How to Read an Oldsmobile VIN Number?
An Oldsmobile VIN has 17 characters and is divided into three sections, each showing specific details about the car.
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): Character 1-3: This section identifies the manufacturer and country of origin. Some of the common combinations for Oldsmobile include:
The Vehicle Description Section (VDS): Character 4–9: This section describes the model, body style, restraint type, and engine, and includes a security check digit (9th character) which confirms the rest of the VIN is accurate.
The Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS): Characters 10-17: This section provides information on the model year, assembly plant, and a unique serial number used for production tracking and recall checks.
Decoding Each Character of an Oldmobile VIN
Every Oldsmobile has a 17-character VIN, and each number or letter has a specific meaning. By breaking down the VIN step by step, you can learn where the car was built, its model year, engine type, and even the factory it came from. Here's how Oldsmobile VINs are decoded:
1st Character – Country of Manufacture
The first digit shows the country where the car was made. Most Oldsmobiles were built in the United States, so you will usually see a “1” at the beginning of the VIN.
2nd and 3rd Characters – Manufacturer Details
These two characters identify the maker and the vehicle type. For Oldsmobile, the second digit is usually “G” for General Motors, and the third character identifies Oldsmobile within GM's lineup.
4th to 8th Characters – Vehicle Description
These five characters give more details about the car, such as the engine type, body style, model, and special features. Together, they form what is called the Vehicle Description Section (VDS).
9th Character – Check Digit
This digit is used as a security code to confirm the VIN is valid. It is created using a formula approved by the Department of Transportation, making it harder for VINs to be faked.
10th Character – Model Year
This character tells you the car's model year (from 1980 onward). Letters and numbers are used in cycles, but some letters like I, O, Q, U, and Z are skipped to avoid confusion.
11th Character – Assembly Plant
This digit shows the factory where the Oldsmobile was built. The main plant was in Lansing, Michigan, but Oldsmobiles were also assembled in other states before production ended in 2004.
12th to 17th Characters – Production Serial Number
The last six characters are the vehicle's unique serial number. No two Oldsmobiles share the same sequence, and it helps identify the exact unit and production date.
