How to decode a Chevrolet LUV VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Chevrolet LUV VIN
The World Manufacturer Identifier, or WMI, is the initial sequence of three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. The WMI provides crucial information, indicating not only the manufacturer but also, in some cases, the country where the vehicle was produced and the type of vehicle it is. Regarding the Chevrolet LUV, a rugged pickup truck that dates back to model years such as 1981, the WMI is J8Z. This code informs us that the manufacturer is Isuzu Motors Limited, originating from Japan, as Chevrolet collaborated with Isuzu during that era to produce these trucks. The WMI serves as an essential fingerprint, assuring the authenticity and origin of the vehicle.
List of WMI Codes for a Chevrolet LUV
WMI: J8Z
- Model Years Covered: 1981
- Example VIN: J8ZCL14N0B8220770
- Manufacturer Name: Isuzu Motors Limited, Japan
- Vehicle Type: Truck
- City: Shinagawa-Ku
- State or Province: Tokyo
- Country: Japan
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Chevrolet LUV 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 Chevrolet LUV:
| Known VDS for a Chevrolet LUV |
|---|
| CL14N |
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 Chevrolet LUV 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 Chevrolet LUV VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| B | 1981 Chevrolet LUV |
11th Character in the Chevrolet LUV VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Chevrolet LUV Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Tillsonburg | Ontario | Canada | International Product Centre Operations | J8ZCL14N0B8220770 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Chevrolet LUV
The final 6 characters in a Chevrolet LUV’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a Chevrolet LUV’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Chevrolet LUV is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Chevrolet LUV. You can typically see the VIN through the windshield.
- Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb for a sticker or plate that may have the VIN.
- Check the frame of the Chevrolet LUV near the engine bay for a stamped or plated VIN.
- Review any official documentation or maintenance records for the Chevrolet LUV, as the VIN is often listed there.
- Examine the Chevrolet LUV’s title, registration, or insurance policy documents, where the VIN is always listed.
- Peek under the hood of your Chevrolet LUV to locate the VIN on the engine block, which might be stamped there.
- If accessible, look at the rear wheel well above the tire for a potential VIN location on the Chevrolet LUV.
What info can a Chevrolet LUV VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1981, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Manufacturer Name: The manufacturer of the Chevrolet LUV is Isuzu Motors Limited, based in Japan, as suggested by the VIN.
- Plant City: The Chevrolet LUV was assembled in Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada, as indicated by the VIN, adding to the vehicle’s historical and geographic context.
- Vehicle Type: The VIN specifies the Chevrolet LUV as a truck, offering valuable information about its primary use and functionality.
- Body Class: The VIN indicates that the Chevrolet LUV is a pickup truck, giving detailed insights into the vehicle’s body and design.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN provides information about the weight capacity of the vehicle, helping to understand its performance capabilities and potential use.
Don’t have your Chevrolet LUV’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Chevrolet LUV
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Pickup |
| Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
| Displacement (CC) | 1800.0 |
| Displacement (CI) | 109.84273937051 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.8 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Model | 2 BBL |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Model | LUV |
| Model Year | 1981 |
| Plant City | Tillsonburg |
| Plant Company Name | International Product Centre Operations |
| Plant Country | Canada |
| Plant State | Ontario |
| Series | Conventional Cab |
| Trim | 1/2 ton |
| Vehicle Descriptor | J8ZCL14N*B8 |
| Vehicle Type | Truck |
| Sample_VIN | J8ZCL14N0B8220770 |
Decode a Chevrolet VIN
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