How to decode a 1991 Volkswagen Golf VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1991 Volkswagen Golf VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial three-character sequence found in a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) which uniquely identifies the maker of the vehicle. This coding system is crucial in pinpointing the manufacturer’s name, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture, among other details. For example, a 1991 Volkswagen Golf made in Mexico by Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV would have a WMI that begins with “3VW”. This sequence indicates that the vehicle is a passenger car produced in Mexico, offering a quick insight into the vehicle’s origin and manufacturer. The WMI is a powerful tool for tracing a vehicle’s history and specifications, serving both industry professionals and consumers alike.
List of WMI Codes for a 1991 Volkswagen Golf
WMI: 3VW
- Model Years Covered: 1989-1991, 1996-1999, 2015-2021
- Example VIN: 3VWFA21G6MM043109
- Manufacturer Name: Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb
- State or Province:
- Country: Mexico
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1991 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 1991 Volkswagen Golf:
| Known VDS for a 1991 Volkswagen Golf |
|---|
| FA21G |
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 1991 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 1991 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| M | 1991 |
11th Character in the 1991 Volkswagen Golf VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1991 Volkswagen Golf Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M | Mexico | 3VWFA21G6MM043109 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1991 Volkswagen Golf
The final 6 characters in a 1991 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 1991 Volkswagen Golf’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1991 Volkswagen Golf is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Volkswagen Golf. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield on a small plate mounted at the corner.
- Inspect the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Volkswagen Golf. The VIN can often be found on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
- Look under the hood of your Volkswagen Golf. There can be a VIN plate located on the front engine block.
- Examine the rear wheel well. On your Volkswagen Golf, the VIN might be located above the tire on the wheel arch.
- Check beneath the spare tire. In some Volkswagen Golf models, the VIN is printed in the area where the spare tire is stored.
- Investigate the vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card. While not a physical location on the car, these documents will list the VIN number for your Volkswagen Golf.
What info can a 1991 Volkswagen Golf VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN may indicate the vehicles model year being the year 1991, providing insights into the potential age and generation of the model.
- Vehicle Type and Body Class: The vehicle may be a Passenger Car designed in a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback configuration, hinting at both the vehicle’s intended use and its cargo capacity.
- Engine Specifications: The engine is possibly an In-Line configuration with 4 cylinders, and horsepower possibly ranges from 81 to 100 hp, offering a gauge of the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The data suggests the vehicle is in Class 1, possibly indicating it has a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less, potentially affecting its handling, fuel economy, and the license required to drive it.
- Safety Features: The presence of a manual seat belt type and additional restraint system information, such as “Passive w/ Manual Lap”, may suggest safety features that were installed in the vehicle upon manufacture.
- Manufacturing Information: The vehicle was possibly manufactured in Mexico, which might influence parts availability or specific vehicle features relevant to the production region.
- Model Identification: The specific model referenced is the Golf, offering insights into the vehicle’s brand, market positioning, and potentially its standard equipment and trim levels.
Don’t have your 1991 Volkswagen Golf’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1991 Volkswagen Golf
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Doors | 4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 81 |
| Engine Brake (hp) To | 100 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| 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 | 1991 |
| Other Restraint System Info | Restraint System: Passive w/ Manual Lap |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | Mexico |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 3VWFA21G*MM |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | 3VWFA21G6MM043109 |
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