This is a quick app written in JavaScript that utilizies the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's VIN database to convert VINs to something of value.
You're going to need this Random VIN Generator to create test VINs.
Then, paste those VINs down and watch the magic.
A VIN is a 17-character unique identifier for each vehicle sold in the United States.
Sample: 1P4GH44R0RX359386
The above VIN would be from a 1994 Plymouth Grand Voyager built in St. Louis, MO.
- The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier. This is assigned by SAE International and is closely guarded and seems to be classified.
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section, which is a magical code created by each manufacturer. It requires a decoder ring to translate.
- Character 9 is a special check digit to validate the VIN and properly formed. Look away.
- Character 10 is the year of manufacture. This is not the model year.
- Character 11 is a secret code from the manufacturer that tells us where the vehicle was assembled.
- Characters 12-17 are truly unique values to idenitify the vehicle to which the VIN is attached.
In the case of our sample VIN, we can see:
- World Manufacturer Identifier
- 1: USA
- P: Chrysler Corporation
- 4: Plymouth division
- Vehicle Descriptor Section
- G: Car line (Plymouth Acclaim)
- H: Trim level or series (mid/high level)
- 44: 4-door sedan
- R: Engine type (3.0L V6, 6-cylinder, Mitsubishi-sourced)
- Check Digit
- Year of manufacure
- R: 1994
- Plant code
- X: St. Louis Assembly Plant (Missouri)
- Serial Number
- 359386
Note that the color of the vehicle is not provided.