Free 1997 Chevrolet Malibu VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences used to identify the manufacturer of vehicles worldwide. The WMI for a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, for example, begins with “1G1,” indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States, particularly in Warren, Michigan. These codes not only pinpoint the manufacturer but also hint at the vehicle type; in this case, a passenger car. WMIs are crucial in decoding Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), providing essential information about a vehicle’s origins. Thus, for anyone seeking details about their 1997 Chevrolet Malibu, the “1G1” signifies its manufacturer and place of production within the broader VIN.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu

WMI: 1G1

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1983, 1997-2024
• Example VIN: 1G1ND52M1VY135268
• 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 1997 Chevrolet Malibu 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 Malibu:

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 Malibu 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 Malibu VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1997 Chevrolet Malibu Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu

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

Check your Chevrolet Malibu’s VIN below:

What info can a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as the potential year 1997 for a Malibu, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: Through the VIN, one can identify that the vehicle is a passenger car designed as a Sedan/Saloon, offering insights into the style and functionality.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN provides detailed engine information, including a V-Shaped engine configuration with a displacement of 3.1 liters (3100.0 CC) and 6 cylinders, manufactured by FLT. Additionally, it specifies the fuel delivery type as Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI).
• Safety Features: Standard safety features are indicated, such as the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row.
• Manufacturing Details: It also details the manufacturing location, including the plant city (Wilmington), state (Delaware), country (United States), and the specific assembly plant’s company name (Wilmington Assembly).
• Seat Belts and Windows: Information about the manual type seat belts and the number of windows (4) highlight additional aspects of vehicle design and safety.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN distinguishes the vehicle’s GVWR class as Class 1, possibly indicating a weight rating of 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), which can inform both legal and practical considerations for vehicle use and registration.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Chevrolet Malibu

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