A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is an essential aspect of any vehicle, and the same is applicable to a Polaris Ranger. This unique 17-character number helps to identify your vehicle and provides important details regarding it. This blog is created to help all Polaris Ranger owners or potential buyers to locate the vehicle identification number, as it can be a tricky task if you do not know where to look.
Importance of VIN on a Polaris Ranger
Before going in-depth on where to find the VIN on a Polaris Ranger, let me highlight to you why it’s essential. The VIN is instrumental in tracking the history of the vehicle, determining the specifics of the vehicle like its manufacturing location and model, deciphering warranty claims and, in some serious cases, theft identification. Whether you are a current owner looking to file for an insurance claim, a prospective purchaser looking to ascertain a vehicle’s history, or a dealership initiating a recall, getting hold of the VIN information is imperative.
What Comprises the VIN?
The syllables in the 17-character VIN represent different components of the vehicle’s manufacture. In general, the digits signify the vehicle’s world manufacturer identifier, vehicle descriptor section, and vehicle identifier section. Together they compile the vehicle’s make, style, year, location of manufacture, and manufacturing sequence.
Locating VIN on a Polaris Ranger
For Polaris Ranger models, the VIN generally resides in one of two locations.
On the Frame
The majority of Polaris Rangers have their VIN stamped on the frame. More often than not, you can find the frame VIN on the rear upper side of the left-side frame rail. This is reachable by looking underneath the vehicle from the left side rear wheel well. To ensure you are focusing on the right area, direct your attention towards the area below the bed or the storage compartment.
On the Rail of the Seat base
In some models of Polaris Ranger, the VIN can be found on the left-front lower seat rail near the side rail hinge. You can locate it by simply lifting the seat base and looking at the underpart of the rail.
Pre-1999 Polaris Ranger Models
In some instances, for Polaris Ranger models manufactured prior to 1999, the VIN can be found on a decal, under the side of the driver seat. This will require lifting the seat to view underneath and may also require a flashlight for full visibility.
Deciphering the Polaris Ranger VIN
Once you locate the VIN, the next step is decoding the VIN. This can be achieved with an online VIN decoder. By inputting your VIN into the online decoder, you will be given specific details of your vehicle, such as the year of manufacture, the make, the model, and the manufacturing location.
Keep in mind that a proper VIN should contain only numbers and letters, excluding I, O, and Q to avoid confusion with 1 and 0. Also, the 10th digit in the VIN signifies the year of production. For instance, if the 10th character is a letter “A”, it indicates 1980 or 2010.
Tips and Warnings
- Give the VIN spot a good clean with a damp cloth or paper towel before trying to jot down the number. It is general for the surface to gather dirt or debris, making the figures hard to read.
- Make sure to use a flashlight when peering under the vehicle or the seat. VIN impressions are not always crystal clear and can be faint.
- Double-check the decoded information with your vehicle, particularly the manufacturing year and model to ensure you have taken down the correct VIN.
The detailed guideline provided in this blog simplifies the process of identifying the VIN on a Polaris Ranger for both owners and prospective buyers. Knowing how to locate your VIN gives you access to valuable information about your Polaris Ranger and fosters an elevated understanding of your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Polaris RANGER have a VIN number?
Yes, a Polaris RANGER does have a VIN number. A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to each vehicle. It serves as a way to identify and track the vehicle’s history, including its manufacturing details and ownership records.
How do I find out what year my Polaris RANGER is?
You can determine the year of your Polaris RANGER by looking at the 10th digit of its VIN number. Each year is associated with a specific character or letter in the VIN, starting from A for 1980, followed by B for 1981, and so on. You can refer to the Polaris website or contact a Polaris dealer to decode the specific letter for the year of your RANGER.
How many digits is a Polaris VIN?
A Polaris VIN consists of 17 alphanumeric characters. These characters include both numbers and letters, which provide information about the vehicle’s manufacturer, model, year of production, and other important details. It is important to correctly identify and record the VIN when dealing with registration, insurance, or any other vehicle-related activities.
Where is the VIN number on a Can Am side by side?
The location of the VIN number on a Can Am side by side may vary depending on the specific model. However, the most common places to find the VIN on a Can Am side by side are:
– On the frame, either on the left side underneath the driver’s seat or on the right side near the motor
– On the front radiator support
– On the steering column
– On the driver’s side lower frame rail
It is recommended to consult the owner’s manual or contact Can Am customer support if you are having trouble locating the VIN on your specific side by side model.