Free 1998 Dodge Dakota VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Dodge Dakota VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Dodge Dakota VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally, serving as the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 1998 Dodge Dakota, the WMI “1B7” denotes it was manufactured by FCA US LLC, a major automotive company. This specific WMI indicates the vehicle category as a truck, produced in Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States. Such identifiers are essential for recognizing the vehicle’s manufacturer, class, and location of manufacture. The 1998 Dodge Dakota’s WMI provides concise, key information about the vehicle’s origins at a glance.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Dodge Dakota

WMI: 1B7

• Model Years Covered: 1987-2002
• Example VIN: 1B7GL26Z9WS697804
• 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 Dodge Dakota VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Dodge Dakota VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Dodge Dakota Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Dodge Dakota

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Dodge Dakota’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 Dodge Dakota VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: It might disclose detailed information on the vehicle, indicating that it is a Truck with a Pickup body class, which offers insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Specifications: Details regarding the engine, including its configuration (In-Line), number of cylinders (4), displacement (2.5L or 152.55936023683 CI), and fuel delivery system (Multipoint Fuel Injection), can be inferred, providing insights into the vehicle’s performance and power.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, such as Gasoline, used by the vehicle can be identified, providing insights into its energy requirements and potential efficiency.
• Drive Type and Brake System: It can offer insights into the vehicle’s drivetrain (4x2) which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration. The type of brake system utilized (Hydraulic) also impacts its handling characteristics.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN may contain clues about the manufacturing location, including the city (Warren, Michigan), country (United States), and the specific name of the plant (Dodge City Assembly), which gives insights into the vehicle’s origin and production details.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Information on the vehicle’s weight class, such as Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), reflects on its size, load capacity, and possibly its intended use or commercial classification.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Dodge Dakota