Free American Motors VIN Decoder

Uncover the hidden secrets and unlock the full potential of your American Motors vehicle with our FREE VIN decoder. Enter your VIN in the box below to get started!

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How to decode an American Motors VIN

Characters 1-3 of an American Motors VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle globally. The WMI reveals key information about the vehicle, including the manufacturer’s name, the vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For American Motors Corporation, the WMIs 1AM and 1AC designate vehicles made in the United States, specifically in Michigan, with 1AM used for model years 1981-1982 and 1AC for model year 1983. These identifiers were assigned to multipurpose passenger vehicles, showcasing a slice of American automotive history. Through the WMI, each vehicle’s origin, by American Motors Corp in this case, is unmistakably marked, serving as a crucial part of its identity and lineage.

List of WMI Codes for an American Motors

WMI Manufacturer Name Vehicle Type City State or Province Country Model Years Covered Example VIN
1AM American Motors Corp Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) Michigan United States 1981-1982 1AMCA085XBK131982
1AC American Motors Corp Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) Auburn Hills Michigan United States 1983 1ACCK3556DK128894

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of an American Motors 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 an American Motors:

Known VDS for an American Motors
CA085CK355CA430

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 an American Motors 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 American Motors VIN — Year Code

Year Code Year
D 1983
C 1982
B 1981

11th Character in the American Motors VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known American Motors Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code Plant City Plant State Plant Country Plant Company Name Example VIN
K Kenosha Wisconsin United States 1AMCA085XBK131982

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of an American Motors

The final 6 characters in an American Motors’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find an American Motors’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your American Motors is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

  1. Look at the vehicle’s dashboard on the driver’s side, near the windshield. The VIN for your American Motors can often be found displayed on a metal plate visible from outside the vehicle.
  2. Check the door frame or door post on the driver’s side, where the door latches when closed. The VIN for American Motors vehicles is frequently located on a sticker or metal plate in this area.
  3. Examine the engine block. The VIN on American Motors vehicles is sometimes stamped directly onto the engine itself, providing another point of verification.
  4. Inspect the vehicle’s registration documents, title, or insurance papers. These documents for your American Motors should list the VIN along with other vital information about the vehicle.
  5. Look under the windshield wiper. On some American Motors models, the VIN might be located under the windshield wiper attachment point on the driver’s side.
VIN Decoder

What info can an American Motors VIN reveal?

  • Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1983, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
  • Body Class and Size: The VIN indicates the vehicle as a Sedan/Saloon, offering insights into its body type and size, ideal for those looking for specific vehicle profiles.
  • Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information, such as a displacement of 4.227862512 liters and the engine having 6 cylinders, can be deduced, giving a clear picture of the vehicle’s power and performance capabilities.
  • Drive Type: The vehicle is equipped with 4WD, also known as 4-Wheel Drive or 4x4, indicating enhanced off-road and bad weather driving capabilities.
  • Transmission Style: Knowing whether a vehicle comes with an Automatic transmission, as highlighted here, can inform potential users about the driving experience.
  • Manufacturing Details: The plant’s location in Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States, provides clues to the vehicle’s production origin, potentially affecting parts availability and historical interest.
  • Safety Features: The type of seat belt (Manual) specified can shed light on the vehicle’s safety features, which might be a consideration for those with specific safety requirements.
VIN Decoder

Decode a American Motors VIN

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Sample VIN Decode Report for an American Motors

Vehicle Spec Value
Body Class Sedan/Saloon
Displacement (CC) 4227.862512
Displacement (CI) 258
Displacement (L) 4.227862512
Doors 4
Drive Type 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Number of Cylinders 6
Model Eagle
Model Year 1983
Other Engine Info 2V
Plant City Kenosha
Plant Company Name
Plant Country United States
Plant State Wisconsin
Seat Belt Type Manual
Transmission Style Automatic
Vehicle Descriptor 1ACCK355*DK
Vehicle Type Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN 1ACCK3556DK128894

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