Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.
Manuals through 2025 now available!

Our trusted friends have launched a new website named LEMON, which has newer manuals. It also contains all the CHARM manuals.

LEMON is the spiritual successor to CHARM, I recommend you try it!

Link: lemon-manuals.la or lemon-manuals.org.ua

(Some people have issue connecting. LEMON is investigating. For now, use Firefox or change your DNS server)

Or, hide this message: temporarily or permanently

VIN Derivative



VIN Derivative

All engines and transmissions are stamped or laser etched with a partial Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which was derived from the complete VIN. A VIN derivative contains the following nine positions:





A VIN derivative can be used to determine if a vehicle contains the original engine or transmission, by matching the VIN derivative positions to their accompanying positions in the complete VIN: