VIN Decode - 7th Digit of VIN Indicates???

General topics relative to the Caprice and associated vehicles. For items not fitting into other sub-sections in addition to general chat.
Post Reply
User avatar
Ben98gs
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Jun 05, 2019 7:39 pm

VIN Decode - 7th Digit of VIN Indicates???

Post by Ben98gs »

For the Caprice PPV, the digits 1-6 and 10-11 are the same for the all vehicles in a given year:

1st - Headquarter Location (6 = Australia)
2nd - Manufacturer (G = General Motors)
3rd - Brand Division (3 = Chevrolet)
4th-5th - Model (MK (2011-2013) or NS (2014-2017) = Caprice PPV)
6th - Body Type (5 = 4 door sedan)
7th - ???
8th - Engine (2 - 6.0L V8 (L77); 3 - 3.6L V6 (LFX))
9th - Check Digit (Confirms valid VIN)
10th - Year (B = 2011; C = 2012; D = 2013; E = 2014; F = 2015; G =2016; H = 2017)
11th - Manufacturing Plan (L = Elizabeth Australia)
12th-17th - Sequence/Unique Serial Number

Does anyone know for sure what the 7th Digit of the VIN indicates option-wise? It appears this is typically used by Chevrolet for security/safety systems in the vehicle... My thought is this could indicate the rear passenger cabin side airbag option (according to the Technical Manual files, RPO code AYO in 2011 (would correspond to the E/T digits I have found???); AYG in years 2012-2016 (would correspond to the R/U digits I have found???), and no such option in 2017 (reason I have only seen U in 2017???).

Can anyone confirm?
2016 Chevrolet SS Sedan - Slipstream Blue / M6 / Sunroof / Spare - 1 of 69 as optioned

Caprice OFFICIAL Master Production List
Navy Lifer
Administration Staff
Posts: 1724
Joined: Tue Mar 19, 2013 6:30 pm
Location: Canton GA

Re: VIN Decode - 7th Digit of VIN Indicates???

Post by Navy Lifer »

my recollection is that it identifies the occupant restraint/collision safety system configuration
119C3NJ
Posts: 74
Joined: Thu Feb 07, 2019 4:53 pm
Location: New Jersey exit 120 GSP

Re: VIN Decode - 7th Digit of VIN Indicates???

Post by 119C3NJ »

T - police vehicle restraint system
2011 9C3 Caprice PPV Phantom Black
1995 MG5 Yukon GT Black
1993 Harley Davidson FLSTC Black
119C3NJ
Posts: 74
Joined: Thu Feb 07, 2019 4:53 pm
Location: New Jersey exit 120 GSP

Re: VIN Decode - 7th Digit of VIN Indicates???

Post by 119C3NJ »

E - active belts airbags
Driver & pass 1st row. Front seat side. Roof side all rows
2011 9C3 Caprice PPV Phantom Black
1995 MG5 Yukon GT Black
1993 Harley Davidson FLSTC Black
User avatar
Ben98gs
Posts: 28
Joined: Wed Jun 05, 2019 7:39 pm

Re: VIN Decode - 7th Digit of VIN Indicates???

Post by Ben98gs »

So it seems both of you confirm it is the collision/airbags option. Thank you!
2016 Chevrolet SS Sedan - Slipstream Blue / M6 / Sunroof / Spare - 1 of 69 as optioned

Caprice OFFICIAL Master Production List
s/c'd cav
Posts: 1382
Joined: Mon May 30, 2016 3:12 am
Location: PHOENIX AZ

Re: VIN Decode - 7th Digit of VIN Indicates???

Post by s/c'd cav »

GM lists its as the RESTRAINT SYSTEM
Post Reply