Free 1989 Buick Skyhawk VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1989 Buick Skyhawk VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1989 Buick Skyhawk VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code composed of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which signifies the manufacturer of the vehicle and provides important information about the car. Specifically, for the 1989 Buick Skyhawk, the WMI “1G4” indicates the vehicle was manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States. This code not only denotes the manufacturer but also reveals the vehicle type as a Passenger Car and is critical for identifying the vehicle’s origin, production year, and characteristics. The “1G4” WMI places the 1989 Buick Skyhawk as being assembled in Warren, Michigan, showcasing its American manufacturing roots. These three characters serve as a global identifier, ensuring that every vehicle can be uniquely traced back to its manufacturer, model, and year of production.

List of WMI Codes for a 1989 Buick Skyhawk

WMI: 1G4

• Model Years Covered: 1984, 1989
• Example VIN: 1G4JS5110KJ412673
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1989 Buick Skyhawk 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 1989 Buick Skyhawk:

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 1989 Buick Skyhawk 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 1989 Buick Skyhawk VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1989 Buick Skyhawk VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1989 Buick Skyhawk Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1989 Buick Skyhawk

The final 6 characters in a 1989 Buick Skyhawk’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1989 Buick Skyhawk VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the year 1989 for a Skyhawk, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, which in the case of the Skyhawk may indicate a 4-door sedan/saloon, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Type and Fuel Efficiency: Basic specifications like the make, engine displacement, and fuel delivery system can often be decoded from a VIN. For example, the VIN may reveal an In-Line engine with 4 cylinders, manufactured by CPC, and utilizing Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) for fuel delivery, possibly affecting the vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
• Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN. This information, when available, can potentially help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, such as Gasoline for a Skyhawk, can generally be identified through a VIN, providing insights into the vehicle’s fuel requirements.
• Safety Equipment: Some safety features, like seat belt type, might be specified in a VIN, indicating potential standard safety equipment on the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: The VIN can often specify the plant country, city, and even the company name where the vehicle was manufactured, like the Janesville Assembly Plant in Janesville, Wisconsin, United States. This information may provide insights into the vehicle’s production history.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: A VIN may determine the vehicle type as a Passenger Car and detail the body class, like Sedan/Saloon, offering insight into vehicle design and intended use.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1989 Buick Skyhawk

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