Free 1989 GMC Suburban VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1989 GMC Suburban VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1989 GMC Suburban VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which distinctly identifies the manufacturer of the vehicle. The WMI for a 1989 GMC Suburban, “1GK,” signifies that it was made by General Motors LLC in the United States, specifically in Warren, Michigan. This particular WMI indicates that the vehicle is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), highlighting its design for various uses. These codes are critical for vehicle identification, enabling a detailed understanding of where and by whom a vehicle was made. The WMI is a crucial component of automotive identification, providing a standardized method for tracing vehicle origins.

List of WMI Codes for a 1989 GMC Suburban

WMI: 1GK

• Model Years Covered: 1987-2000
• Example VIN: 1GKEV16K0KF524887
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1989 GMC Suburban 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 1989 GMC Suburban:

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 1989 GMC Suburban 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 1989 GMC Suburban VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1989 GMC Suburban VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1989 GMC Suburban Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1989 GMC Suburban

The final 6 characters in a 1989 GMC Suburban’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1989 GMC Suburban VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially being the year 1989, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN may indicate the vehicle type as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle and specify the body as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and usage.
• Engine Specifications: Details such as the engine’s configuration possibly being V-Shaped, its potential displacement at 5.7 liters, and possibly possessing 8 cylinders are potentially encoded within the VIN. It may also mention the engine manufacturer as CPC and that the engine is possibly designed for gasoline with the capability for LPG conversion.
• Drive Type and Brake System: The VIN suggests that the vehicle may be equipped with 4WD (4-Wheel Drive) and utilizes a Hydraulic brake system, potentially highlighting its capability and safety features.
• Fuel Type and Injection System: It may specify the primary fuel type as gasoline and the fuel injection type as Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBI), indicating the vehicle’s potential fuel delivery system.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides insights into the potential manufacturing location, including the plant city possibly being Flint, Michigan, in the United States, which offers a glimpse into the vehicle’s potential origin.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The vehicle may fall within Class 2G, indicating a potential weight rating from 8,001 to 9,000 lb (3,629 to 4,082 kg), which might inform about its potential load-carrying capacity and potential use cases.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1989 GMC Suburban