Free 1997 GMC Safari VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 GMC Safari VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 GMC Safari VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a unique sequence of three letters or numbers assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). These codes provide critical information regarding the vehicle’s country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type. For instance, the 1997 GMC Safari, built by General Motors LLC, has a WMI of “1GK”. This specific code indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in the United States, in the state of Michigan, and in the city of Warren. Furthermore, the “1GK” code classifies the 1997 GMC Safari as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), reflecting its design and functionality.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 GMC Safari

WMI: 1GK

• Model Years Covered: 1987-1988, 1992-2005
• Example VIN: 1GKDM19W0VB520850
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 1GT

• Model Years Covered: 1987, 1992, 1994-1995, 1997-2005
• Example VIN: 1GTDM19W1VB515118
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 GMC Safari 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 1997 GMC Safari:

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 1997 GMC Safari 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 1997 GMC Safari VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 GMC Safari VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 GMC Safari Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 GMC Safari

The final 6 characters in a 1997 GMC Safari’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1997 GMC Safari VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN details the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle with a body class of Van, showcasing both the vehicle’s function and style.
• Engine Specifications: The engine of the vehicle is characterized by a V-Shaped configuration, manufactured by WRN, with a displacement of 4.3 liters (4300 CC or 262.40209960734 CI) and 6 cylinders. This VIN also specifies the engine’s fuel type as gasoline.
• Drive Type and Brake System: It reveals that the vehicle has a 4x2 drive type and is equipped with a hydraulic brake system, providing insights into its drivetrain and safety features.
• Manufacturing Information: According to the VIN, the vehicle was assembled in the United States, specifically in Baltimore/Lansing (Craft Center), by the GM Truck Group/ NA-GM Corp, further detailing its origin.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: This VIN denotes the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating as Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg), providing insight into its size and capacity range.
• Model and Series: The vehicle is identified as the Safari model, further detailed by its series as a Small Van and Extended Van with a trim of 1500 (1/2 ton), offering specific insights into its version and customization level.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 GMC Safari