Free 1997 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-digit code that denotes specific information about a vehicle, including its manufacturer, place of origin, and vehicle type. For the 1997 Dodge Caravan or Grand Caravan, the WMIs “2B4” and “1B4” are pertinent. The WMI “2B4” indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by FCA Canada Inc. in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV). Conversely, the “1B4” WMI reveals that its counterpart was produced by FCA US LLC in Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States, also categorized as an MPV. These identifiers are crucial for distinguishing vehicles on a global scale, tracing their origins, and ensuring compatibility with regulations and standards.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan

WMI: 2B4

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2001
• Example VIN: 2B4GP45R0VR165579
• Manufacturer Name: FCA Canada Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Windsor
• State or Province: Ontario
• Country: Canada

WMI: 1B4

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2001
• Example VIN: 1B4GT44L1VB289285
• Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Auburn Hills
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan 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 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan:

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 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan 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 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan

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

What info can a 1997 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is a Minivan, designed for multipurpose passenger transportation.
• Engine Details: Engine specifics, including a 2.4-liter displacement with an In-Line configuration and a four-cylinder engine, are encoded within the VIN. Additionally, it signifies a Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) Valve Train and Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system for fuel delivery, enhancing the vehicle’s performance and efficiency.
• Drive Type: Through the VIN, it is discernible that the vehicle employs Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), affecting its handling and traction in various conditions.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, a crucial piece of information for determining fuel accommodations and efficiency.
• Manufacturing Information: Not only does the VIN specify the plant country as the United States and the plant state as Ontario, but it also identifies the manufacturing city as Windsor and the specific plant company name, offering insights into the vehicle’s origin.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Information about the vehicle’s weight class, such as Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg), can be obtained, which is instrumental in understanding the vehicle’s size and cargo capacity limits.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan

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