GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

VIN Derivative

Position

Definition

Character

Description

All engines and transmissions are stamped or laser etched with a partial vehicle identification number (VIN), which was derived from the complete VIN. A VIN derivative contains the following nine positions.

1

GM Division Identifier

6

Cadillac

2

Model Year

4

2004

3

Assembly Plant

5

Bowling Green, KY

4-9

Plant Sequence Number

600001

Plant Sequence Number

VIN Positions

VIN Derivative Position

Equivalent VIN Position

A VIN derivative can be used to determine if a vehicle contains the original engine or transmission, by matching the VIN derivative position to the corresponding position in the complete VIN.

1

3

2

10

3

11

4-9

12-17