VIN Digit Meanings

[billwil]

Hello all...I'm new to the board (been lurking for a few weeks).

This seems like something that would be easy to find, and/or been discussed before, but searches on forums and google have turned up limited info. Does anyone have a key to the meanings of the digits in the Vehicle Identification Number for Xterras beyond the basic VIN parts (i.e. the Manufacturer specific parts)? These can usually be found in Chilton-like manuals, but I haven't seen one for the X around here. I'm sure that they are in the ESM as well, but since I don't know what year I'll end up with, I'm not going to buy that yet.

As implied above, I'm in the market for an X, but would like a key to the VIN and/or option codes to make sure I don't get burned by unscroupulous people (been there, done that). I like to know exactly what I'm getting. If there is a resource for this, I'd love a link to it.

Thanks. Bill~

--> Stop reading now if you don't care about personal history <--

BTW, for those that are interested, I'm replacing my current truck ('96 Chevy K1500 Extended Cab 4WD, 6.5" DC Suspension Lift, 35x12.5x15's) with likely a stock X, mostly as a compromise with my wife...but also I'd like to have a truck that actually fits in my garage and doesn't guzzle quite as much gas . I've got a friend with an X, and I've been very impressed with it both on and offroad (completely stock)...thus my decision. I've got lots of fun ahead of me modifying a truck with much more limited aftermarket support than I'm used to...should be fun. I'm actually not very experienced with most mods...so this board is invaluable...thanks guys.

[OffroadX]

Contrary to popular belief, the VIN won't tell you much about the vehicle.

The Xterra VIN will only tell you if it has a 4 or 6 cylinder engine, 2WD or 4WD, and which model year.

The 4th position is D (4 cyl) or E (6 cyl)
The 8th position is T (2WD) or Y (4WD)
The 10th position indicates model year (0, 1, or 2 so far)

The rest either doesn't vary or indicates production revision or serial number.

Brent

[billwil]

Originally posted by OffroadX
Contrary to popular belief, the VIN won't tell you much about the vehicle.

The Xterra VIN will only tell you if it has a 4 or 6 cylinder engine, 2WD or 4WD, and which model year.

The 4th position is D (4 cyl) or E (6 cyl)
The 8th position is T (2WD) or Y (4WD)
The 10th position indicates model year (0, 1, or 2 so far)

The rest either doesn't vary or indicates production revision or serial number.

Brent

Thanks. You're right...not much info that you can't easily tell (hmm...6 cyclinders and a transfer case). If I remember right, the VIN on my Chevy gives quite a wealth of info...

I'm a little surprised it doesn't give the trim specification (SE/XE).

Thanks again. Can't wait to have one of my own...

[ScottG]

Yep, I seem to remember that on my GMC truck the VIN even told the day of the week the truck was made.

I remember a few years back theives were able to steal Toyotas by a code in the VIN that told how to make the key. I'm glad Nissan doesn't give that much info!

[Schludwiller]

Thanks for de-lurking Bill! From the posts-read info, it's obvious there are a lot of lurkers visiting. It's nice to see who they are sometimes.

[boodie]

Originally posted by Schludwiller
Thanks for de-lurking Bill! From the posts-read info, it's obvious there are a lot of lurkers visiting. It's nice to see who they are sometimes.

...We only post when we want something...

[boodie]

When I first read this thread, I was hoping to get a feel for the RPO option codes...But I can't even find the build sheet on mine!

*Is* there a sheet somewhere in the Xterra showing the codes for the options installed on the assembly line??? If so, where???

[OffroadX]

I don't know about option codes or if Nissan even uses them, but on the door jamb plate there is an 18-digit "Model" designation that includes detail about trim level and installed options if you have the chart to decode it. I have the chart (as a graphic) but I'm still not 100% sure how to read it, the last 5 digits of my model code (option detail) don't correspond directly to the chart.

Brent

[boodie]

Originally posted by OffroadX
...but on the door jamb plate there is an 18-digit "Model" designation that includes detail about trim level and installed options if you have the chart to decode it...
Brent

Brent -

Could you post the chart someplace???

*********************************

I had a VIN related experience the other day...Trying to order a Fuel Sender from Nissan dealer; the computer would not accept my VIN...

Seems the US network does not recognize Canadian VINs...

I guess that means I can kiss off any warranty work...

[Schludwiller]

Seems the US network does not recognize Canadian VINs...

I guess that means I can kiss off any warranty work... [/b]

Ahh....you are lucky my friend as I have a Canadian vehicle in the US as well (actually a lot of people do because US dealers were shipping them across the border as fast as they could back in 2000). However, I bought mine in Canada, and drove it across when I returned to work in the US.

So here it goes. Nissan-Canada has no affiliation with Nissan-USA. So their parts numbers do not correlate. I'm not 100% sure about the VIN's, but I think there is the same problem there as well.

Good news is that you can have your warranty transferred to the US. You need to call Nissan customer service and beat them on the head a while until they get the right guy to call you back. I was in the process then let it slip, but I think you need a copy of your bill of sale, and something else (maybe the Canadian registration). They'll tell you for sure, and if you don't mind, let me know as well so I don't have to go through the same process again before doing the switch myself.

BTW do it soon, so you can get your soon to be cracked manifold covered.

[boodie]

Originally posted by Schludwiller
BTW do it soon, so you can get your soon to be cracked manifold covered.

...Sigh...

Well, that's why I stopped by here! I just read ChuckH's post on his pass side manifold being cracked...

Where would I look for the crack??? I still have some time left on my dealers bill-of-sale warranty (Nissan dealer, too)...

[OffroadX]

VIN info:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/xterra/tech/VIN.gif

Model info (year 2000 production as example):
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/xterra/tech/model1.gif
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/xterra/tech/model2.gif
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/xterra/tech/model3.gif

Brent

[Schludwiller]

Originally posted by boodie


Where would I look for the crack??? I still have some time left on my dealers bill-of-sale warranty (Nissan dealer, too)...

Better to just listen for it. It sounds like ticking and is usually strongest on the passenger side of the engine. Backing up a steep hill tends to get it going. Have someone stand outside and listen for it.

[ChuckH]

Yeah, no way to see it, only listen. Engine will sound fluttery and not too unlike a sewing machine or an old Model A or something. Rrdstarr has the worst cracked manifold I've heard yet...too bad I can't get a sound file of it. I actually told him he has until the end of this month to get it fixed or I'll kick his ass! The sound can also be easily confused with valve noise or the like but will be most apparent when cold, under load, or sometimes at certain RPM's. For example, mine flutters right around 1900 RPM, but can be heard at idle too especially at drive-up windows.

I found out this week that oxygen sensors that are slowing down and failing can cause cracked manifolds. When they stop working efficiently they can allow the engine to run lean and this can cause the cracking. When my truck was in last time for the manifold they did tell me my truck was running a bit lean...hmmmm. It was my Audi mechanic who mentioned the oxygen sensor possibility and also said that Nissan was full of it when they blamed my intake for the condition. Anyway, I will probably have the first two replaced when I put headers in since they are generally best replaced around 60K anyway.

[boodie]

Originally posted by ChuckH
The sound can also be easily confused with valve noise or the like...

I already have a cold valve-lifter clicking noise...Someone here told me it was normal...

So, you can't see the crack? Does anyone know *where* it cracks?