This ATV VIN Check tool is free to use. It is currently in beta testing and will decode any Yamaha ATV vehicle identification number. Once I am confident it is bug free, and if there is enough demand, I will update it to cover all makes and models of ATVs including Polaris, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki and others.
As of the 2011 - Suzuki no longer supports model years. Be sure you have your model and serial numbers from your ID Tag before looking up parts. Select: Year: Serial Number Range: Model Designation: Details: 2011: 01503F-110001 to 01503F-11XXXX: DF 15S DF 15ES DF 15EL: Details: 2012: 01503F-210001 to 01503F-21XXXX: DF 15S DF 15ES DF 15EL.
Since writing my ATV VIN guide I've been asked for help in decoding ATV VIN's so I made this free ATV VIN check tool. Use the charts and instructions in the original guide if you'd like to know how to manually decode an ATV VIN, however, it is easier to do an ATV VIN check by entering your ATV VIN into a decoder, now you can.
What This ATV VIN Check Tool Does: It will tell you if the VIN is mathematically valid based on industry standards and, if it is, will attempt to provide you with year, make and model information based on that VIN. This is particularly useful when buying a used ATV and/or ATV Parts.
What it Doesn't do: It cannot tell you if an ATV is stolen and will not provide specific information about the ATV such as engine size, color or other information which may be particular to that ATV. I decided not to use that type of specific information in order to avoid this tool being used for the wrong reasons and to keep costs low(as in free).
No owner history or personal information is collected or saved with this tool.
No owner history or personal information is collected or saved with this tool.
Finding your YAMAHA ATV VIN: The most likely location for a Yamaha VIN is on the lower left side of the frame near the footrest and shifter. Do not confuse the number stamped on the engine as being an ATV VIN, the VIN is 17 digits long and not mounted on the engine. If you do not readily see the ATV VIN plate on the lower left side of your frame you can also check the following locations. It may be located near the A-Arm mounts, behind the brush guard, on the swingarm, near the top of the steering shaft and perhaps even behind the air filter housing of the frame depending on model. Be patient!
Frequently Asked Questions About This ATV VIN Decoder
'It shows the wrong year!'
- The 10th digit of an ATV VIN represents the year. The letters A through Z, with the exception of O, L, U and Q which are never used, and numbers 1 through 9 each represent a year(see charts on my VIN Guide page to determine year). The problem with using this system is that when you run out of numbers and letters the system starts over and as a result the letter A for example can mean 1980 or 2010. This problem was resolved by referencing the 7th digit as follows. If the 7th digit is a number the earlier year is accurate, if the 7th digit is a letter the later year is accurate. Check to make sure the 7th digit is also accurate on your VIN, not just the 10th digit.
- The 10th digit of an ATV VIN represents the year. The letters A through Z, with the exception of O, L, U and Q which are never used, and numbers 1 through 9 each represent a year(see charts on my VIN Guide page to determine year). The problem with using this system is that when you run out of numbers and letters the system starts over and as a result the letter A for example can mean 1980 or 2010. This problem was resolved by referencing the 7th digit as follows. If the 7th digit is a number the earlier year is accurate, if the 7th digit is a letter the later year is accurate. Check to make sure the 7th digit is also accurate on your VIN, not just the 10th digit.
'It says my vin is invalid!'
- The 9th digit of every 17 digit ATV VIN is called the check digit and it represents the mathematical sum of the values of the entire VIN. Make sure you have correctly entered all 17 digits as they appear on your ATV. To make sure the tool is working correctly during beta testing you can enter the value 11111111111111111 which should validate, if it doesn't please let me know.
- The 9th digit of every 17 digit ATV VIN is called the check digit and it represents the mathematical sum of the values of the entire VIN. Make sure you have correctly entered all 17 digits as they appear on your ATV. To make sure the tool is working correctly during beta testing you can enter the value 11111111111111111 which should validate, if it doesn't please let me know.
'It doesn't tell me my model information!'
- Did you know that not all Japanese ATVs are made in Japan and not all American ATVs are made in America etc? Some were even made from multiple locations and as a result there are multiple possible codes within the VIN to identify a single model of ATV. I am adding models and codes as quickly as I can verify them through a dealership.
- Did you know that not all Japanese ATVs are made in Japan and not all American ATVs are made in America etc? Some were even made from multiple locations and as a result there are multiple possible codes within the VIN to identify a single model of ATV. I am adding models and codes as quickly as I can verify them through a dealership.
'I'm buying a used ATV and the VIN doesn't check out!'
- Do not go by the VIN printed on any paperwork, you need to check the VIN on the ATV or motorbike itself. If it still doesn't check out, or is hard to read, I urge you to contact your local DMV(Department of Motor Vehicles) for more specific information about that ATV. Buying an ATV without paperwork is also always a risk and not recommended, contact your local police office if you suspect the VIN might have been removed or tampered with intentionally.
- Do not go by the VIN printed on any paperwork, you need to check the VIN on the ATV or motorbike itself. If it still doesn't check out, or is hard to read, I urge you to contact your local DMV(Department of Motor Vehicles) for more specific information about that ATV. Buying an ATV without paperwork is also always a risk and not recommended, contact your local police office if you suspect the VIN might have been removed or tampered with intentionally.
As can be seen on this typical VIN chart the first 13 digits can be numerical or alphabetical but the last 4 digits are always numerical.
'I think I have a generic ATV not from a major brand name'
- This is not only entirely possible but is in fact likely. Many ATVs are assembled in China using parts from many different companies and are named and branded by the end retailer where it was originally sold. During import these ATVs are often labeled as farm equipment which has different rules and regulations as you find on cars. This presents a problem for owners, the ATV VIN is usually printed in advance and does not follow the standard coding procedure. Semi-generic VINs are applied after the fact. If this is your case your best bet is to take a picture and take it to your local dealer, it's likely that an experienced person there will recognize the ATV style and help you get the parts you need.
- This is not only entirely possible but is in fact likely. Many ATVs are assembled in China using parts from many different companies and are named and branded by the end retailer where it was originally sold. During import these ATVs are often labeled as farm equipment which has different rules and regulations as you find on cars. This presents a problem for owners, the ATV VIN is usually printed in advance and does not follow the standard coding procedure. Semi-generic VINs are applied after the fact. If this is your case your best bet is to take a picture and take it to your local dealer, it's likely that an experienced person there will recognize the ATV style and help you get the parts you need.
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V.I.NNumber Motor Decode rules: For only old Suzuki Sidekicks and similar Trackers.Vehicle Identification Numbers. ( and engine codes, used only in USA)
USA/Canada Suzuki Sidekicks, Vitara's and GM GEOTrackers. 10 years 89-98'
Each Manufacture, codes the VIN differently in many respects, and I see European VIN that even avoid the year codes.
We (USA) donot use true bodytags nor simplechassis numbers, we use the VINTAG and GM (GM) has a glove box door My RPOsticker showing build options.
RPO means, Regular Production Option (GM Parlance) SEE NEW MASTER LIST
In USA we have 2 tags, the VIN number strip and the under hood, sticker(look up) See the words, USA federal or California there.
or 3 Tags, counting the GEO (GM) TRACKER RPO sticker. (I'm not mentioningthe door jam tire stickers)
In the USA. the California marked cars can be quite different innature. Smog. The Calif cars never have a mileage NAG switch.
Never mix ECU parts or Smog parts from USA Fed cars, to USA Calif.cars.
The VIN rules vary by country and market.
In USA we have the 17 digitSAE , DOT Strip. That fails to show which tranny is in thecar or if it's a G16A or B, 8v or 16v motor.
Many Vitara's , have not a real VIN but just a simple bodySerial tag. (on old cars)
There are JDM Vitara's sold all over the world with almost no tag data codes, at all.
.
JDM means , to be sold to the Japanese Domestic Market or to anyone with cash and nosmog rules. (lots are found the world over, like this)
Some JDM cars, have no oxygensensor, no EGR and not CAT. That are tuned for low CO, or carbonDioxide (using a set of resistor jumper blocks or a Pot.)
All JDM cars, the documents (FSM/operator guides, etc. ) are inJapanese, and unreadable by Western standards.
Then, there are the Vitara tagged cars, that are made and soldall over the world. Here is a very common VITARA tag.
Seesome here.
Factories?:
Besides the Suzuki factories in HamamatsuCity , and Iwata Japan
The old the Canadian plant (GM now) now shut down forVitara's/Trackers and Sidekicks , CAMI.com
Cami even made Vitara's and sold them toGermany, for years, with the German market code..
Iwata Japan SUZUKI, even made Sidekicks/Trackers in 1989 (first ever)and made them for Cami in 1998 due to Cami shut down for refit.
Vitara's were made here too: I have no DECODES for these cars.
Magyar in Hungary.
Santanaof Spain.
The body tags, all help you do many things, to know what parts fit yourcar, and to know what smog options you have and what tests work on yourcar.
The cars vary in design greatly by country or market. ( by DOT ,EPA, or other other country government ruling bodies, safety,etc...)
The latest news, it the a SUZUKI is shutting down all USA new carSales of Suzuki cars, not motorcycles, stating 'DIFFICULT USA REGULATIONS.'
SUZUKI ONLY:
USA VIN means Vehicle Identification Numbers {off site decoder }( a17 digit number)
If the first 3 Characters do not use WMI conventionsit is not A VIN. The Chassis ID code of JSAxxxxxx is chassis code and is NOT a VIN.
USA: VIN decoded by hand. (using FSM chapter 0)
Example 1: A total break down.
JS3 T D 2 1 C ? V 4 100001
JS3 = (WMA coded) J means made in Japan. S3 means Suzuki, (for 2S3 , the 2 means CAMI made , Canada. Ingersoll, Ontario Canada)
T: car line Sidekick
D= Gross veh weight class 2 door I think. E is 4door weight.
2= Engine type (usa is always 0 or 2) 0= 89-98 8v or 16v 2 = 1.8L sadly, SUZUKI does not publish all codes used , unless you buy every FSM they ever made.
1= design Sequence
C= body type C= Canvas 2door. V= hardtop Van 4door
?- check digit. (a check sum code, rule thatadds up all numbers and letters, to make sure there is no typo)
V= Year = 1997 see table at end of this page.
4 = Assembly plant , IwataJapan. 12.5km South of the USAMilitary base, in Yokosuka Japan. code 6 = Ingersoll, Ontario Canada ,aka CAMI.
100001 = serial number of car body. ( I made that up)
Notice the missing transmission type.!
VIN2 Example USA: THIS ONLY WORKS FOR GM GEO'S! , Notehow GM move the engine code out 2 places from 6th to 8th. GMengine codes are very Unique to GM.
GM Tracker example. The GM RPO codes are more clear , showing all 'AS BUILT' OPTIONS (ie: ufiche)
JGC BJ 1 8 U ? K W 930015
JGC(WMA coded) J = Japan, the GC means early made Geo trackers made in Japan, before April 89', code 2CN is CAMI made and the C = CAMI made. 2= Canada.
BJ = Tracker (B= 2001 to 4000 lbs 'light truck', hydraulic brakes, J= 4X4 drive, E= 4x2.(BE)
1 = Weight class 1/2 ton
8= Utility type (Tracker)
U= Engine code = 8v 1.6L RPO LS5 and VIN 6 VIN= RPO L01,16v 1.6L EFI . Parlance ? CODE 6 means 8 valve TBI EFI engine, Code U means valve MPI EFI engine.
? = check digit
K= year, see table below page. K= 1989
W= IWATA japan assembly plant , code 6 = Ingersoll, Ontario Canada ,aka CAMI.
930015 is chassis serial number.
We even see Geo Trackers made in JAPAN 1989, and have very odd VIN prefixes. 2JS ( also done during the 1998 CAMIshut down and Refit)
Engine codes at GM and Suzuki recycle overlong time periods.
Beloware the OLD , early 90's codes.
Just looking atthe motor will tell you what you have. 16 Valves is stamped, on top ofmotor, the 8valve has a throttle body and a black painted, valve cover..
Do not forget to look at themotor serial number ,it contains the MOTOR ID. and the year (USA only), it was made. See the 'T'?, that means 1996.
The Motor year code follows the same rule sets at the VIN year,(10th digit). See end of this document for this data.
The USA 5 speed transmission , on top of BELL has this same year code.
Outside the USA the Engine serial number may not contain a year code atall.
The Fact that California banned 8V engine (C.A.R.B smog regs) in1994, one can say that the code U in 1994 is a California car. but thatis wild stretch of imagination.
The RPO tag is the authority here, as is the hood tag, The Hood tag (some hoods were crushed in a collision and are missing the tags, but not the RPO)
The CAL car has no NAG Switch. (only the FED car 1989-1995)
The VIN does NOT ENCODE, CALIFORNIA or FEDERAL at all. (shocking?)
MPI means Multipoint Injection, 4 injectors ,the TBI means Throttle body Injection and 1 Injector.
SuzukiEngine codes, unified by me : Look heretoo:
Otherbody cars by Suzuki use unique codes for engines. ( code 6 (Reno2.0L) means different things on non Vitara kick bodies)
6th Digit SUZUKI VIN, ( these codes are notGM) , all are SOHC , unless stated differently. Code 5 is a hair puller.
TFI = TBI
MFI = MPI all SOHC unless stated otherwise.
0 - 1.6l (1590cc) TFI G16A +8th digit is bodycode>, C=8v and V=16v ! (in 1996+ body code can be 'C' or 'V' for16v)
0 - 1.6l (1590cc)MFI , G16B. body code V.
1 - RARE 1.6l (1590) MFI G16B bodycode S X90 Only. (may have 1995.5 EGR intake manifold)
2 - 1.8l (1843cc) MFI DOHC body code V. J18A motor. CALLED A SUZUKI SPORT.used only on SV418 (wide frame for larger engines now and future.)
