How do I find my RPO code by VIN?

Even if none of your vehicle parts are bad, you may want to replace or redesign certain parts to give your vehicle a new look and feel. This may include repainting your car, changing the seats, etc. Whatever your reason is, you need your RPO code. RPO, known as regular production options, are codes that depict certain parts that match your vehicle.

Having and knowing how to interpret these codes guides you in buying only spare parts that match the ones in your vehicle. These codes are usually written on the sticker in the glove compartment, trunk floor, or driver’s door panel, depending on your model. However, if you lost the sticker, can’t locate these codes, or are not close to your car, you can get your RPO codes using your VIN. So, how do I find my RPO code by VIN? Let me walk you through tips and tricks I try while finding the PRO code and other expert opinions.

gm rpo code list
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Finding my RPO code by VIN

Let me start by defining what VIN is. VIN, known as a vehicle identification number, is a 17-digit character manufacturer assigns to every car upon production. And it contains information about your car. This includes manufacturer, production year, model, production plant, engine types, vehicle history, etc. You can find your VIN in several locations depending on your car.

They can be on the driver’s side dashboard, engine block, car window, beneath the spare tires, etc. Cars like GM also have them on their vehicle title, insurance card, or vehicle registration. So whatever car information you need, your VIN can provide, including your RPO codes. So here is how to find RPO code with VIN number.

Contact your dealer

You can visit or call your dealer requesting your RPO codes. But if you’re calling, ensure you have your VIN by your side so you can call it for them when needed. They should be able to help you with this code. Importantly, you may need to specify which RPO code you need, especially if you’re calling.

Every part in your vehicle has a designated RPO code. Each RPO code is basically a three-digit alphanumeric number representing specific parts of your vehicle. And there are over 77 of these codes. So stating which code you need will make the process much easier.

For example, when I need to change my shocks, I specify that I need the shock’s RPO code. Thus, I ensure I get only the correct shocks. This even removes the burden of decoding these codes, especially if you don’t know how to read RPO codes.

So for those wondering, can you look up RPO codes by VIN? Yes, and one way to look up service parts identification by VIN is by reaching out to your dealer.

Enter your VIN into online lookup tools

The advent of technology has made many things easier, including looking up your RPO codes online. These codes have been uploaded online for specific cars. All you need is to locate one of these look-up tools online and input your VIN. An excellent example is the gm VIN decoder that helps display and interpret vehicle information.

When you find this look-up tool, all you need to do is enter your VIN. It should display important vehicle information, including your RPO codes. But you need to know how to read RPO codes to understand which code is for a specific part. But then, the RPO codes are not easily understood.

However, the good news is you don’t have to worry if you don’t know how to read these codes. There are many online tools that can help you decode RPO codes.

An excellent example is the GM RPO code decoder app.

All you need to do is enter a specific RPO code, and the decoder will tell which part that code represents. The code also helps specify the exact part that will fit your car. Invariably helping you find the best fit for your vehicle. Thankfully, these look-up tools can also help in other aspects.

For example, Just like finding RPO codes, you could also find catalytic converter scrap value, license plate, VIN, driver’s license number, etc. All you need is to find the right look-up tool for your specific needs.

how to read rpo codes

FAQs

Can you find RPO codes by VIN?

If you can’t locate your RPO codes or are not close to your car, an alternative is to get them via your VIN. So for those asking, can I get RPO codes from VIN? Yes, anyone can find their RPO codes using their VIN. Contact your dealer or use some simple online look-up tools to find the RPO code by VIN.

You can visit or call your dealer on the phone requesting your RPO code; just ensure you already have your VIN. You will need to show it to them or call it out if you are making calls. Online lookup tools like the GM VIN decoder makes the process much easier.

The tools help in displaying all necessary vehicle information. All you need is to enter your VIN in the space provided; you should see several vehicle information, including your RPO codes. With these codes, you should be able to buy the exact parts that fit your vehicle.

How do I find my RPO code?

Wondering how to find RPO code? RPO codes are written on a sticker with the inscription “service parts identification” with a warning on the other side, “do not remove.” Depending on your vehicle model, you should find this sticker in your glove compartment, trunk base or the driver’s door wing.

