Free 2009 Chevrolet Malibu VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. In the case of the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, the WMI “1G1” signifies that this passenger car is manufactured by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. WMIs provide critical information about the vehicle at a glance and are used globally to standardize the classification and identification of vehicles. This coding system is vital for vehicle registration, identification, and tracking purposes. Understanding the WMI is essential for automotive professionals, enthusiasts, and regulatory bodies to ensure accurate vehicle data is maintained and accessible.

List of WMI Codes for a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu

WMI: 1G1

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1983, 1997-2024
• Example VIN: 1G1ZG57N094126858
• 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet Malibu VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu

The final 6 characters in a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the year 2009. This can provide valuable insights into the vehicle’s age and potential technological features.
• Engine Specifications: Information on the engine, including its manufacturer (GM), model (LY7), configuration (V-Shaped), and displacement (3.6L or 219.685 CI or 3600.0 CC), can be uncovered, offering a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: Insights into the vehicle’s fuel systems, such as it being powered by Gasoline and utilizing Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI), can help users understand fuel efficiency and performance.
• Safety Features: VIN details may include safety equipment like Front Air Bag Locations (1st Row for Driver and Passenger), Side Air Bag Locations (also 1st Row for Driver and Passenger), and additional restraint system information, illustrating the vehicle’s focus on passenger safety.
• Body Type and Size: The category of the vehicle, like Sedan/Saloon, along with details such as the number of doors (4), provide a clear picture of the vehicle’s design and size, useful for assessing space and style.
• Manufacturing Information: The place of manufacture (Kansas City, United States) and the specific plant (Fairfax II) hint at the production quality and can be instrumental in tracking recalls or manufacturer-specific information.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Information about the type of TPMS (Direct) used in the vehicle can be essential for maintenance and safety concerns, highlighting the vehicle’s modern features and conveniences.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu