Free 1998 Mazda B-Series VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Mazda B-Series VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Mazda B-Series VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three characters of a vehicle identification number (VIN), uniquely identifying the manufacturer of the vehicle. For example, the 1998 Mazda B-Series, a truck produced by Ford Motor Company for Mazda, has a WMI of “4F4”, denoting its production in the United States, specifically in Dearborn, Michigan. This system allows for easy identification of a vehicle’s origin, manufacturer, and type, offering essential information at a glance. The WMI is an internationally recognized standard, ensuring consistency and accuracy in vehicle identification across the global automotive industry. Thus, the WMI “4F4” precisely indicates that the 1998 Mazda B-Series truck was manufactured in the U.S. by Ford Motor Company, highlighting its American production lineage.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Mazda B-Series

WMI: 4F4

• Model Years Covered: 1994-2009
• Example VIN: 4F4YR13U0WTM06825
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Dearborn
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 Mazda B-Series VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Mazda B-Series VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Mazda B-Series Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Mazda B-Series

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

What info can a 1998 Mazda B-Series VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN details specifics about the engine, indicating a V-Shaped configuration, displacement metrics (2982.445648 CC, 182 CI, 3.0 L), and that it’s manufactured by Ford with a horsepower range of 140 to 150. This information can be crucial for understanding performance and compatibility with parts.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type indicated by the VIN is Gasoline, which may help assess fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: It specifies the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row, potentially highlighting important safety equipment.
• Body Type and Size: The VIN describes the vehicle as having a Pickup body class, with a Cab Type that could range from Extra to Extended, and a 2-door configuration. This provides insight into the vehicle’s design and utility capacity.
• Drive Type and Brake System: It indicates a 4x2 drive type and a Hydraulic brake system, offering clues into the vehicle’s handling characteristics and maintenance needs.
• Manufacturing Details: The production specifics, including the Plant City (Edison), Plant State (New Jersey), and Plant Country (United States), reveal the vehicle’s origin, potentially affecting the availability of certain parts or services.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Mazda B-Series