Free 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe VIN

The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer, providing information about the vehicle’s place of manufacture, the manufacturer itself, and the vehicle type. For instance, the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe utilizes WMIs such as “3GN” and “1GN” to indicate its manufacturing details. Specifically, “3GN” and “1GN” designate that General Motors LLC, located in Warren, Michigan, United States, produced these multipurpose passenger vehicles. These WMIs ensure that each Chevrolet Tahoe can be distinctly traced back to its origins, highlighting its assembly by General Motors in the United States, for model years ranging from 1995 to at least 1999 for one identifier and extending to 2024 for another. This system plays a critical role in vehicle identification, registration, and recall processes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe

WMI: 3GN

• Model Years Covered: 1995-1999
• Example VIN: 3GNEC18R0VG110711
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 1GN

• Model Years Covered: 1995-2024
• Example VIN: 1GNEC13R0VJ440435
• 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 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Tahoe:

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 Tahoe 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 Tahoe VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe

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

Check your Chevrolet Tahoe’s VIN below:

What info can a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe VIN reveal?

• Model Year and Make: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle. It also specifies the make as a Tahoe, offering specific details about the model and year of manufacture.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, indicating this vehicle as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Details: The VIN provides detailed engine specifications, such as a V-shaped 8-cylinder engine with a displacement of 5.7 liters, allowing for a deep understanding of the vehicle’s mechanical composition.
• Drive Type and Fuel System: The VIN can specify the drive type, such as 4x2, and fuel system, showing the vehicle’s handling characteristics, drive configuration, and fuel type.
• Plant Information: Manufacturing details include the Plant Company Name (GM Truck Group), located in Janesville, Wisconsin, United States, illustrating the VIN’s capability to trace the vehicle’s origin including the city, state, and country of production.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN can provide insight into the vehicle’s size and weight category, classified under Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), offering relevant information about vehicle capabilities and regulations.
• Safety and Features: While the dataset specifically focuses on mechanical and production details, VINs can often imply standard safety features and vehicle trim level, potentially providing additional insights into the vehicle’s equipment and options.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe

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