SECTION 100-01: Identification Codes
| 2014 Flex Workshop Manual
|
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
| Procedure revision date: 05/02/2013
|
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-digit combination of letters and numbers. The VIN is stamped on a metal tab riveted to the instrument panel top, upper left of the dash. The VIN is also found on the Vehicle Certification (VC) label. If the VIN plate requires replacement, authorized dealers must contact their respective regional office.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) |
| 2 | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and restraint-type code |
| 3 | Vehicle line and series |
| 4 | Engine type code |
| 5 | Computer-generated check digit |
| 6 | Model year code |
| 7 | Assembly plant code |
| 8 | Production sequence number |
The first 3 VIN positions are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).
The fourth VIN position is the vehicle restraint-type code.
Positions 5 through 7 indicate vehicle line and series.
The eighth VIN position is the engine displacement and number of cylinders.
Additional engine information can be obtained from the engine tag. Refer to Section 303-01A or Section 303-01B .
The ninth VIN position is a government-assigned, computer-generated check digit.
The tenth VIN position is the model year code.
The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
The last 6 VIN positions are a numeric code for the vehicle build sequence. This is also the vehicle serial and warranty number. The serial number can also be found on the engine block, transmission and frame.
Vehicle Certification (VC) Label
The Vehicle Certification (VC) label is located in the driver side door opening and contains the manufacturer name, the month and year of manufacture, the certification statement and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It also includes the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
If a vehicle requires replacement of the VC label and is 4 years old or less, an authorized dealer must submit the VIN to their respective regional office. The regional office will submit a web form to the assembly plant for the replacement label. Once the label has been printed, a representative from the regional office will deliver the label to the dealer and witness installation on the vehicle. If a vehicle is more than 4 years old and requires a replacement label, the dealer must submit a request to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Exterior paint code |
| 2 | Region code |
| 3 | Domestic special order code |
| 4 | Wheelbase code |
| 5 | Interior trim code |
| 6 | Tape/paint pinstripe code |
| 7 | Radio code |
| 8 | Axle code |
| 9 | Transmission code |
| 10 | Spring code |
| 11 | Calibration numbering |
Vehicle paint codes may be listed as a 2-part code. The first set of paint code numbers/letters listed indicate the vehicle primary body color. The second set of numbers/letters listed (if applicable) indicate a 2-tone or accent body color. All colors are base coat/clear coat.
The following lists the vehicle wheelbase code:
The interior trim codes are listed as a 2-part code. The first digit listed indicates the seat and fabric style. The second digit listed indicates the interior trim color.
Tape and paint pinstripe codes do not apply.
The following lists the available radio types and their codes:
The following lists the rear axle ratios and their codes:
Additional axle information can be obtained from the axle tag. Refer to Section 205-00 .
Available transmissions and their codes are listed below:
Additional transmission information can be obtained from the transmission tag. Refer to Section 307-01 .
Spring codes list both front and rear spring codes. The first set of characters identify the front springs. The second set of characters identify the rear springs.
Powertrain Calibration Information
NOTE: Powertrain calibration information is limited to a maximum of 5 characters per line on the Vehicle Certification (VC) label. Because of this, calibration identification consisting of more than 5 characters will wrap to the second line on the VC label.
Powertrain calibration information is printed in the lower right corner of the VC label. Only the base calibration information is printed. Revision levels will not appear, however, they can be obtained through a scan tool using the most current software revision.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Model year (year in which calibration strategy was first introduced) |
| 2 | Vehicle code |
| 3 | Transmission code |
| 4 | Unique calibrations (designates different hardware to similar vehicles), example: tires or drive ratios |
| 5 | Fleet code (describes fleet to which the vehicle belongs), example: 6 - Evaporative Emission (EVAP) |
| 6 | Certification region (lead region where multiple regions are included in one calibration), example: A - US federal |
| 7 | Revision level (will advance as revisions occur), not printed on label |
Model year code indicates the year in which the calibration code was introduced.
The vehicle code indicates the vehicle line to which the code applies.
The transmission code identifies the type of transmission used.
The Emissions/Corporate Average Fuel Economy/CO2 Compliance Department is responsible for assigning these calibration numbers. Unique identifications are assigned to cover similar vehicles to differentiate between tires, drive configurations, final drive ratios and other calibration-significant factors.
These 2 characters are chosen by the analyst to provide identifiable information unique to each calibration. For example, using the number 2 to denote a 2-valve engine versus using the number 4 to identify a 4-valve engine provides an easily identifiable difference.
Identifies the fleet to which the vehicle belongs.
When instances where multiple regions are included in one calibration, the lead region will be listed.