Free 1997 Nissan Pathfinder VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code designated to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe. This code, which comprises the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), helps in identifying the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of origin. For the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder, the WMI “JN8” specifies that the vehicle was manufactured by Nissan Motor Company, Ltd., classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), and originates from Japan, specifically from Tokyo’s Chuo-Ku. This identification system ensures that each vehicle can be uniquely traced back to its manufacturer, thus aiding in various legal, registration, and repair processes globally.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder

WMI: JN8

• Model Years Covered: 1987-2004, 2024
• Example VIN: JN8AR05Y0VW102058
• 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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 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 1997 Nissan Pathfinder VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Nissan Pathfinder VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Nissan Pathfinder Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, indicating if it is a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Details: Key engine specifications, including the configuration (e.g. V-Shaped), number of cylinders (e.g. 6), and displacement information in CC (e.g. 3300.0), CI (e.g. 201.37835551261), and Liters (e.g. 3.3), are often encoded in the VIN, providing valuable information about the vehicle’s performance.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type, such as gasoline, may be identified, offering insights into the vehicle’s fuel consumption and environmental impact.
• Drive Type and Brake System: Insight into the vehicle’s drive type (e.g. 4x2) and the brake system type, such as hydraulic, can be derived from the VIN, helping understand the vehicle’s handling and safety features.
• Manufacturing Information: Information about the manufacturing location, including the plant country (e.g. Japan) and specific plant name (e.g. Kyushu Plant), can be obtained from the VIN, providing insights into the vehicle’s origins.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The VIN may categorize the vehicle’s GVWR, for instance, placing it in Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg), offering important information about its load-carrying capacity and potential usage.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder