Free 1998 Buick Skylark VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Buick Skylark VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Buick Skylark VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a code that uniquely identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, forming the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 1998 Buick Skylark, the WMI is “1G4,” indicating that General Motors LLC in the United States is the manufacturer. Specifically, this vehicle was assembled in Warren, Michigan, as part of General Motors’ extensive range of passenger cars. The WMI not only reveals the manufacturer but also provides insight into the vehicle type and the place of manufacture. Such identification is crucial for various aspects of automotive industry including registration, recall implementations, and verification processes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Buick Skylark

WMI: 1G4

• Model Years Covered: 1983, 1988-1990, 1992-1998
• Example VIN: 1G4NJ52M2WC410074
• 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 1998 Buick Skylark 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 1998 Buick Skylark:

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 1998 Buick Skylark 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 1998 Buick Skylark VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Buick Skylark VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Buick Skylark Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Buick Skylark

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Buick Skylark’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 Buick Skylark VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1998, providing insight into its generation and the possible unique features or specifications for that year.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is designed for passenger use and specifically identifies it as a Sedan/Saloon, offering understanding of the vehicle’s size, functionality, and potential usage.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN provides detailed information about the engine, describing it as a V-Shaped, 3.1 Liter (or 3100 CC, 189.173 CI) with a 6-cylinder configuration, manufactured by FLT. This can guide understanding of the vehicle’s performance capabilities and fuel efficiency.
• Fuel System: The VIN indicates that the vehicle utilizes a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system, offering clues into its efficiency and power output for that era.
• Safety Features: The presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row indicates the vehicle’s commitment to safety for its occupants.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides details that the vehicle was assembled in Lansing - South Plant, located in Michigan, United States, revealing its American manufacturing roots and possibly influencing its availability in different markets.
• Engine Manufacturer and Other Engine Info: With the engine being manufactured by FLT and additional info noting nameplates like Chev, Pont, Olds, Buick, this could hint at the engine’s versatility or usage across different vehicle makes under the General Motors umbrella.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Buick Skylark