Free GMC Sonoma VIN Decoder

How to decode a GMC Sonoma VIN

Characters 1-3 of a GMC Sonoma VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the initial three-digit portion of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which uniquely identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. Specifically, for GMC Sonomas produced between 1991 and 2004, the WMI 1GT signifies that these trucks were manufactured by General Motors LLC. This WMI code indicates that these vehicles fall under the truck category and were produced in Warren, Michigan, United States. The relevance of the WMI is critical for identifying vehicles, as it not only points to the manufacturer but also offers insights into the vehicle type and production location. Thus, the WMI serves as a vital tool for vehicle recognition and tracing its origins.

List of WMI Codes for a GMC Sonoma

WMI: 1GT

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2004
• Example VIN: 1GTCS14E0M8504512
• 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 GMC Sonoma 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 GMC Sonoma:

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 GMC Sonoma 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 GMC Sonoma VIN — Year Code

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

Known GMC Sonoma Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a GMC Sonoma

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

What info can a GMC Sonoma VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2004, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Plant Location: The manufacturing details, like the plant city being Linden and the country being the United States, are encoded within the VIN, pointing to where the vehicle was assembled, offering information about the vehicle’s origin.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN provides comprehensive details about vehicle specifics, stating that it’s a truck with a 4.3-liter engine by WRN, equipped with a V-Shaped engine configuration and multipoint fuel injection, offering intricate information about the vehicle’s design and power.
• Drive Type and Body Class: From the VIN, one can determine the drive type, which is 4WD for enhanced traction and off-road capabilities. Additionally, it specifies that it has a pickup body class, ideal for hauling and towing, providing insights into the vehicle’s handling and usability.
• Safety Features: Safety aspects, such as the front air bag locations being in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, are indicated, highlighting the vehicle’s protective measures, providing potential insights into the vehicle’s safety features.
• Fuel Efficiency and Engine Details: Information like the fuel type being gasoline and specific engine details including a displacement of 4300.0 CC (or 4.3 L) and an overhead valve (OHV) valve train design are disclosed, possibly offering insights into the vehicle’s performance and fuel economy.
• Cab Type and Doors: It also notes the cab type as Crew/Super Crew/Crew Max and that it possesses 4 doors, possibly offering insights into the vehicle’s size and passenger accommodation capabilities.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a GMC Sonoma