Free 1988 Chevrolet Suburban VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Chevrolet Suburban VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Chevrolet Suburban VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that specifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, offering insights into the vehicle’s make, country of origin, and vehicle type among other details. For instance, the WMI for a 1988 Chevrolet Suburban indicates that it was manufactured by General Motors LLC, emphasizing its American heritage by being produced in Warren, Michigan. This specific WMI, “1GN”, classifies the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), showcasing its design for versatile use. Moreover, the code is a testament to the Suburban’s longstanding reputation and General Motors’ commitment to producing vehicles tailored for various needs. This WMI follows a global standard, ensuring that the vehicle’s identity is recognized worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Chevrolet Suburban

WMI: 1GN

• Model Years Covered: 1987-2024
• Example VIN: 1GNEV16K0JF116116
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

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

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 Suburban 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 Suburban VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1988 Chevrolet Suburban Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Chevrolet Suburban

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

What info can a 1988 Chevrolet Suburban VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially being 1988, providing insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The engine has a V-shaped configuration with 8 cylinders and a sizable displacement of 5700 CC (5.7 liters), indicating a powerful engine, possibly manufactured by CPC.
• Fuel Type: Gasoline is identified as the primary fuel type, crucial for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact. The possibility of LPG conversion offers flexibility in fuel choices.
• Drive Type and Body Class: The vehicle features a 4WD (4-Wheel Drive) system, indicating enhanced off-road capability, and is classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), showcasing its intended use and versatility.
• Safety and Design Features: The vehicle is equipped with a Hydraulic brake system and includes safety considerations inherent to its design. Additionally, it has a conventional cab series and a trim indicating it is a 1/2 ton nominal, providing insights into its payload capacity and design intention.
• Manufacturing Information: The plant’s location in Flint, Michigan, United States, is detailed, along with a specific descriptor that could help in identifying the exact manufacturing facility or confirm its American production.
• Vehicle Identification Details: A sample VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is provided, offering a direct method to decode and retrieve specific information for verification or research purposes.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Chevrolet Suburban