Free 1996 Volvo 850 Series VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Volvo 850 Series VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Volvo 850 Series VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), indicating the vehicle’s manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. In the case of the 1996 Volvo 850-series, the WMI “YV1” reveals that the vehicle was manufactured by Volvo Car Corporation, it is classified as a Passenger Car, and it originates from Sweden. This specific piece of information is crucial for identifying the vehicle’s origins and manufacturer details at a glance. Such identification is vital for a variety of purposes, including registration, insurance, and in understanding specific characteristics pertinent to the vehicle’s manufacturer. The WMI is an essential part of automotive identification systems worldwide, offering a standardized method to recognize a vehicle’s make and model directly from its VIN.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Volvo 850 Series

WMI: YV1

• Model Years Covered: 1993-1997
• Example VIN: YV1LW5827T2213044
• Manufacturer Name: Volvo Car Corporation
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City:
• State or Province:
• Country: Sweden

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1996 Volvo 850 Series 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 Volvo 850 Series:

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 Volvo 850 Series 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 Volvo 850 Series VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Volvo 850 Series VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Volvo 850 Series Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Volvo 850 Series

The final 6 characters in a 1996 Volvo 850 Series’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1996 Volvo 850 Series 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.
• Location: The VIN indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in Sweden, specifically in Torslanda, offering a glimpse into its production origin.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN’s information points to the vehicle being a sedan/saloon with four doors, providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Type: The VIN specifies that the vehicle has a turbocharged engine manufactured by Volvo, designated as the B5234T model, revealing an aspect of its performance and power.
• Safety Features: Safety features include Dual Airbags (SRS) positioned in the 1st row for both driver and passenger, along with a pretensioner system, enhancing the safety of its occupants.
• Fuel Type: The vehicle operates on gasoline, providing insight into fuel preferences for engine designs like the B5234T.
• Transmission and Performance: The VIN indicates that the vehicle features an automatic transmission style complemented by a turbocharger, offering a detail about the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Classified under Class 1, with a GVWR of 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), helping in understanding the vehicle’s size and weight category.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Volvo 850 Series

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