Free 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. For the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, the WMI is “3A8,” signifying that it was produced by Chrysler de Mexico Toluca, located in Santa Fe, Mexico City, Mexico. This particular WMI indicates that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), identifying the specific nature and origin of the model. Chrysler de Mexico Toluca’s assignment of this WMI code to the PT Cruiser outlines its responsibility for the vehicle’s manufacturing and standards compliance. The information encapsulated by the WMI forms an integral part of the vehicle identification number (VIN), which is essential for vehicle registration, identification, and tracking purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

WMI: 3A8

• Model Years Covered: 2006-2009
• Example VIN: 3A8FY58B08T105344
• Manufacturer Name: Chrysler de Mexico Toluca
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Santa Fe
• State or Province: Mexico City
• Country: Mexico

WMI: 3C3

• Model Years Covered: 2005-2008
• Example VIN: 3C3HY55X08T107938
• Manufacturer Name: Chrysler de Mexico Toluca
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Santa Fe
• State or Province: Mexico City
• Country: Mexico

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser:

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 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser 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 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

The final 6 characters in a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the model year of a vehicle, as seen with a 2008 PT Cruiser, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: It discloses specific body characteristics, such as identifying a car as a Convertible/Cabriolet with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Specifications: A VIN may detail engine features, including its type (In-Line), number of cylinders (4), displacement (2.4L or 2400cc), and designs like Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) with turbocharging, providing valuable information about the vehicle’s performance.
• Fuel Type: Information on what type of fuel a vehicle uses, such as Gasoline, can be decoded from its VIN, offering important insights into the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: The VIN can indicate safety equipment installed, encompassing front air bag locations (1st Row for Driver and Passenger) and the presence of side air bags, contributing to understanding the vehicle’s safety standards.
• Drive Type and Steering Location: It can specify the vehicle’s drive configuration (Front-Wheel Drive) and the steering wheel placement (Left-Hand Drive), which are essential for understanding handling characteristics and driver experience.
• Manufacturing Details: Insights into the vehicle’s assembly, including the plant city (Toluca), country (Mexico), and the plant company name (Toluca Assembly), can be derived from the VIN, adding to the understanding of the vehicle’s manufacturing history.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser

Source