Free 1997 Pontiac Sunfire VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) code is a unique sequence of characters used globally to identify the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture of a vehicle. For instance, the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, manufactured by General Motors LLC in Warren, Michigan, United States, can be identified using specific WMIs such as “1G2” for models manufactured in the United States, “4G2” for those made in the United States specified for certain markets, and “3G2” for other models within the production years that align with this vehicle. These identifiers not only help in distinguishing the vehicle’s origin but also provide valuable details concerning the manufacturer’s identity and the vehicle’s classification. Such information is crucial for regulatory compliance, service, and historical records. The WMIs are the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which further ensures each vehicle’s traceability and uniqueness worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire

WMI: 1G2

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2004
• Example VIN: 1G2JB1240V7599070
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 4G2

• Model Years Covered: 1996-2000
• Example VIN: 4G2JB3248VB205600
• Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Warren
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 3G2

• Model Years Covered: 1996-1997, 1999-2001, 2004-2005
• Example VIN: 3G2JB1243VS860385
• 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 1997 Pontiac Sunfire 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 Pontiac Sunfire:

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 Pontiac Sunfire 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 Pontiac Sunfire VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Pontiac Sunfire Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire

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

Check your Pontiac Sunfire’s VIN below:

What info can a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN details suggest that the vehicle’s model year could be around 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Plant Location: The manufacturing details from the VIN indicate that the vehicle was potentially assembled in Lordstown, Ohio, United States, giving a hint about the vehicle’s origin.
• Vehicle Specifications: The sedan is potentially identified as a Sunfire with notable specifications, including a 2.4L in-line 4-cylinder engine, possibly manufactured by LAN, and utilizing Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) for fuel delivery.
• Body Class and Size: Through the VIN, it’s potentially identified as a Sedan/Saloon with 4 doors and 4 windows, indicating the vehicle’s body type and general size.
• Safety Features: Safety equipment details such as the potential presence of front airbags for the 1st row (Driver and Passenger) and manual seat belt type might be discernible, emphasizing the potential safety measures of the vehicle.
• Engine Details: Engine specifics have been comprehensively outlined, including a potential displacement of 2400 CC (or 146.46 CI) and the potential engine configuration terming it as an In-Line setup, along with the mention of the potential engine manufacturer being LAN.
• Fuel Efficiency and System: The vehicle potentially employs a Multipoint Fuel Injection (MPFI) system for fuel delivery, which might hint at the car’s fuel efficiency and performance characteristics.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire

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