Free Cadillac Catera VIN Decoder

How to decode a Cadillac Catera VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Cadillac Catera VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle. In the case of the Cadillac Catera, produced between 1997 and 2001, the WMI is W06, indicating it was manufactured by Adam Opel AG. This luxury passenger car was assembled in Russelsheim, Germany, showcasing the global reach of automotive manufacturing. The WMI not only reveals the manufacturer but also provides insights into the vehicle type and its place of production, serving as a key tool for vehicle tracking and identification. For the Cadillac Catera, this WMI highlights its European origins and the collaboration between American luxury and German engineering.

List of WMI Codes for a Cadillac Catera

WMI: W06

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2001
• Example VIN: W06VR54R6VR159207
• Manufacturer Name: Adam Opel AG
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Russelsheim
• State or Province:
• Country: Germany

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

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 Cadillac Catera 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 Cadillac Catera VIN — Year Code

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

Known Cadillac Catera Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Cadillac Catera

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

What info can a Cadillac Catera VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2001, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Engine Details: A VIN may provide information on the engine, such as its V-shaped layout, displacement of 3.0L, and specific model identifier L81, thought to be from Opel.
• Safety Features: Through VIN analysis, details about safety equipment can be disclosed, including front airbags in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, as well as side airbags in the same locations.
• Fuel System: The VIN can pinpoint the type of fuel system a vehicle uses, such as a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system, providing a glimpse into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and performance characteristics.
• Body Class and Size: A VIN can reveal the vehicle’s body class, such as a Sedan/Saloon, and specify the number of doors (4) and windows, enriching the comprehension of the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Manufacturing Information: Through the VIN, insight into the vehicle’s place of assembly, including the city (Russelsheim), country (Germany), and the manufacturing company’s name (Opel), can be derived.
• Vehicle Specific Systems: The VIN can also provide insight into vehicle-specific features and designs like the valve train design, in this instance, a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC), which may offer insights into the engine’s internal workings and efficiency.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Cadillac Catera