or the owner’s manual, which typically include the VIN.
  6. If you’re having a hard time locating the VIN physically, consult with a Volkswagen dealer or look for a service workshop manual for your specific Golf model year, which may provide additional locations or guidance.
VIN Decoder

What info can a 1985 Volkswagen Golf VIN reveal?

  • Model Year: The model year can be determined from the VIN, possibly indicating that the vehicle is from the year 1985, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
  • Body Class: The VIN can specify the body class, potentially revealing that the vehicle falls under the category of Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
  • Engine Type and Power: Engine details, such as a 1780 CC displacement and an engine capable of producing between 85 to 90 horsepower, can offer specifics on the vehicle’s performance capabilities and fuel efficiency, providing potential insights into its power and efficiency.
  • Fuel Type: The VIN can reveal that the primary fuel type is Gasoline, which may help in assessing fuel economy and environmental impact.
  • Manufacturing Details: Insights into the manufacturing, such as the vehicle being assembled by VWoA in Westmoreland, may aid in understanding origin-specific attributes and potentially the quality of craftsmanship, offering potential insights into the vehicle’s manufacturing and assembly.
  • Safety Features: Details like the presence of an active belt system could hint at the safety measures that were standard for the model, potentially providing insights into the vehicle’s safety features.
  • Vehicle Type and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Identifying the vehicle as a Passenger Car with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating up to Class 1 illustrates its intended use and capacity, potentially affecting its suitability for different types of drivers and needs, offering insights into the vehicle’s intended use and capacity.
VIN Decoder

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1985 Volkswagen Golf

Vehicle Spec Value
Body Class Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Displacement (CC) 1780
Displacement (CI) 108.622264488
Displacement (L) 1.780000
Doors 4
Engine Brake (hp) From 85
Engine Brake (hp) To 90
Engine Manufacturer VWoA
Engine Number of Cylinders 4
Fuel Type - Primary Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model Golf
Model Year 1985
Other Restraint System Info Active Belt
Plant City Westmoreland
Plant Company Name
Vehicle Descriptor 1VWFA017*FV
Vehicle Type Passenger Car
Sample_VIN 1VWFA0172FV077075

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