How to decode a 1998 Volvo V90 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Volvo V90 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe to distinguish their products. The WMI is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which not only identifies the manufacturer but can also provide information about the vehicle type and production location. For example, a 1998 Volvo V90 has a WMI of “YV1,” indicating it was manufactured by Volvo Car Corporation in Sweden and is classified as a passenger car. This alphanumeric code is essential for vehicle registration, identification, and in many cases, tracking recalls or warranties. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI is the first step in unlocking a wealth of information about its origin, brand, and category.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Volvo V90

WMI: YV1

Model Years Covered: 1998, 2018-2021
Example VIN: YV1KW9602W1047479
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 1998 Volvo V90 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 1998 Volvo V90:

Known VDS for a 1998 Volvo V90
KW960

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 1998 Volvo V90 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 1998 Volvo V90 VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 Volvo V90 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Volvo V90 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
1	Torslanda		Sweden		YV1KW9602W1047479

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Volvo V90

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Volvo V90’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Volvo V90’s VIN below:

How to find a 1998 Volvo V90’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1998 Volvo V90 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Volvo V90, typically near where the dashboard meets the windshield. The VIN can be seen from outside the vehicle through the bottom of the windshield.
Open the driver’s door and check the door frame for a Volvo information plate that typically has the VIN. The door jamb area is a commonplace for this label.
Examine under the hood; the VIN may also be located on a plate or sticker affixed to the engine compartment of your Volvo V90.
Inspect the vehicle’s registration documents, insurance cards, or title, as these documents will have the VIN listed for your 1998 Volvo V90.
If your vehicle has a spare tire, sometimes the VIN can be found in the area where the spare tire is stored, which in wagons like the V90 might be in the rear cargo area.

What info can a 1998 Volvo V90 VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating that the vehicle is from the 1998 model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle is classified as a Passenger Car with a body style of a Wagon, offering insights into the vehicle’s basic structure and intended use.
Engine Specifics: Key engine characteristics such as being manufactured by Volvo, having an In-Line configuration, and containing six cylinders are possibly encoded within the VIN, providing insights into the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Fuel Type: The VIN suggests that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which may be critical information for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
Safety Features: The presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, along with a mention of a pretensioner, possibly indicates the vehicle’s focus on safety.
Manufacturing Details: The VIN contains information about the manufacturing location, possibly pinpointing it to Torslanda, Sweden, which could be valuable for those interested in a vehicle’s origin.
Transmission Style: Information included in the VIN suggests that the vehicle may come with an Automatic transmission, potentially clarifying the driving mechanics and user experience.

Don’t have your 1998 Volvo V90’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Volvo V90

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Wagon
Displacement (CC)	2900.0
Displacement (CI)	176.96885787472
Displacement (L)	2.9
Doors	5
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	Volvo
Engine Model	B6304S
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Model	V90
Model Year	1998
Other Engine Info	w/o EGR, w/air pump, w/OBDII, w/elec. control evap., Motronic 4.4, w/RuLo
Other Restraint System Info	Dual Airbags (SRS)
Plant City	Torslanda
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	Sweden
Pretensioner	Yes
Transmission Style	Automatic
Vehicle Descriptor	YV1KW960*W1
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	YV1KW9602W1047479