Free 1997 GMC Sonoma VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 GMC Sonoma VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 GMC Sonoma VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), providing crucial details about where and by whom a vehicle was manufactured. For instance, the WMI “1GT” is designated to General Motors LLC for trucks made in Warren, Michigan, USA. This identifier plays a significant role in understanding the origin and production details of vehicles, including the 1997 GMC Sonoma. By analyzing the WMI, one can determine the manufacturer’s name, vehicle type, and even the specific plant where the vehicle was assembled, ensuring a higher level of specificity when identifying vehicles. This coding system is crucial for vehicle tracking, registration, and recall purposes, offering a universally recognized method of vehicle identification.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 GMC Sonoma

WMI: 1GT

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2004
• Example VIN: 1GTCS19X0V8521970
• 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 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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 GMC Sonoma VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1997 GMC Sonoma Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 GMC Sonoma

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

What info can a 1997 GMC Sonoma VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating the year 1997, which provides insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN may indicate the vehicle to be categorized as a Truck with a Pickup body type, offering insights into the vehicle’s general use and capabilities.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN could encode engine details, such as a 4.3L V6 engine configuration by “WRN”, with a displacement of 4300.0 CC and possibly employing multipoint fuel injection (MPFI) for fuel delivery.
• Drive Type and Fuel Type: Information about the vehicle’s drive type possibly being 4x2 and its primary fuel type as Gasoline may be deciphered, offering a glimpse into its potential performance and efficiency characteristics.
• Plant Information: The VIN possibly encloses details about the manufacturing, possibly specifying the vehicle was assembled in Shreveport, Louisiana, United States, by GM Truck Group, allowing one to trace the vehicle’s potential origins.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: It may categorize the truck within Class 1C, emphasizing its potential capacity range between 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), which could be useful for understanding its potential load-carrying capabilities.
• Model Details: Basic model information, including the make as Sonoma with a trim level of 1500 (1/2 ton) and series details indicating “Small Conventional Cab”, which may showcase the vehicle’s specific market positioning and design intentions.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 GMC Sonoma