Free 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designated to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and specific attributes. For the 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van, the WMI “1GN” indicates that General Motors LLC in the United States manufactured it, specifically in Warren, Michigan. This particular WMI classifies the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), highlighting its versatility and purpose. The WMI code is crucial for vehicle identification, providing essential information about the vehicle’s lineage, making and model specifics at a glance. Understanding a vehicle’s WMI can offer insights into its historical background, manufacturing location, and general specifications, which are essential for both consumers and industry professionals.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van

WMI: 1GN

• Model Years Covered: 1987-2005
• Example VIN: 1GNDM19W0VB196978
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 1GC

• Model Years Covered: 1986-1992, 1994-2005
• Example VIN: 1GCDM19W0VB197914
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van 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 Chevrolet Astro Van:

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 Chevrolet Astro Van 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 Chevrolet Astro Van VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van

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

Check your Chevrolet Astro Van’s VIN below:

What info can a 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year to be 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is classified as a Van, specifically an Astro Van, offering insights into its body class and size.
• Engine Details: Engine characteristics such as a V-Shaped configuration, 4.3 liters displacement, and 6 cylinders are encoded within the VIN, showcasing comprehensive engine specifications.
• Drive Type: The vehicle’s drive type is detailed as 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, indicating its capability for off-road or adverse weather conditions.
• Fuel Type: It specifies the primary fuel type as Gasoline, highlighting the vehicle’s fuel preferences and potential efficiency.
• Manufacturing Information: Manufacturing details, including the engine manufacturer labeled as WRN, and the plant’s location in Baltimore/Lansing within the United States, are specified, outlining the vehicle’s production origin.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN provides the gross vehicle weight rating classification, which is Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), giving an insight into the vehicle’s size and potential payload capacity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Chevrolet Astro Van

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