Free 1997 GMC Sierra VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 GMC Sierra VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 GMC Sierra VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and provide specific information about it. For example, a 1997 GMC Sierra has a WMI that indicates it was produced by General Motors LLC in Warren, Michigan, United States. The code reveals that this vehicle is a truck, a classification including a wide range of commercial and personal use vehicles. For this particular model year, the WMIs “1GT” for vehicles made in the United States and “2GT” for those intended for other markets reveal the geographic origin and type of vehicle. These identifiers are the initial characters in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a unique code that provides key details about a vehicle’s manufacture and specifications.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 GMC Sierra

WMI: 1GT

• Model Years Covered: 1989-2024
• Example VIN: 1GTGC29R2VE544321
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 2GT

• Model Years Covered: 1989-2009, 2018
• Example VIN: 2GTEK19M0V1500361
• 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 Sierra 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 Sierra:

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 Sierra 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 Sierra VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1997 GMC Sierra Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 GMC Sierra

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

Check your GMC Sierra’s VIN below:

What info can a 1997 GMC Sierra VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, such as 1997, providing insights into the age and potential technological features of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN reveals that the vehicle is a Pickup with specific characteristics like a Crew/Super Crew/Crew Max cab type and four doors, which offers clues to its capacity and design.
• Engine Specifications: Details about the engine are specific, highlighting a V-Shaped configuration with a displacement of 7.4 liters or 7400.0 CC, and it operates with an 8 cylinder setup manufactured by WRN. This suggests a powerful, possibly performance-oriented engine.
• Drive Type and Fuel Efficiency: It indicates a 4x2 drive type and uses Gasoline as its primary fuel type, combined with a multipoint fuel injection system, which can give insights into its efficiency and suitability for various driving needs.
• Safety and Manufacturing: The brake system is identified as Hydraulic, hinting at the vehicle’s safety features. Additionally, key manufacturing details like the plant location in Flint, Michigan, by the GM Truck Group, shed light on its production background.
• Vehicle Identification: Descriptors like the series (Conventional Cab) and trim (3500 (1 ton)) within the VIN can help identify specific models and versions of the Sierra, which is useful for distinguishing it from other variants.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Classified under Class 2G, suggesting it can handle 8,001 - 9,000 lb, indicating its capability for heavy payloads or towing, which is essential for potential buyers or users in need of a powerful truck.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 GMC Sierra

Source