Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), now part of Stellantis following a 2021 merger, has long been a powerhouse in the automotive industry. Renowned for its diverse portfolio of brands including Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, and Fiat, FCA has consistently captivated car enthusiasts worldwide. Its popularity can be partly attributed to a broad range of vehicles that cater to a variety of tastes and budgets, allowing it to consistently rank among the top in global vehicle sales.
When purchasing a used car, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is pivotal in ensuring you’re getting a reliable vehicle and not one fraught with hidden problems. This is where the importance of the FCA VIN decoder comes into play. A VIN check provides potential buyers with a wealth of information about the vehicle’s history, including past ownership, accident history, repair records, and more. This level of transparency is crucial in an industry where knowledge truly is power.
List of FCA Models
Here’s a list of some of the prominent models from each of the FCA brands:
Jeep
- Jeep Wrangler
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Jeep Cherokee
- Jeep Compass
- Jeep Renegade
- Jeep Gladiator
Chrysler
- Chrysler 300
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Chrysler Voyager (previously known as Town & Country)
Dodge
- Dodge Challenger
- Dodge Charger
- Dodge Durango
- Dodge Grand Caravan (discontinued in 2020)
- Dodge Journey (discontinued)
Fiat
- Fiat 500
- Fiat 500X
- Fiat 500L
- Fiat 124 Spider (discontinued)
Ram
- Ram 1500
- Ram 2500
- Ram 3500
- Ram ProMaster
- Ram ProMaster City
Where to Search for the FCA VIN?
When searching for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) vehicle, you can find it in several typical locations. Here’s where to look:
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On the Vehicle
- Dashboard on the Driver’s Side: The most common place to find the VIN on any vehicle, including FCA models, is on the dashboard near the windshield on the driver’s side. You can easily view this by standing outside the vehicle and looking at the corner where the dashboard meets the windshield.
- Driver’s Side Door Frame: Another standard location is on the driver’s side door or the door post (where the door latches when it is closed). It’s usually found on a label or a metal plate in this area.
- Engine Block: The VIN can also be stamped on the engine block. You’ll need to open the hood of the car and locate the VIN on the engine itself, which can be a bit more challenging to find.
Documentation
- Vehicle Registration Documents: The VIN will be listed on your vehicle’s registration documents. These are provided when the car is registered with your local vehicle registration office.
- Vehicle Title: The VIN is also on the vehicle’s title document. This legal certificate of ownership should be kept in a safe place, but you can check it if you need to confirm the VIN.
- Insurance Card/Policy: Insurance documents for the vehicle will also have the VIN written on them, as it is critical for identification in all dealings with the vehicle.
- Owner’s Manual Packet: Sometimes, the VIN is included in the owner’s manual or on a specific warranty or service booklet that comes with the vehicle.
FCA VIN Decoder Guide
Here’s a guide on how to decode an FCA VIN:
Understanding the VIN Structure
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character code that uniquely identifies each vehicle. The VIN for FCA vehicles is structured as follows:
- Characters 1-3 (World Manufacturer Identifier – WMI):
- The first character indicates the country where the vehicle was manufactured (e.g., 1, 4, or 5 for the USA; 2 for Canada; 3 for Mexico; Z for Italy).
- The second character represents the manufacturer (C for Chrysler).
- The third character indicates the vehicle type or manufacturing division.
- Characters 4-8 (Vehicle Descriptor Section – VDS):
- These characters provide information about the vehicle model, body type, engine type, and series.
- This section varies by manufacturer and often requires a manufacturer-specific decoder to interpret accurately.
- Character 9 (Check Digit):
- This character is used to validate the VIN. It is calculated using a complex formula involving the other digits of the VIN.
- Character 10 (Model Year):
- This character indicates the model year of the vehicle using a letter or number (e.g., A = 2010, B = 2011, C = 2012, etc., skipping letters I, O, Q, U, and Z).
- Character 11 (Plant Code):
- This character reveals where the vehicle was manufactured. Each FCA assembly plant has its unique code.
- Characters 12-17 (Sequential Number):
- These are the production sequence numbers, which tell the specific vehicle’s production line number.
How to Use an FCA VIN Decoder
To decode an FCA VIN, follow these steps:
- Locate the VIN on your vehicle or vehicle documents as outlined above.
- Enter the VIN on Vehicle Check USA
- Analyze the Report: The decoder will return a report detailing various aspects of the vehicle, including:
- The make and model
- Engine type
- Options installed
- Place of manufacture
- Recall information
- Vehicle’s history
- Safety ratings
Practical Uses of VIN Decoding
- Pre-purchase Inspection: Before buying a used FCA vehicle, decoding the VIN can help verify the vehicle’s specifications and ensure it matches the seller’s description.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Knowing the exact model and engine type can help you obtain the correct parts and service information.
- Vehicle Registration and Insurance: VIN is required for vehicle registration and insurance purposes. Decoding it can assist in filling out accurate information.
FCA VIN Samples
Here are some fictional examples of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) VINs:
Example 1: Jeep Grand Cherokee
- VIN: 1C4RJFBG3EC207896
- 1C4 – USA, Chrysler, Jeep
- RJFBG – Grand Cherokee, 4WD, 4-Door SUV, 3.6L V6 engine
- 3 – Check digit
- E – 2014 Model Year
- C – Jefferson North Assembly Plant, Detroit
- 207896 – Unique Serial Number
Example 2: Dodge Charger
- VIN: 2C3CDXBG9EH123456
- 2C3 – Canada, Chrysler, Dodge
- CDXBG – Charger, RWD, 4-Door Sedan, 3.6L V6 engine
- 9 – Check digit
- E – 2014 Model Year
- H – Brampton Assembly, Ontario
- 123456 – Unique Serial Number
Example 3: Chrysler Pacifica
- VIN: 2C4RC1BG5JR321789
- 2C4 – Canada, Chrysler, Chrysler
- RC1BG – Pacifica, FWD, 4-Door Minivan, 3.6L V6 engine
- 5 – Check digit
- J – 2018 Model Year
- R – Windsor Assembly, Ontario
- 321789 – Unique Serial Number
Example 4: Ram 1500
- VIN: 1C6RR7LM5GS654321
- 1C6 – USA, Chrysler, Ram
- RR7LM – 1500, 4WD, Crew Cab Pickup, 3.0L V6 Diesel
- 5 – Check digit
- G – 2016 Model Year
- S – Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Mexico
- 654321 – Unique Serial Number