For the reading the VIN number on your second generation (VN-VS), keep the following example in mind to make it easier for you:
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on your car will be made up of 17 digits. Your unique VIN will be located in the bottom corner of the front windscreen on the passengers side, visible from the outside.
An example of a VIN code you may see could look like this: 6H8VNX19UML20985
It can be broken down into 8 parts as follows:
6H8 VN X 19 U M L 20985
Where:
The first part is comprised of 3 digits and makes up the World Manufacturers Identification, in this case 6H8= General Motors Holden
The second part is made up of 2 digits, and as you can probably guess, tells us the model, VN = VN
The third part is comprised of 1 digit and tells us the model. In this case, X = Calais
The Fourth part is comprised of 2 digits and tells us the body style of the car. 19 = 4 door sedan
The fifth part tells us the engine and is made up of 1 digit. U = 5.0L fuel injected V8
The sixth part tells us what year the car was produced, in this case M = 1991. Just a note on this part. The production year for General Motors seems to tick over around August/ September every year (give or take a couple weeks.) So in this case ‘M’ stands for 1991 model year but could have been produced anytime from about August/ September 1990, till about July 1991.
The seventh part tells us where this particular car was made, here L = Elizabeth, South Australia.
The eighth part is a unique ID number that wont be shared with any other car of the same make, build, engine etc etc.
So what we have identified is a 1991 V8 VN Calais Sedan that was built in S.A. If you have a second generation Commodore the VIN should follow the same pattern. So grab your own VIN, write it down and match it up with our references.
PART 1 (Digits 1-3)
6H8: General Motors Holden
PART 2 (Digits 4 and 5)
Model:
VN: VN
VQ: VQ
VG: VG
VP: VP
VR: VR
VS: VS
PART 3 (Digit 6)
Variant:
K: Executive
L: Berlina
X: Calais
S: SS
Y: Statesman
Z: Caprice
PART 4 (Digits 7 and 8)
Body Type:
19: Sedan
35: Wagon
80: Ute
PART 5 (Digit 9)
Engine:
H: 3.8L V6
S: 3.8L Supercharged V6
U:5.0L V8
L: 5.7L V8
X:2.6 inline 6
PART 6 (Digit 10)
Model Year:
J:1988
K:1989
L=1990
M=1991
N=1992
P=1993
R=1994
S=1995
T= 1996
U=1997
PART 7 (Digit 11)
L= Adelaide – Elizabeth Plant
PART 8 (Digits 12-17) Your unique build number, it should be sequential.