Free 1988 Mazda B-Series VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Mazda B-Series VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Mazda B-Series VIN

WMI, or World Manufacturer Identifier, is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer, which forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It identifies the manufacturer, the vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For the 1988 Mazda B-Series, a light truck produced by the Mazda Motor Corporation, the WMI is “JM2.” This indicates that the truck was manufactured by Mazda in Hiroshima, Japan, distinguishing it from vehicles made by other manufacturers or in other locations. Understanding the WMI is essential for accurately identifying the origin and type of vehicle.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Mazda B-Series

WMI: JM2

• Model Years Covered: 1983-1984, 1986-1993
• Example VIN: JM2UF3133J0388395
• Manufacturer Name: Mazda Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Hiroshima
• State or Province: Hiroshima Prefecture
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 Mazda B-Series 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 Mazda B-Series:

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 Mazda B-Series 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 Mazda B-Series VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Mazda B-Series VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Mazda B-Series Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Mazda B-Series

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

What info can a 1988 Mazda B-Series VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1988, providing insights into the vehicle’s age and potential market value.
• Manufacturing Location: The vehicle was assembled in Hiroshima, Japan, which may interest those curious about the origin of their vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The detailed information reveals that it is a Mazda B-Series B2200 with a short bed, highlighting not just the brand and model, but also specific trim details.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN provides insight into the vehicle’s performance capabilities with an engine model F2 and horsepower ranging from 85 to 93 hp.
• Body Class and Type: The VIN indicates the body class as a pickup truck, offering clues on the vehicle’s utility and size.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: It falls within Class 1C, indicating a weight range of 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), which could be helpful for understanding the vehicle’s load capacity.
• Brake System: The VIN provides key information that the vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic 2-circuit brake system, which can be important for assessing its safety and performance characteristics.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Mazda B-Series

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