How to decode a 1986 Volkswagen Golf VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1986 Volkswagen Golf VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. The WMI is part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the vehicle, including its manufacturing location and attributes. For the 1986 Volkswagen Golf, the WMI is “1VW”, indicating that it was manufactured by Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. This particular vehicle was produced in Herndon, Virginia, United States, pinpointing the specific Volkswagen facility responsible for its production. The WMI not only serves as a hallmark of authenticity but also aids in vehicle tracking and registration processes.
List of WMI Codes for a 1986 Volkswagen Golf
WMI: 1VW
- Model Years Covered: 1985-1989
- Example VIN: 1VWEG0176GV005405
- 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 1986 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 1986 Volkswagen Golf:
| Known VDS for a 1986 Volkswagen Golf |
|---|
| EG017 |
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 1986 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 1986 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| G | 1986 |
11th Character in the 1986 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1986 Volkswagen Golf Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V | Westmoreland | Nan | 1VWEG0176GV005405 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1986 Volkswagen Golf
The final 6 characters in a 1986 Volkswagen Golf’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your Volkswagen Golf’s VIN below:
How to find a 1986 Volkswagen Golf’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1986 Volkswagen Golf is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Examine the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Volkswagen Golf. Typically, the VIN can be found on a plate that is visible through the windshield.
- Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your 1986 Volkswagen Golf. There should be a sticker or a plate that lists the VIN where the door latches when closed.
- Under the hood, check the front of the engine block for your Volkswagen Golf’s VIN, which can sometimes be stamped onto the metal surface.
- Inspect the trunk area of your 1986 Golf, where the spare tire is stored. Often, the VIN can be located on a label near where the spare tire is housed.
- Consult the vehicle registration or insurance documents for your Volkswagen Golf, as these will always contain the VIN.
What info can a 1986 Volkswagen Golf VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN may reveal that the vehicle is from the model year of 1986, potentially giving insights into its historical significance and age.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN suggests that the vehicle is designed as a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback, possibly indicating a versatile body style with space utility. The VIN also indicates the vehicle has 4 doors, providing information about its size and passenger accessibility.
- Engine Specifications: The engine of this vehicle is manufactured by VWoA, with a displacement of 1.588 liters or 96.905705622 cubic inches. It operates with 4 cylinders and an engine brake horsepower of 52.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Diesel, which may indicate potential fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN specifies the vehicle falls within Class 1, with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less, potentially offering details about its carrying capacity.
- Plant City: The production location of the vehicle is noted as Westmoreland, which may provide clues about its manufacturing origin and possibly affect its collectibility or parts availability.
Don’t have your 1986 Volkswagen Golf’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1986 Volkswagen Golf
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Displacement (CC) | 1588 |
| Displacement (CI) | 96.905705622 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.588000 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 52 |
| Engine Manufacturer | VWoA |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Diesel |
| 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 | 1986 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Active Belt |
| Plant City | Westmoreland |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1VWEG017*GV |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | 1VWEG0176GV005405 |
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