Free Dodge W-Series VIN Decoder

How to decode a Dodge W-Series VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Dodge W-Series VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that forms the first segment of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, country of origin, and other vehicle details. For the Dodge W-Series, two distinct WMIs are notable; 1B7 indicates vehicles manufactured by FCA US LLC in Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States, primarily covering model years from 1981 to 1993. Alternatively, 3B7 is used for trucks produced by Chrysler de Mexico Toluca in Santa Fe, Mexico City, Mexico, specifically for select model years between 1990 and 1993. These WMIs reveal not just the geographical origin of the vehicle but also associate the trucks with their respective manufacturing entities within the broader Dodge brand. Hence, any Dodge W-Series truck’s VIN beginning with either 1B7 or 3B7 provides instant insight into its production lineage.

List of WMI Codes for a Dodge W-Series

WMI: 1B7

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1993
• Example VIN: 1B7HW15P6BS128375
• Manufacturer Name: FCA US LLC
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Auburn Hills
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 3B7

• Model Years Covered: 1990, 1992-1993
• Example VIN: 3B7KM23Z9LM034863
• Manufacturer Name: Chrysler de Mexico Toluca
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Santa Fe
• State or Province: Mexico City
• Country: Mexico

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

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 Dodge W-Series 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 Dodge W-Series VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Dodge W-Series VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Dodge W-Series Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Dodge W-Series

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

What info can a Dodge W-Series VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1988, providing insights into the age and potential vintage status of the vehicle.
• Drive Type: It may suggest that the vehicle is equipped with 4WD, indicating its capability for off-road driving or improved traction in challenging conditions.
• Engine Details: The VIN data suggests the vehicle has a V-Shaped engine configuration with a displacement of 5.2L, likely offering robust performance. Additionally, it’s powered by gasoline and supports electronic fuel injection, which might enhance engine efficiency.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The vehicle is classified under Class 2E with a weight rating falling between 6,001 - 7,000 lb, which could potentially affect its handling, fuel efficiency, and use case scenarios.
• Safety Features: The presence of manual seat belts is mentioned, hinting at the vehicle’s safety equipment available at the time of manufacture.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: Classified as a Truck with a Pickup body class, this information could help in understanding the vehicle’s intended use, cargo capacity, and overall design.
• Plant Information: According to the VIN, the vehicle was manufactured in Warren, Michigan by Warren Truck assembly, offering insight into the vehicle’s origin and the quality standards of the assembly plant.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Dodge W-Series