Free 1998 GMC Sonoma VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 GMC Sonoma VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 GMC Sonoma VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code signaling key information about a vehicle, including its manufacturer, place of production, and vehicle type. For example, the WMI “1GT” is designated to General Motors LLC for trucks manufactured in Warren, Michigan, United States. This specific identifier ties to vehicles produced between 1991 and 2004, ensuring that each vehicle’s origin and category are easily identifiable through just the first three characters of its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). In the context of a 1998 GMC Sonoma, the WMI reveals that it is a truck crafted by General Motors in Michigan, offering a straightforward way to understand vital details about the vehicle’s genesis and classification.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 GMC Sonoma

WMI: 1GT

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2004
• Example VIN: 1GTDT14X6WK517953
• 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 GMC Sonoma VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 GMC Sonoma VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 GMC Sonoma Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 GMC Sonoma

The final 6 characters in a 1998 GMC Sonoma’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 GMC Sonoma VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting it could be a 1998 model, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN indicates the vehicle as a Truck with a Pickup body class, possibly providing insights into the vehicle’s general shape and intended use.
• Engine Details: Specifications such as the engine being V-Shaped with a displacement of 4.3 L and 4300.0 CC, and featuring Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI), are possibly encoded within the VIN, illustrating its potential power and design.
• Drive Type and Brake System: The VIN indicates a 4x2 drive type and a Hydraulic brake system, possibly highlighting aspects of the vehicle’s potential drivetrain and safety features.
• Manufacturer and Plant Information: The engine manufacturer is noted as WRN, with the vehicle production potentially taking place in Linden, New Jersey, United States, by GM Truck Group, offering possible insights into where and by whom the vehicle was made.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The classification in the range of Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), possibly provides an idea of the vehicle’s potential size and capacity.
• Specific Model Information: The VIN decodes to reveal specific model details such as Sonoma with a trim level indicating “1/2 ton nominal” and belonging to the “Small Conventional Cab” series, further potentially defining the vehicle’s market position and attributes.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 GMC Sonoma

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