2005-2010 Jeep WK Grand Cherokee VIN Decoding and Build Sheets (2024)

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Sample 2005 Grand Cherokee VIN number

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate is attached to the top left side of the instrument panel. The VIN contains 17 characters that provide data concerning the vehicle. Refer to the decoding chart below to determine the identification of a vehicle.

To protect the consumer from theft and possible fraud the manufacturer is required to include a Check Digit at the ninth position of the Vehicle Identification Number. The check digit is used by the manufacturer and government agencies to verify the authenticity of the vehicle and official documentation. The formula to use the check digit is not released to the general public.

Vehicle build stages

After the design is complete, there are three builds in the process called S0, S1 and S2. As the first attempt, the SO is used to identify potential issues. This is where the Error Mistake Proofing (EMP) process kicks in.

The S0 is the first build attempt and is supposed to be completely production representative. This initial build is not at the plant; it is at a pilot facility with a lot of the same equipment that will be used at the plant. Employees from the plant, known as a pilot team, are brought in to look at the process and determine if there is a more effective way to build the vehicle or design the parts.

The S1 is the second level of production. Everything is supposed to be as close to production as possible and it has modifications that were discovered and changed during S0. S2 is the final build stage and is done right before launch.

For the 1999 Grand Cherokee there were 32 employees assigned to the Pilot team. The team works on the prototype builds of the vehicle, evaluates the assembly process and suggests how the parts could be improved. They also stay with the vehicle all the way from the first “SO” build through the launch. Some members of the team will continue to work on training and making improvements throughout the rest of the model year.

Once the vehicle is set for launch there is a ramp-up process that occurs. All of the components are brought to the line in time to build the vehicles as they start to come down the assembly line. Production starts out slowly and is accelerated in the days or weeks following.

Body Code Plate

A metal Body Code plate is located in the engine compartment and attached to the top of the right frame rail. The information listed on the plate is used for manufacturing and service purposes. Information on the plate includes whether the vehicle is Domestic or export, the Primary and Secondary paint codes, frame sequence number and internal manufacturing codes.

Grand Cherokee paint codes can be found on our Exterior and Interior colors page

Vehicle Certification Label

A vehicle safety certification label is attached to every DaimlerChrysler Corporation vehicle. The label certifies that the vehicle conforms to all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The label is located on the driver-side door shutface.

On the example above, “Date of MFR” is listed as “1-96” which is “January 1996”. At the bottom left of the plate the Month, Day and Hour of manufacturer is listed as “MDH 010615”, this means that the vehicle was built January (“01”), 6th (“06”) at 3:00PM (“15”).

The label also lists:

Month and year of vehicle manufacture.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The gross front and rear axle weight ratings (GAWR’s) are based on a minimum rim size and maximum cold tire inflation pressure.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Type of vehicle
Type of rear wheels
Bar code
Month, Day and Hour (MDH) of final assembly
Paint and Trim codes
Country of origin

Vehicle build sheets

Vehicle build sheets are forms that list all of the colors, features and options of a particular vehicle along with the corresponding sales codes. The top of the form lists the Vehicle Identification Number, model year, model family, build date and trim color. Every single feature and option is noted, if a particular item is not listed then it did not come equipped that way from the factory. Dealer add-on accessories are not included on build sheets.

Build sheets can be obtained from your local dealer by presenting your VIN number and requesting a printout. Build sheets can be very handy when trying to determine color or option codes for ordering replacement parts and accessories. In addition, when shopping for a used vehicle, build sheets can provide a complete list of the vehicle options. They may also show if a vehicle was originally sold to a rental company.

Vehicle Order Number (VON) and vehicle tracking

Once a special order is placed for a vehicle, a document is generated that details the vehicle and exact options that you want. A VON (Vehicle Order Number) is assigned that will allow tracking of your vehicle until it gets assigned a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

To obtain the current order status of your vehicle:

1. Call 1-800-992-1997

2. The input sequence is 6, 2, 1, 2, and then your phone number, then 1. This brings you to an operator who can give you details on the status of your order. A complete list of Order Status Codes is shown in the table below.