Free 1997 Volkswagen Jetta VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designating the vehicle’s manufacturer, its type, and the country of manufacture. For the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta, the WMI “3VW” reveals that the car was produced by Volkswagen de Mexico SA de CV, indicating it’s a passenger car made in Mexico, specifically in Cuautlancingo Ciudad Pueb. This system allows for easy identification and traceability of vehicles globally. The WMI is essential for various legal, registration, and repair services to accurately identify the make and model of a vehicle. It serves as a unique fingerprint, connecting a vehicle to its manufacturer’s characteristics and location of production.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta

WMI: 3VW

• Model Years Covered: 1994-2024
• Example VIN: 3VWRB81H2VM053837
• 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 1997 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1997 Volkswagen Jetta:

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 1997 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1997 Volkswagen Jetta VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Volkswagen Jetta VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Volkswagen Jetta Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Volkswagen Jetta’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting that the vehicle may be a 1997 model, offering insights into its age and potential market value.
• Manufacturing Location: The vehicle was assembled in Puebla, Mexico, highlighting the global nature of automotive manufacturing and suggesting the international scope of the production process.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN indicates that this sedan/saloon is a Volkswagen Jetta GT, equipped with a 1.984 liter engine and an engine power output starting from 115 hp, offering insights into its performance characteristics.
• Engine Information: The VIN provides details about the engine, including an engine displacement of 1984 CC (or 121.071108283 CI) and being a 4-cylinder engine made by Volkswagen, which might provide insight into the vehicle’s power and efficiency.
• Safety Features: The VIN suggests that the vehicle is equipped with front airbags located in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, alongside an active restraint system, indicating a focus on occupant safety.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, suggesting the energy source it was designed to operate on and providing information for fuel compatibility.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Classified as Class 1, with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), this categorization places the vehicle in a specific weight category, possibly relevant for regulatory and performance considerations.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta