Free 1997 Acura CL VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Acura CL VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Acura CL VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, and, in some cases, its manufacturing location and vehicle type. For the 1997 Acura CL, the WMI is “19U,” indicating the vehicle was manufactured by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. This particular code signifies that this passenger car was made in the United States, specifically in Torrance, California. WMIs are essential in the auto industry for tracking, regulation, and in identifying vehicles in the event of recalls or registrations. The 1997 Acura CL’s WMI not only tells us about its manufacturer but also hints at the geographic origin of its assembly.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Acura CL

WMI: 19U

• Model Years Covered: 1997-1999, 2001-2003
• Example VIN: 19UYA1241VL001381
• Manufacturer Name: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Torrance
• State or Province: California
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Acura CL 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 Acura CL:

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 Acura CL 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 Acura CL VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Acura CL VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Acura CL Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Acura CL

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

What info can a 1997 Acura CL VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, being the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Make and Model: Information decoded from a VIN may include the make, such as CL, offering essential identification of the vehicle’s brand.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN is likely to specify engine details, which for the 1997 CL might include an In-Line engine configuration, model F22B1, and a displacement of 2.16 liters or 132 cubic inches, suggesting the engine’s size and configuration.
• Fuel Type: Typically, the VIN will indicate the primary fuel type which for the 1997 CL is gasoline, helping to ascertain the type of fuel the engine uses.
• Body Class and Doors: Through a VIN decode, it can be understood that the 1997 CL is a Coupe with 2 doors, reflecting on the vehicle’s body style and functionality.
• Drive Type: The drive type might be identified from the VIN, although it has not been explicitly provided for the 1997 CL in the given information.
• Transmission and Engine Power: The vehicle’s transmission style, often suggested by the VIN, could be automatic for the 1997 CL, with engine power starting at 145 hp, which may give clues about the vehicle’s dynamic and performance characteristics.
• Manufacturing Details: It can be inferred from the VIN that the 1997 CL was manufactured in East Liberty, Ohio, United States, providing a background into where the vehicle was produced.
• Safety and Weight Class: The VIN could categorize the 1997 CL under a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Class 1, which is 6,000 lb or less, potentially indicating its size class and indirectly suggesting certain safety considerations.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Acura CL