Decoding the vin number

[ItsPeteReally]

I'm still trying to learn stuff, so much is not clear.

The vin decode information available here seems to miss out a lot.

I will reveal my VIN ( why does it seem like taking your clothes off?).

JF1CXWKEDVG0000(xxxx) - a lady has to have some privacy!

Everything seems to be decodable according to the heretofore published gen for the first few characters JF1CX ie. a Japan built SVX.

Then it gets strange WKEDVG

Why does the engine type W not decode, surely they are all the same.
Similarly the model type K, are all UK models K? Or are european and Australian models the same?

Restraint type: E does this mean passive belts, two airbags, as mine appears to be?

My check digit just appears to be plain wrong!!!!!!

The model year appears to be right V = 1997

The transmission option G presumably is 3.70 final drive AWD 4 speed automatic, but I could be wrong.

Can someone help confirm or deny this tentative decode?

[Earthworm]

The 96/97 SVX's do not decode as nicely as previous years.

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by ItsPeteReally

I'm still trying to learn stuff, so much is not clear.

The vin decode information available here seems to miss out a lot.

I will reveal my VIN ( why does it seem like taking your clothes off?).

JF1CXWKEDVG0000(xxxx) - a lady has to have some privacy!

Everything seems to be decodable according to the heretofore published gen for the first few characters JF1CX ie. a Japan built SVX.

Then it gets strange WKEDVG

Why does the engine type W not decode, surely they are all the same.
Similarly the model type K, are all UK models K? Or are european and Australian models the same?

Restraint type: E does this mean passive belts, two airbags, as mine appears to be?

My check digit just appears to be plain wrong!!!!!!

The model year appears to be right V = 1997

The transmission option G presumably is 3.70 final drive AWD 4 speed automatic, but I could be wrong.

Can someone help confirm or deny this tentative decode?

I have had a Japanese [JDM] and a UK model SVX. The vin codes in both of them do not seem to follow the breakdown that is shown on this site, which is USA information.

Maybe Phil or Phil can help? It is not something I have ever taken the trouble to parse. All I really want from the vin is "does the parts computer recognise it?" and " can I have those parts now please? Today?"

[b3lha]

The UK, Japan and USA all have different VIN code systems. The VIN decoder on this site and on Earthworm's site relate to the USA system.

I have the information on the Subaru UK VIN numbering somewhere, I'll dig it out and post it here later. Some of the digits from the Japanese system match up with the UK system. For example: The "W" in position 6 of your VIN matches the W in position 3 of a Japanese VIN

The Japanese system splits the information between the VIN number and the Applied Model Code. (I think the UK cars also have an Applied Model Code which duplicates some of the information from the VIN).

One of my cars has VIN number: CXD00nnnn

C - Model Type (SVX)
X - Body Type (Coupe)
D - Engine/Drive/Suspension type (W=3.3/AWD/Normal, D=3.3/AWD/4WS)
00nnnn - sequential number

The "Applied Model Code" which looks like: CXDA25E
C - Model Type (C=SVX)
X - Body Type (X=Coupe)
D - Engine/Drive/Suspension type (W=3.3/AWD/Normal, D=3.3/AWD/4WS)
A - Year (A=92,B=93,C=94 etc.)
2 - Number of Doors
5 - Trim Level (2=S3, 3=VE/S40/S40II/S4,5=VL)
E - Transmission/Fuel System (E=4EAT/DOHC EGI)

The S4 model had a -SW or -SA suffix after the applied model code. (The -SA version had a factory fitted sunroof, the -SW did not)

Phil.

PS. Joe - "Sorry our computer doesn't recognise that VIN number. Oh, you've got the actual part number, thats great! Sorry sir you can't have those parts today as they are not in stock and are on back order from Japan with no ETA given. We'll give you a call when it comes in. Probably 4 to 5 weeks."

[b3lha]

European VIN Decoder. Example VIN: JF1CXWBR0EH00nnnn

J - Asia
F - Fuji Heavy Industries
1 - Car (1=Car,3=Truck)
C - Model Type (C=SVX)
X - Body Type (X=Coupe)
W - Engine/Drive/Suspension type (W=3.3/AWD/Normal)
B - Model Change Code (Year: A=1992, B=1993,...)
R - Position of steering wheel (R=RHD,L=LHD)
0 - unknown
E - unknown
H - Transmission Type (B[5MT],G[AWD 5MT],H[AWD 4EAT],K[4AT]
00nnnn - sequential number

This doesn't seem to fit your VIN either. Probably, as Earthworm said, they changed the format in later years.

[svxistentialist]

Originally Posted by b3lha

Phil.

PS. Joe - "Sorry our computer doesn't recognise that VIN number. Oh, you've got the actual part number, thats great! Sorry sir you can't have those parts today as they are not in stock and are on back order from Japan with no ETA given. We'll give you a call when it comes in. Probably 4 to 5 weeks."

Yes Phil

This can be a recurring nightmare.

I've been lucky. The dealers here seem happy to help, if the part can be got at all.

Some of the time, the high prices charged because the parts are sent from Japan by air or by courier.

THAT'S why I keep an eye to what is available [and suitable, of course] from the good ole USA.

Joe