How Do You Read a Chevy VIN Number?
You read a Chevy Vehicle Identification Number by decoding the characters in the 17-character VIN. Find your VIN at the base of the driver’s side dashboard.
- Decode the country of assembly
The first three characters indicate the country of assembly. Chevies are assembled in the United States, Canada and Mexico so the VIN begins with a 1, 2 or 3, respectively. The second character is G for General Motors. The third position varies.
- Identify vehicle attributes
The fourth position indicates the vehicle brake system and body style. The fifth and sixth characters indicate the chassis series. For example, VH indicates a Traverse ½ ton LTZ.
- Decode the seat belt system
The seventh character is the restraint code. For example, an E indicates active seat belts and airbags in all seating rows.
- Identify the engine
Position 8 indicates the engine type. For example, D stands for a 3.6L V6 engine.
- Read the VIN check digit
The ninth character is a unique digit check and validates the entire VIN.
- Identify the manufacture year
Position 10 indicates model year and is represented by a letter. For example, an A indicates the vehicle was built in 2010.
- Find the manufacturing plant
The eleventh character identifies the manufacturing plant. For example, S indicates the vehicle was made in the Springhill, Tenn. plant.
- Identify the production number
The last six positions are a sequential production number.