3 - 1.3l (1298cc) TFI , body code C (8th digit) engine code 3 is for only Sammi , code 5 only for Sidekicks.
5 - 1.3l (1298cc) Carb Sidekick 1989 only (1/2 this and the reset code 0 engines G16A)
5 - 1.3l (1298cc) TFI
5 - 1.3l (1324cc) Carb
5- 2.0L (1997cc) MFI DOHC I-4 J20 (notice how code 5 wasstolen in later years. 1999+ Vitara's
D- There are H20 (1/2 Mazda) V6 engines all over, the world, circa1994, but not in the USA, (maybe a few in Canada , gray market)
6- 2.5L (2494cc) MFI DOHC V6 H25,eg :Grand Vitara99' H25 Engine. There are H20 (1/2 Mazda) V6 engines all over, the world, circa 1994.
9- 2.7L (2736cc) MFI DOHC V6 H27
1- 3.2L N32 engine used in very new Suzuki';s N32 engine in Grand Vitara's 2010 (code 1, repeats again)
There are 56 engines, and the codes are pretty much a secret.
Suzukiloves to reset codes, making them very very hard to track. (a 1digit VIN makes this near impossible A to Z and 0 to 9 is 36possible codes..... )
On newer cars, they have 2 digit engine codes.(Seen in Europe)
Gleaned from about 10 FSM books.
Note the the silly code zero (IMO) for G16A and B, gets you wrongparts every time, or 1/2 the time. THANKS SUZUKI, for that GREATIDEA ? G16B should have been code 2. Dang !
Suzuki VIN 10th digit Decode:{For YEAR} { this chart works for Engine serial numberyear codes , too, USA }
Some Country's don't use a year code, and most non USA engines, do nothave the year code on the engine serial, nor on the transmissionserial.,like ours do.
Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year | Code | Year | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A = | 1980 | L = | 1990 | Y = | 2000 | A = | 2010 | |||
B = | 1981 | M = | 1991 | 1 = | 2001 | B = | 2011 | |||
C = | 1982 | N = | 1992 | 2 = | 2002 | C = | 2012 | |||
D = | 1983 | P = | 1993 | 3 = | 2003 | D = | 2013 | |||
E = | 1984 | R = | 1994 | 4 = | 2004 | E = | 2014 | |||
F = | 1985 | S = | 1995 | 5 = | 2005 | F = | 2015 | |||
G = | 1986 | T= | 1996 | 6 = | 2006 | G = | 2016 | |||
H = | 1987 | V = | 1997 | 7 = | 2007 | H = | 2017 | |||
J = | 1988 | W = | 1998 | 8 = | 2008 | J = | 2018 | |||
K = | 1989 | X = | 1999 | 9 = | 2009 | K = | 2019 |
Manufacture Prefix codes:
World ManufacturerIdentifier (WMI) for Vehicle Identification Number (VIN prefix) {off site}
Example 1:
MY Canadian Geo Tracker 1991 This code tells you where car was made but never tells you whatcountry the car was built to operate. (see market codes)
2CNBE-18U5M-6907XXX ( theE code is 2x4 and I changed over car to 4wd 2CNBJ)
A short list , the list is HUGE.
North America 1 - 5 | |
---|---|
1A-10 | United States |
2A-20 | Canada |
3A-3W | Mexico |
3X-37 | Costa Rica |
38-30 | not assigned |
4A-40 | United States |
5A-50 | United States |
Examples , more prefixes,common.
VS= Suzuki Spain (common in Europe) or VEET .
J S=Suzuki Japan (this is not a VIN but a chassis number)
JSAETA01V00110961 ( just an example of a UK Vitara ) Made in Japan. For Europe.
Each character or digit on the USA VIN Number has a particular purpose:
Manual decodes:
To understand itclick here:
To decode it ,click here.:
Or
Google 'VIN decode', works for N.American cars with real VIN codes. and does not work for Chassisnumbers.
A Free Decoder
http://www.decodethis.com/
Chassis tag number and letter decoding, is very complex (varies greatlyby generation and has no world standards) askfor help on the forum.
See the slide show for prime examples
Other codes?
The tire pressures are on the drivers door jamb.
The real manfucturing date, (not cars model year that is VIN year) is on the same door jamb.
Keep in mind that, for example, a car might be made in July 30th 1995but is for sales as a new 1996 year model (USA has laws thatcontrol year model and smog rules for same...)
Some Car parts vary by build date and body VIN code serial, numbers. (see Suzuki Parts catalogs, they show this clearly)
FYI:
Crimedata base lookup for VIN# history free.
Look here for Suzuki Engine History?
rev 10 1-28-2013 , added more facts. (edits 6-1-2014) corrected WMA error.