For example, while Bravada has RPO codes in the glove compartment, G5 has them in the trunk base. If, however, this sticker has been removed or you can’t locate the code, you can find the RPO code using your VIN. Many online look-up tools can help you find RPO codes using your VIN. Another option is contacting your dealer with your VIN at hand.

How do I get a GM RPO code?

You can get GM RPO codes like you get them for other vehicles—check your vehicle. On most GMs, the codes are written on a sticker placed inside the glove box. You can also find the sticker on the firewall under the hood or trunk floor.

Alternatively, you can contact any GM dealer to look up your car’s RPO codes. You will, however, need to provide your VIN. This works fine for all GM models; for example, you can look up the Cadillac RPO code by VIN.

Tools like the GM VIN decoder can also help find your GM’s RPO code. All you need is to input your VIN. After inputting your VIN, it should show you vehicle information, including your RPO codes. Even your 2022 GM RPO codes can be gotten via these tools, as the codes are already uploaded online.

Which digit in a GM VIN is the engine code?

Your VIN, as explained earlier, houses many important information about your vehicle. The VIN is a 17-digit number assigned to a vehicle upon production. It comprises a series of numbers and letters, with each number or later denoting certain information in your vehicle.

Every car VIN corresponds to the international organization standardization developed standards set in 1983 and updated in 2010. Meaning all VINs are read the same way worldwide. That said, which digit in a GM VIN is the engine code?

The 8th digit in a GM VIN is the engine code. This denotes your engine type or size. You can use this information when replacing your engine so you get the exact engine type or size your car needs.

Does VIN number tell you all the options?

VIN contains all the important information about your vehicle. So yes, the VIN number will tell you all the options available for your car, like compatible engine and cylinder types. It practically guides you in ordering the exact parts made for your vehicle.

But ensure you know how to read this VIN, as each number is important to know which spare parts match your vehicle. If, however, you can’t read it, you can use one of these online VIN decoders. By inputting your VIN, the decoders will tell you what each number or alphabet represents.

What does the 8th digit of a VIN tell you?

In most vehicles, the 8th digit of the VIN represents the engine code. It typically states which engine type or size best suits your vehicle. It’s worth noting that VIN interpretation differs from older cars to newer cars. 

Cars made after 1980 have 17-digit VIN, which is the standard used today. Whereas those produced before 1980 have fewer digits. So this interpretation may not work for those older cars.

What does the 10th digit of the VIN tell us?

The 10th digit in a 17 VIN number represents the model year. That is, the year your vehicle was produced. Cars with 17 VIN characters are those produced in or after 1980. You can also explore one of those online VIN decoders to understand other VIN numbers.

If, however, your vehicle was made before 1980, you may have different or fewer digits and reading. And therefore, these online VIN decoders may not work for you.

What does the 7th digit in a VIN number mean?

In most vehicles, the 7th digit in a 17-digit VIN represents your restraint type. That is the seatbelts and airbags needed by your vehicle. Note that vehicles with 17-character VIN are those made in or after 1980.

So if your vehicle is much older, your VIN may be shorter and not correspond to this interpretation. If you are concerned about understanding all digits in your VIN, try using any online VIN decoder. I did the same and saw that they helped interpret every digit in your VIN; all you need to do is input it.

Final Words

RPO codes are useful in determining the exact parts that match your vehicle. These codes are usually written on a sticker placed on the glove box, trunk floor, or door panel at the driver’s side. However, in cases where you can’t reach your car or find the codes, you can get them by VIN. I have described here how do I find my RPO codes by VIN, and these are universally followed techniques.  With your VIN handy, reach out to your dealer physically or by calling.

Alternatively, you could explore these online look-up tools like the GM VIN decoder. By inputting your VIN, all necessary vehicle information, including your RPO will be displayed.  All you need to do next is to be able to interpret what these codes stand for as they represent specific vehicle parts. If you can’t read the codes, use any online RPO code decoder.

Osuagwu Solomon

Osuagwu Solomon is a certified mechanic with over a decade of experience in the mechanic garage, and he has over five years of experience in the writing industry. He started writing automotive articles to share his garage experience with car enthusiasts and armature mechanics. If he is not in the garage fixing challenging mechanical problems, he is writing automotive repair guides, buyer’s guides, and car and tools comparisons.

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