For 1990-2009 cars only
All engines and transmissions are stamped or laser etched with a partial Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is derived from the complete VIN. A VIN derivative contains the following nine positions:
Position | Definition | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | GM Division Identifier | 4 | Buick |
2 | Model Year | W | 1998 |
3 | Assembly Plant | 4 U | Lake Orion Hamtramck |
4-9 | Plant Sequence Number | -- | -- |
A VIN derivative may be used in order to determine if a vehicle contains the original engine or transmission, by matching the VIN derivative positions to their accompanying positions in the complete VIN:
VIN Derivative Position | Equivalent VIN Position |
|---|---|
1 | 3 |
2 | 10 |
3 | 11 |
4-9 | 12-17 |
