Free 1996 Nissan Pathfinder VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle and provides specific information about the vehicle, including its country of origin, manufacturer name, and vehicle type. For the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder, the WMI code is “JN8,” which indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., in Tokyo, Japan. This particular identifier is designated for multipurpose passenger vehicles. The Nissan Pathfinder of this era is recognized as a versatile and reliable SUV, and the WMI code helps in tracing its manufacturing background, confirming it as a product of Japan’s renowned automotive industry. WMIs are crucial for vehicle identification, facilitating global recognition and registration processes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder

WMI: JN8

• Model Years Covered: 1987-2004, 2024
• Example VIN: JN8AR05S0TW012918
• Manufacturer Name: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Chuo-Ku
• State or Province: Tokyo
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder 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 1996 Nissan Pathfinder:

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 1996 Nissan Pathfinder 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 1996 Nissan Pathfinder VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Nissan Pathfinder Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder

The final 6 characters in a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Nissan Pathfinder’s VIN below:

What info can a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The VIN decodes to a Pathfinder with a 3.3-liter V-Shaped, 6-cylinder engine, showcasing its powertrain setup and design aimed for performance and efficiency.
• Body Class and Size: Indicative of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) body class, the VIN hints at the vehicle’s versatile design suitable for both passenger and cargo needs, facilitating a wide range of uses from family outings to off-road adventures.
• Drive Type: The 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 specification extracted from the VIN implies enhanced off-road capability and better traction in various driving conditions, offering an insight into the vehicle’s performance characteristics.
• Fuel Type: With gasoline listed as the primary fuel type, the VIN suggests the vehicle’s compatibility with widely available fuel options, affecting potential running costs and fuel efficiency.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN specifies the Pathfinder was produced at the Kyushu Plant in Japan, providing a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin and the manufacturing quality associated with the location.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The classification under Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) as deciphered from the VIN, allows owners and potential buyers to understand the vehicle’s weight category, impacting its handling dynamics and eligibility for certain regulations or restrictions.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder

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