How to Tell If a Vehicle Is 4WD by VIN: The Ultimate Guide
Owning a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is a must if you enjoy challenging off-road trips. However, figuring out whether a vehicle has 4WD or not can be tricky. Thankfully, with the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) code, you can quickly tell if a vehicle is 4WD or not. This ultimate guide on how to tell if a vehicle is 4WD by VIN will walk you through the process step by step.
What is a VIN?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-digit code assigned to each vehicle. The VIN provides vital information about the vehicle, including the manufacturer, model, year of manufacture, and drivetrain.
How to Read a VIN
Understanding the VIN is paramount in determining if your vehicle has 4WD or not. The VIN is broken down into different components, each representing a specific piece of information about the vehicle. Below is a breakdown of what each component means:
Positions 1-3
The first three digits of the VIN indicate the country of origin, manufacturer, and vehicle type.
Position 1
The first digit indicates the country of origin. Numbers 1, 4, and 5 are used for vehicles manufactured in the USA, numbers 2 are used for Canada, and 3 for Mexico.
Position 2
The second digit specifies the manufacturer of the vehicle.
Position 3
The third digit represents the vehicle type, such as passenger car, SUV, truck, etc.
Positions 4-9
This section of the VIN provides information about the vehicle’s model, engine, and safety features.
Position 4
The fourth digit represents the body type, transmission, engine, and safety features. For 4WD vehicles, you’ll see B, D, H, L, P, W, or S.
Position 9
This digit is vital in preventing fraudulent activity. The number in this position can deviate, depending on a mathematical formula that the U.S. Department of Transportation has designed to prevent fraud and vehicle cloning.
Positions 10-17
The last seven digits of the VIN identify the vehicle’s unique serial number.
Position 10
The tenth digit represents the model year. Currently, it ranges between A (1980) to Y (2000) and then starts again at 1 (2001) to 9 (2009).
Position 11-17
The last seven digits identify the vehicle’s unique serial number from the manufacturing plant that assembled your vehicle. This is only applicable to vehicles built after 1981 when the new VIN format was introduced.
How to Tell If a Vehicle is 4WD by VIN
Now that you understand how to read the VIN, it’s easy to tell if a vehicle is 4WD or not. Simply look at the fourth character of the VIN, and if it’s B, D, H, L, P, W, or S, then the vehicle is 4WD.
Other ways to Tell if a Vehicle is 4WD
In addition to checking the VIN, there are other ways to tell if a vehicle is 4WD or not. Here are a few:
Check the Owner’s Manual
The owner’s manual usually contains information about the vehicle’s drivetrain, including whether it’s 4WD or not.
Look for a 4WD Button or Switch
If the vehicle is 4WD, there should be a button or switch on the dashboard or center console that controls the 4WD mode.
Check the Drivetrain Components
To tell if a vehicle is 4WD, you can also inspect the drivetrain components, including the axles, differentials, and transfer case.
Conclusion
Knowing whether a vehicle is 4WD or not is essential, especially if you’re planning to take it off-road. By checking the fourth character of the VIN, you can easily tell if a vehicle is 4WD or not. Nevertheless, it’s always advisable to cross-check with the manufacturer’s website or contact customer service for clarification.
FAQ
1. Can I tell if a vehicle is 4WD by looking at the tires?
No, you cannot tell if a vehicle has 4WD by looking at the tires. A vehicle can have all-wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD) and still have all-season tires.
2. What’s the difference between 4WD and AWD?
The primary difference between 4WD and AWD is how torque is distributed to the wheels. In 4WD, torque is sent to all four wheels simultaneously, while in AWD, torque is usually biased towards the front or rear wheels.
3. What does it mean if the VIN doesn’t include B, D, H, L, P, W, or S?
If the VIN doesn’t include B, D, H, L, P, W, or S in the fourth position, it means that the vehicle is not 4WD.
4. Can I convert a 2WD vehicle to 4WD?
Yes, it’s possible to convert a 2WD vehicle to 4WD, but it’s a complex process that requires significant modifications to the drivetrain.
5. Does having 4WD mean I can go anywhere off-road?
No, having 4WD doesn’t mean you can go anywhere off-road. You still need to be cautious and considerate of the terrain to avoid damage to the vehicle or getting stuck.
