- Characters 1-3 of a Datsun VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Datsun
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Datsun VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Datsun VIN.
- 10th Character in the Datsun VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Datsun VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Datsun Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Datsun
- How to find a Datsun's VIN?
- What info can a Datsun VIN reveal?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Datsun
How to decode a Datsun VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Datsun VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle as part of its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This three-character sequence helps in pinpointing not only the vehicle’s maker but, in some cases, its geographical location, vehicle type, and even the manufacturing division. For instance, Nissan North America, Inc., designated by the WMI 1N4, produced passenger cars in Franklin, Tennessee, United States during 1995-1996. Meanwhile, Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., with the WMI JN1, manufactured passenger cars in Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan from 1981 to 1983. The WMI is crucial in ensuring the traceability and authenticity of a vehicle, aiding in various administrative and legal processes.
List of WMI Codes for a Datsun
| WMI | Manufacturer Name | Vehicle Type | City | State or Province | Country | Model Years Covered | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1N4 | Nissan North America, Inc. | Passenger Car | Franklin | Tennessee | United States | 1995-1996 | 1N4BB42D0SC500824 |
| JN1 | Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. | Passenger Car | Chuo-Ku | Tokyo | Japan | 1981-1983 | JN1PB05S3BU050831 |
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Datsun 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 Datsun:
| Known VDS for a Datsun | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB42D | AB42D | PB05S | HZ06S | HZ04S | CZ04S | CZ06S |
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 Datsun 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 Datsun VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| T | 1996 |
| S | 1995 |
| D | 1983 |
| C | 1982 |
| B | 1981 |
11th Character in the Datsun VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Datsun Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Smyrna | Tennessee | United States | Smyrna Plant | 1N4BB42D0SC500824 |
| U | Zama | Kanagawa | Japan | Zama Plant | JN1PB05S3BU050831 |
| X | Hiratsuka | Kanagawa | Japan | Hiratsuka Plant | JN1HZ06S0BX404432 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Datsun
The final 6 characters in a Datsun’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a Datsun’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Datsun is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Inspect the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Datsun. Typically, the VIN can be found on a placard viewable through the windshield.
- Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Datsun. The VIN might be present on a sticker or a plate where the door latches when closed.
- Examine the engine bay. In many Datsuns, the VIN is stamped onto a plate attached to the engine itself or on the firewall.
- Check your Datsun’s vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or owner’s manual, where the VIN is often recorded for administrative purposes.
What info can a Datsun VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating a 1996 edition, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Specifications: Basic information such as the model being a 200SX and engine specifications like a KA24 model engine with a displacement of 2 liters and 4 cylinders can be encoded within the VIN, offering crucial insights into the vehicle’s engineering.
- Body Type and Doors: The VIN specifies the body class as a coupe, equipped with 2 doors, providing insight into the vehicle’s size and style.
- Drive Type: From the VIN, it can be determined that the vehicle has a 4x2 drive type, indicating its drive system configuration.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle is gasoline, which can be useful for understanding fuel compatibility and efficiency.
- Safety Features: The VIN indicates the possible presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, potentially highlighting key safety features.
- Manufacturing Details: The vehicle’s manufacturing details, including the plant location in Smyrna, Tennessee, United States, and the specific plant company name, Smyrna plant, can be deduced from the VIN, offering insights into the vehicle’s production history.
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Decode a Datsun VIN
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Sample VIN Decode Report for a Datsun
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Coupe |
| Displacement (CC) | 2000 |
| Displacement (CI) | 122.0474881894 |
| Displacement (L) | 2 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Engine Model | KA24 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Model | 200SX |
| Model Year | 1996 |
| Plant City | Smyrna |
| Plant Company Name | Smyrna plant |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Tennessee |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1N4BB42D*TC |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | 1N4BB42DXTC531449 |
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