Free 1988 Dodge Caravan VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Dodge Caravan VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Dodge Caravan VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), essential for identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, make, and country of origin. For the 1988 Dodge Caravan, the WMI “2B4” explicitly indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by FCA Canada Inc. in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. This coding system classifies the Dodge Caravan as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), reflecting its design for various passenger and light cargo transportation purposes. The use of a WMI not only aids in pinpointing the vehicle’s origins but also assists in tracking recalls, registrations, and warranty claims. This structured identification system is crucial for both manufacturers and vehicle owners for accurate and efficient vehicle identification.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Dodge Caravan

WMI: 2B4

• Model Years Covered: 1986, 1988-1995
• Example VIN: 2B4FK4134JR503863
• Manufacturer Name: FCA Canada Inc.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Windsor
• State or Province: Ontario
• Country: Canada

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 Dodge 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 1988 Dodge 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 1988 Dodge 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 1988 Dodge Caravan VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Dodge Caravan VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Dodge Caravan Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Dodge Caravan

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

What info can a 1988 Dodge Caravan VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Type: The 1988 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a V-Shaped, 6-cylinder engine by MMC, boasting a displacement of 3 liters or 183.071 cubic inches, and an engine brake horsepower starting from 136, denoting substantial power output for its class.
• Body Class and Drive Type: The Dodge Caravan is classified as a Van with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), indicating its body style and drivetrain configuration suitable for multipurpose passenger use.
• Fuel Type: This vehicle runs on Gasoline, providing information on fuel preferences and possibly influencing fuel economy and performance metrics.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: It falls within Class 1C, with a weight range of 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), helping users gauge the vehicle’s weight category which impacts licensing and usage.
• Safety Features: The presence of Manual seatbelts suggests basic safety features, showcasing the vehicle’s compliance with safety standards at the time of manufacture.
• Manufacturing Information: Manufactured in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, by Windsor Assembly, the VIN also hints at the vehicle’s origin, providing a glimpse into the manufacturing environment and standards.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Dodge Caravan