Free 1988 Pontiac Firebird VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Pontiac Firebird VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Pontiac Firebird VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code composed of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), used to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, vehicle type, and country of origin. For the 1988 Pontiac Firebird, the WMI is “1G2”, indicating that General Motors LLC in the United States is the manufacturer. Specifically, this WMI suggests that the vehicle was assembled in Warren, Michigan. The “1G2” prefix is typically associated with passenger cars, helping to classify the specific type of vehicle within General Motors’ extensive lineup. This code is essential for vehicle identification, facilitating recalls, registration, and other documentation processes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Pontiac Firebird

WMI: 1G2

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1992
• Example VIN: 1G2FW21F2JL205685
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

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

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 Pontiac Firebird 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 Pontiac Firebird VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Pontiac Firebird VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Pontiac Firebird Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Pontiac Firebird

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

What info can a 1988 Pontiac Firebird VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating the year 1988, presenting insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: The VIN may indicate the vehicle as a Passenger Car with a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback body class, possibly offering insights into its design and functionality.
• Engine Specifications: Information from the VIN suggests a V-Shaped engine configuration, 5.0 liters displacement, and an 8-cylinder engine manufactured by CPC, potentially indicating the vehicle’s power and performance capacity.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The primary fuel type is possibly Gasoline, and it might feature a Throttle Body Fuel Injection (TBI) system, offering some clues about its fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Location: Details from the VIN potentially include the plant’s location in Van Nuys, California, United States, hinting at the geographical origin of the vehicle.
• Safety Features: The VIN may specify Manual seat belt type, providing some insight into the safety features equipped with the vehicle.
• Model Specific Information: The model is identified as Firebird, possibly providing specific insights into the vehicle’s series, design characteristics, and market position.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Pontiac Firebird