Free Datsun VIN Decoder

Unlock the story of your rugged classic Datsun for free! Enter your VIN in the decoder box below and discover the vehicle's heritage today.

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How to decode a Datsun VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Datsun VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle as part of its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This three-character sequence helps in pinpointing not only the vehicle’s maker but, in some cases, its geographical location, vehicle type, and even the manufacturing division. For instance, Nissan North America, Inc., designated by the WMI 1N4, produced passenger cars in Franklin, Tennessee, United States during 1995-1996. Meanwhile, Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., with the WMI JN1, manufactured passenger cars in Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan from 1981 to 1983. The WMI is crucial in ensuring the traceability and authenticity of a vehicle, aiding in various administrative and legal processes.

List of WMI Codes for a Datsun

WMI Manufacturer Name Vehicle Type City State or Province Country Model Years Covered Example VIN
1N4 Nissan North America, Inc. Passenger Car Franklin Tennessee United States 1995-1996 1N4BB42D0SC500824
JN1 Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. Passenger Car Chuo-Ku Tokyo Japan 1981-1983 JN1PB05S3BU050831

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Datsun 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 Datsun:

Known VDS for a Datsun
BB42DAB42DPB05SHZ06SHZ04SCZ04SCZ06S

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 Datsun 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 Datsun VIN — Year Code

Year Code Year
T 1996
S 1995
D 1983
C 1982
B 1981

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

Known Datsun Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code Plant City Plant State Plant Country Plant Company Name Example VIN
C Smyrna Tennessee United States Smyrna Plant 1N4BB42D0SC500824
U Zama Kanagawa Japan Zama Plant JN1PB05S3BU050831
X Hiratsuka Kanagawa Japan Hiratsuka Plant JN1HZ06S0BX404432

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Datsun

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

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How to find a Datsun’s VIN?

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

  1. Inspect the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Datsun. Typically, the VIN can be found on a placard viewable through the windshield.
  2. Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Datsun. The VIN might be present on a sticker or a plate where the door latches when closed.
  3. Examine the engine bay. In many Datsuns, the VIN is stamped onto a plate attached to the engine itself or on the firewall.
  4. Check your Datsun’s vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or owner’s manual, where the VIN is often recorded for administrative purposes.
VIN Decoder

What info can a Datsun VIN reveal?

  • Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating a 1996 edition, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
  • Vehicle Specifications: Basic information such as the model being a 200SX and engine specifications like a KA24 model engine with a displacement of 2 liters and 4 cylinders can be encoded within the VIN, offering crucial insights into the vehicle’s engineering.
  • Body Type and Doors: The VIN specifies the body class as a coupe, equipped with 2 doors, providing insight into the vehicle’s size and style.
  • Drive Type: From the VIN, it can be determined that the vehicle has a 4x2 drive type, indicating its drive system configuration.
  • Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle is gasoline, which can be useful for understanding fuel compatibility and efficiency.
  • Safety Features: The VIN indicates the possible presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, potentially highlighting key safety features.
  • Manufacturing Details: The vehicle’s manufacturing details, including the plant location in Smyrna, Tennessee, United States, and the specific plant company name, Smyrna plant, can be deduced from the VIN, offering insights into the vehicle’s production history.
VIN Decoder

Decode a Datsun VIN

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

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Datsun

Vehicle Spec Value
Body Class Coupe
Displacement (CC) 2000
Displacement (CI) 122.0474881894
Displacement (L) 2
Doors 2
Drive Type 4x2
Engine Model KA24
Engine Number of Cylinders 4
Front Air Bag Locations 1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary Gasoline
Model 200SX
Model Year 1996
Plant City Smyrna
Plant Company Name Smyrna plant
Plant Country United States
Plant State Tennessee
Vehicle Descriptor 1N4BB42D*TC
Vehicle Type Passenger Car
Sample_VIN 1N4BB42DXTC531449

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