Free 1997 Toyota Tercel VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Toyota Tercel VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Toyota Tercel VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This code is the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides specific information about the vehicle’s manufacturing origin. For example, the WMI for a 1997 Toyota Tercel indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by Toyota Motor Corporation, located in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This particular WMI, starting with “JT2,” denotes a passenger car produced by Toyota. Hence, the WMI not only identifies the manufacturer but also provides insights into the vehicle type and geographical origins of manufacturing.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Toyota Tercel

WMI: JT2

• Model Years Covered: 1981, 1985, 1987-1999
• Example VIN: JT2AC52L0V0243663
• Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Toyota City
• State or Province: Aichi Prefecture
• Country: Japan

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Toyota Tercel 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 Toyota Tercel:

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 Toyota Tercel 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 Toyota Tercel VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Toyota Tercel VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Toyota Tercel Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Toyota Tercel

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

What info can a 1997 Toyota Tercel VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: It may indicate the manufacturing country, city, and even the specific plant company name, exemplified by the Toyota Motor Corporation - Takaoka Plant in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan.
• Vehicle Specifications: Details like the Toyota Tercel being a 2-door Sedan/Saloon with a 1.5L, 4-cylinder engine made by Toyota, and a manual seat belt type are encoded within the VIN, offering comprehensive information about the vehicle’s characteristics.
• Engine Information: The VIN can provide a comprehensive look at the engine, including its manufacturer, model (5E-FE), configuration (In-Line), displacement, and power output ranging from 93 to 108 horsepower, highlighting the depth of mechanical specifications available.
• Drive Type and Body Class: It reveals the vehicle’s drivetrain (4x2) and body class (Sedan/Saloon), offering insights into the structural and design aspects of the car, giving an idea of its handling and overall architectural style.
• Safety Features: By scanning the VIN, one can discover safety equipment such as the locations of front airbags (1st Row for Driver and Passenger), indicating the vehicle’s commitment to passenger protection.
• Fuel Efficiency and Emissions: The primary fuel type, which is Gasoline for this Tercel, can be deduced, providing a glimpse into the environmental and efficiency characteristics of the vehicle.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Toyota Tercel

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