Free 1988 Jeep Wrangler VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Jeep Wrangler VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Jeep Wrangler VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to identify the make and country of origin of their vehicles. For the 1988 Jeep Wrangler, the WMI is “2BC,” which signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by American Motors Corp. located in Detroit, Michigan, United States. This code, found at the beginning of the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), indicates that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), designed for various types of terrain. The identification of the WMI is crucial for regulatory compliance, parts matching, and vehicle tracking.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Jeep Wrangler

WMI: 2BC

• Model Years Covered: 1987-1988
• Example VIN: 2BCCV8140JB537435
• Manufacturer Name: American Motors Corp.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Detroit
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 Jeep Wrangler 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 1988 Jeep Wrangler:

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 1988 Jeep Wrangler 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 1988 Jeep Wrangler VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Jeep Wrangler VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Jeep Wrangler Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Jeep Wrangler

The final 6 characters in a 1988 Jeep Wrangler’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Jeep Wrangler’s VIN below:

What info can a 1988 Jeep Wrangler VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, potentially indicating the year 1988 and offering insights into the age and generation of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN indicates the vehicle as a Jeep Wrangler with a base trim, providing basic model information, including the name and level of customization.
• Engine and Performance: The VIN encodes details such as a 2.458 liter engine with 4 cylinders and a throttle body fuel injection (TBI) system, potentially pointing to the vehicle’s performance capabilities and fuel system design.
• Fuel Type: The VIN may suggest that the vehicle is designed to run on gasoline, potentially providing crucial information regarding fuel compatibility and consumption expectations.
• Drive Type: It specifies a 4WD (4-Wheel Drive) system, indicating the vehicle’s capability to handle various terrains and driving conditions.
• Body Class and Doors: The classification as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 2 doors is potentially revealed, offering an understanding of the vehicle’s size, style, and functionality.
• Transmission Details: The VIN hints at a manual/standard transmission with 5 speeds, potentially providing insights into the driving experience and control mechanism of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Jeep Wrangler