Free 1988 Dodge DIPLOMAT VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Dodge DIPLOMAT VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Dodge DIPLOMAT VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, specifying its brand, country of production, and vehicle type. This coding system is part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is used globally to provide key information about a vehicle at a glance. For the 1988 Dodge Diplomat, the WMI is “1B3,” indicating it was manufactured by FCA US LLC, a reputable automotive company based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States. The vehicle under this WMI is categorized under passenger cars, denoting its primary use for personal transportation. The inclusion of a WMI in a vehicle’s VIN is a critical aspect of automotive identification, offering a standardized method to track vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Dodge DIPLOMAT

WMI: 1B3

• Model Years Covered: 1981, 1984-1988
• Example VIN: 1B3BG26S5JW152011
• Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Auburn Hills
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

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

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 DIPLOMAT 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 DIPLOMAT VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1988 Dodge DIPLOMAT Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Dodge DIPLOMAT

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

What info can a 1988 Dodge DIPLOMAT VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN may reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: Specifics such as a V-Shaped configuration with 8 cylinders and a displacement of 5.2 liters, or 5200 cc, may illustrate the engine’s power and design, which can be crucial for understanding performance and potential fuel efficiency.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, possibly Gasoline, would reveal the vehicle’s operational cost and environmental impact, aiding in assessments of efficiency and fuel economy.
• Body Class and Size: Information decoded from a VIN can potentially describe the vehicle’s body class as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors, providing insights into the vehicle’s size, passenger capacity, and general aesthetic.
• Manufacturing Details: The plant’s location, including city (Kenosha), state (Wisconsin), and country (United States), may be identified, offering clues to the vehicle’s origin and potentially its quality and features.
• Safety Features: The type of seat belt (Manual), inferred from the VIN, might give an idea of the safety equipment and standards adhered to at the time of manufacture, which can be crucial for buyers concerned with safety.
• Model Information: Knowing the specific model, such as DIPLOMAT, along with additional trim and series information (SALON, Low), could allow for accurate identification, aiding in parts search, and understanding the vehicle’s market positioning.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Dodge DIPLOMAT

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