Free 1988 Dodge Dakota VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Dodge Dakota VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Dodge Dakota VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), used to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, type, and country of production. For the 1988 Dodge Dakota, the WMI “1B7” designates it as a truck produced by FCA US LLC, formerly known as Chrysler Group LLC, in the United States. Specifically, the manufacturing location is identified as Auburn Hills, Michigan. This code plays a crucial role in the automotive industry for tracking, regulation, and recall purposes. It provides a standardized method to recognize the vehicle’s origin and manufacturer, offering insights into the vehicle’s characteristics and history.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Dodge Dakota

WMI: 1B7

• Model Years Covered: 1987-2002
• Example VIN: 1B7GN14X0JS601413
• Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Auburn Hills
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 Dodge Dakota 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 Dakota:

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 Dakota 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 Dakota VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1988 Dodge Dakota Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Dodge Dakota

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

What info can a 1988 Dodge Dakota VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The Dodge Dakota has a 3.9L V-shaped engine with 6 cylinders, suggesting powerful and robust performance characteristics typical of its class.
• Drive Type: The truck is equipped with 4WD (4-Wheel Drive), enhancing its off-road capabilities and traction on various surfaces, adding to its versatility.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The vehicle runs on gasoline and its engine provides a brake horsepower starting from 125, combining efficiency with performance, potentially making it suitable for different driving needs.
• Plant Location: Manufactured in Warren, Michigan, USA, at the Warren Truck Assembly plant, suggesting a high standard of build quality and design associated with American manufacturing.
• Body Class and Size: Classified as a Pickup truck, with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating falling into Class 1D (5,001 - 6,000 lb), highlighting its utility and capacity for both personal and commercial use, offering versatility and practicality.
• Safety Features: The inclusion of manual seat belts reflects the safety measures integrated into the vehicle at the time of manufacturing, catering to the safety requirements of the era, potentially providing some level of safety for occupants.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Dodge Dakota

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