GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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:

Vin Derivative

Position

Definition

Character

Description

1

GM Division Identifier

G

General Motors

2

Model Year

W

1998

3

Assembly Plant

1

E

Z

J

G

R

Oshawa, Ontario

Pontiac, MI

Fort Wayne, IN

Janesville, WI

Silao, Mexico

Arlington, TX

4-9

Plant Sequence Number

--

--

A VIN derivative can be used 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 Equivalent

VIN Derivative Position

Equivalent VIN Position

1

2

2

10

3

11

4-9

12-17