Free 1997 GMC Suburban VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 GMC Suburban VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 GMC Suburban VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle and provides information about the vehicle type and where it was built. For the 1997 GMC Suburban, the WMI indicates that this vehicle is a product of General Motors LLC, specifically categorized as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV). It signifies that the vehicle was manufactured in Warren, Michigan, United States. The WMI forms the initial part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which offers a detailed blueprint of the vehicle’s identity. This system is crucial for tracking, registration, and recall purposes for vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 GMC Suburban

WMI: 1GK

• Model Years Covered: 1987-2000
• Example VIN: 1GKFK16R0VJ719979
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 3GK

• Model Years Covered: 1995-1999
• Example VIN: 3GKEC16R1VG526136
• 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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 GMC Suburban VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1997 GMC Suburban Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 GMC Suburban

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

What info can a 1997 GMC Suburban VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating it was produced in the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The make and model information from the VIN suggests it is a Suburban, which is a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), with specific trim information indicating it is the 2500 (3/4 ton) variant, possibly offering details about the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Details: The VIN includes engine details, indicating that the vehicle is powered by a substantial 7.4-liter engine with a V-shaped configuration and eight cylinders, possibly offering insights into the vehicle’s performance and power.
• Drive Type and Fuel Type: The VIN can provide information about the drive type, in this case, a 4x2 drive type, commonly associated with rear-wheel-drive setups, and operating on gasoline as its primary fuel, offering potential insights into the vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency.
• Brake System Type: The VIN reveals that the vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic braking system, indicating how the vehicle’s brakes are powered for improved stopping capabilities.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN discloses that the vehicle was assembled in the United States, specifically in Janesville, Wisconsin, under the GM Truck Group, offering insights into its manufacturing origin.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN indicates that the vehicle falls into Class 2G, indicating a weight range of 8,001 - 9,000 lb (3,629 - 4,082 kg), potentially helping in understanding the vehicle’s size, capacity, and potential registration requirements.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 GMC Suburban