Free 1988 Mitsubishi Van VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Mitsubishi Van VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Mitsubishi Van VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, revealing vital information about where and by whom the vehicle was made. For the 1988 Mitsubishi van, the WMI is “JA7,” denoting its manufacture by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Tokyo, Japan. This code is the first section of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is used globally to classify and track vehicles. Specifically, it indicates that this Mitsubishi van belongs to the vehicle type category of trucks, showcasing its utility and design focus. The WMI is essential for obtaining vehicle history, specifications, and authenticity, serving as a critical tool for both manufacturers and consumers.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Mitsubishi Van

WMI: JA7

• Model Years Covered: 1987-1988
• Example VIN: JA7FN23L1JA004872
• Manufacturer Name: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC)
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Minato-Ku
• State or Province: Tokyo
• Country: Japan

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

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 Mitsubishi Van 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 Mitsubishi Van VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Mitsubishi Van VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Mitsubishi Van Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Mitsubishi Van

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

What info can a 1988 Mitsubishi Van VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year, indicating the year 1988, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Location: It is possible to identify not just the country of origin, such as Japan, but often the specific city or plant, like Mitzushima, where the vehicle was manufactured.
• Vehicle Specifications: This VIN reveals critical details such as the make being a Van with a 2.4L engine size, which is powered by gasoline, and sports a minivan body class with four doors.
• Engine Specifications: The engine capacity is highlighted, here shown as 2400.0 CC or 2.4 liters, which is supported by a hydraulic brake system type, indicating how the vehicle’s power and safety systems are established.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, such as gasoline, is specified, which is fundamental for understanding the vehicle’s operational requirements and environmental impact.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN provides insight into the vehicle’s body class, categorizing it as a Minivan in this instance, and often includes weight classification, here noted as Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb.
• Safety Features: While specific safety features are not directly mentioned, the number of cylinders (4 in this case) and the brake system type (Hydraulic) can hint at the vehicle’s safety and performance characteristics.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Mitsubishi Van

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