Free 1988 Chevrolet Nova VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Chevrolet Nova VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Chevrolet Nova VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally, comprising the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 1988 Chevrolet Nova, the WMI is “1Y1”, indicating its assembly by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. in Fremont, California, United States. This code specifically identifies the vehicle as a passenger car, providing a way to trace its manufacturing origin and type. Through the WMI, the automotive industry ensures a standardized method for identifying vehicles, aiding in verification, registration, and recall processes. This nuanced system offers insight into the production specifics of vehicles like the 1988 Chevrolet Nova, encapsulating essential information within a compact code.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Chevrolet Nova

WMI: 1Y1

• Model Years Covered: 1986-1988
• Example VIN: 1Y1SK5146JZ018450
• Manufacturer Name: New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Fremont
• State or Province: California
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 Chevrolet Nova 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 1988 Chevrolet Nova:

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 1988 Chevrolet Nova 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 1988 Chevrolet Nova VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Chevrolet Nova VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Chevrolet Nova Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Chevrolet Nova

The final 6 characters in a 1988 Chevrolet Nova’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Chevrolet Nova’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1988 Chevrolet Nova VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: It’s possible that the VIN shows the vehicle was assembled in Fremont, California, by New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., offering insight into the vehicle’s production origin.
• Vehicle Specifications: Basic details like the {Nova} model with an In-Line engine configuration and a displacement of 1.6 liters are typically encoded within the VIN.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN can hint that the body type is a Sedan/Saloon, coupled with information such as having 4 doors, which describes the vehicle’s size and structure.
• Engine and Performance: Details such as an engine displacement of 1600.0 CC or approximately 97.64 CI, along with having 4 cylinders, can be revealed, offering insights into the vehicle’s power and efficiency.
• Fuel Efficiency and Type: It may be possible that the VIN specifies that the primary fuel type is Gasoline, which is crucial for understanding the vehicle’s environmental impact and operating costs.
• Safety Features: Basic safety features, such as having manual seat belts, may be inferred, providing a glimpse into the vehicle’s safety standards and regulations compliance at the time of manufacture.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Chevrolet Nova

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