How to Decode the Vin Numbers on a Chevy Tahoe

Introduced in 1994, the Tahoe is a full-size SUV (sport utility vehicle) from Chevrolet. Chevrolet, like other car manufacturers, code the vehicle's manufacturing information into the vehicle identification number (VIN). By decoding the VIN, you can determine what type of Tahoe the vehicle is as well as what engine it had when it came off the assembly line. Decoding the VIN will give you information including in which country the Tahoe was made, what year, and in which assembly plant it was made.

Note the first character in the VIN code. This tells you in what country the van was made. The number "1" indicates the van was built in the United States. A "2" indicates the van was built in Canada and a "3" indicates the vehicle was built in Mexico.

Note the second character in the VIN code. The "G" indicates it is a General Motors vehicle.

Note the third character in the VIN code. This tells you the make of the van. An "A" indicates it is a bus. A "B" indicates it is incomplete. A "C" indicates it is a Chevy truck. An "N" indicates it is Chevy MPV.

Note the fourth character in the VIN code. This tells you the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). A "B" indicates 3001 to 4000 GVWR. A "C" indicates 4001 to 5000 GVWR. A "D" indicates 5001 to 6000 GVWR. An "E" indicates 6001 to 7000 GVWR. An "F" indicates 7001 to 8000 GVWR. A "G: indicates 8001 to 9000 GVWR. An "H" indicates 9001 to 10000 GVWR. A "J": indicates 10001 to 14000 GVWR. A "K" indicates 14001 to 16000 GVWR.

Note the fifth character in the VIN code. This tells you the type of chassis that van has. A "C" indicates it is a conventional 4X2. A "K" indicates it is a conventional 4X4. A "P" indicates it is a forward control 4X2. An "S" indicates it is a small conventional 4X2. A "T" indicates it is a small conventional 4X4. An "H" indicates it is a chassis cutaway 4X2.

Note the sixth character in the VIN code. This is the weight code. A "1" indicates it is a 1/2 ton. A "2" indicates it is a 3/4 ton. A "3" indicates it is a one ton.

Note the seventh character in the VIN code. This tells you the body type. A "1" indicates it is a Hi Cube. A "2" indicates it is a Forward Control. A "3" indicates it is a 4 Door Cab. A "4" indicates it is a 2 Door Cab. A "7" indicates it is a Suburban.

Note the eighth character in the VIN code. This tells you what engine it has. A "4" indicates it is a 2.2 Litre. An "H" indicates it is a 5.0 EFI. A "K" indicates it is a 5.7 EFI. An "N" indicates it is a 7.4 EFI. A "w" indicates it is a 4.3 CPI. A "Y,""P,""S" or "F" indicate it is a 6.5 Diesel. A "Z" indicates it is a 4.3 EFI.

Note the tenth character in the VIN code. This tells you the year. An "R" indicates 1994. An "S" indicates 1995. A "T" indicates 1996. A "V" indicates 1997. A "W" indicates 1998. A "Y" indicates 2000. Starting with 2001, the tenth character is the last digit of the year.

Note the eleventh character in the VIN code. This tells you what assembly plant the van came out of. A "B" indicates Baltimore. An "E" indicates Pontiac. An "F" indicates Flint. A "J" indicates Jamesville. A "K" indicates Linden. A "Z" indicates Fort Wayne. An "O" indicates Pontiac. A "1" indicates Oshawa. A "2" indicates Moraine. A "3" indicates Detroit. A "4" indicates Shreveport.