Free 1997 Volvo 960 Series VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Volvo 960 Series VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Volvo 960 Series VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes designated to every vehicle manufacturer for the purpose of identifying where a vehicle was produced, its manufacturer, and the type of vehicle it is. The code, consisting of the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), reveals critical details pertinent to the vehicle’s origins. Specifically, for the 1997 Volvo 960-series, the WMI “YV1” signifies that the car was manufactured by Volvo Car Corporation in Sweden and identifies the vehicle as a passenger car. This distinct code plays a crucial role in the automotive industry, ensuring each vehicle can be accurately traced back to its manufacturer, a pivotal aspect of vehicle registration, identification, and recall processes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Volvo 960 Series

WMI: YV1

• Model Years Covered: 1991-1997
• Example VIN: YV1KW9603V1044007
• Manufacturer Name: Volvo Car Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City:
• State or Province:
• Country: Sweden

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Volvo 960 Series 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 Volvo 960 Series:

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 Volvo 960 Series 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 Volvo 960 Series VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Volvo 960 Series VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Volvo 960 Series Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Volvo 960 Series

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Volvo 960 Series’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1997 Volvo 960 Series VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Details: The VIN outlines specific engine specifications, including that it is a 2.9L, In-Line 6-cylinder engine manufactured by Volvo, identified as the B6304S model, possibly offering insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: Safety elements are detailed, mentioning that the vehicle comes equipped with front airbags located in the 1st row for the driver and passenger, and it confirms the presence of seatbelt pretensioners, suggesting potential safety measures in place.
• Fuel Type: The VIN indicates the vehicle’s primary fuel type, which, for the 960 Series, is gasoline, possibly providing insights into fuel preferences for potential efficiency considerations.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN specifies the GVWR as Class 1, which means the vehicle weighs 6,000 lb or less, offering insights into the vehicle’s size and potential usage limitations, indicating potential size and usage restrictions.
• Manufacturing Details: Information about the vehicle’s place of manufacture is also encoded, revealing that the 960 Series was produced in Torslanda, Sweden, possibly offering insights into the vehicle’s origin and manufacturing quality.
• Transmission Style: It details the vehicle’s transmission type as automatic, which can influence driving experience and fuel economy, possibly impacting driving dynamics and fuel efficiency.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Volvo 960 Series

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