Free 1996 Dodge Dakota VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Dodge Dakota VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Dodge Dakota VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial set of three characters found in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) used to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, the type of vehicle, and the country of manufacture. For example, for the 1996 Dodge Dakota, the WMI “1B7” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by FCA US LLC, specifically highlights that it is a truck, and indicates that it was produced in the United States, specifically in Auburn Hills, Michigan. This system ensures that every vehicle can be uniquely identified and provides essential information about the vehicle’s origin, type, and manufacturing entity. The WMI is a critical component of the VIN, offering a standardized method to track vehicles globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Dodge Dakota

WMI: 1B7

• Model Years Covered: 1987-2002
• Example VIN: 1B7GG23X0TS576050
• 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 1996 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 1996 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 1996 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 1996 Dodge Dakota VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Dodge Dakota VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Dodge Dakota Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Dodge Dakota

The final 6 characters in a 1996 Dodge Dakota’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1996 Dodge Dakota VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year like the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Vehicle Type: A VIN can provide insights into the vehicle’s body class and general type, indicating it is a Pickup Truck, offering information about its utility and general dimensions.
• Engine Specifications: Specific engine characteristics, such as a V-Shaped, 3.9 L (3900.0 CC or 237.99260196945 CI) engine with 6 cylinders and electronic fuel injection, can showcase the vehicle’s powerplant and potential performance capabilities.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, in this case, Gasoline, is crucial for understanding the vehicle’s energy source and potential environmental footprint.
• Drive Type and Brake System: The VIN discloses the vehicle’s drivetrain configuration as 4x2, paired with a Hydraulic brake system, indicating its handling characteristics and potential safety features.
• Manufacturing Information: Specific manufacturing details, including the city (Detroit), state (Michigan), country (United States), and the name of the plant (Dodge City Assembly), can provide insight into the vehicle’s origin.
• Vehicle Weight Rating: The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating classifies the vehicle within a specific range, here as Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg), offering an idea of its size and potential carrying capacity.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Dodge Dakota