ninevoltz

I've read in certain places that the VIN number does not specify the options for your Z. This appears to be completely false. I have a copy of the Nissan FAST software, and when plugging in different VIN numbers, I can see the paint color, transmission type, body style (coupe/convertible), and engine (DE/HR). I'm assuming the FAST program has a database of the serial numbers to decode the options. Anyone know more about that? Now, on to my question. Supposedly the Touring model has heated leather seats, VLSD, cruise, Bose. My car has the heated leather seats, (had) Bose, and has cruise control. BUT, testing of my differential appears to indicate it is NOT VLSD. And the weird thing, FAST says my model is BASE. How is that possible? Another touring model VIN I pulled from eBay also says BASE in FAST. But then I entered another Touring model VIN from eBay, this one says TOURING in FAST. What is this nonsense?

EDIT: After looking in the 2003 service manual, it says the A/T models only came with the R200V VLSD. I'm completely confused.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

If your car has no buttons on the steering wheel, a manual dimming mirror, plastic pedals, cloth seats, 6MT, no Bose, and an open diff, it's a base. The most obvious clue is the steering wheel, though. My '08 is a base, but all that other stuff has been upgraded. You've got cruise, so it's definitely not a base.

AdvanZ33

iTrader: (105)

"paint color, transmission type, body style (coupe/convertible), and engine (DE/HR)" aren't options. The only model you can assume from that information is Track because it was only offered as a coupe 6MT.

To my knowledge, the VIN does not specify the model.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

A track version would have Brembo's, and the Rays wheels.

AdvanZ33

iTrader: (105)

I was referring to quoted information only from the FAST.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

I know. Just trying to help the OP figure out what he has. The VIN isn't worth crap for any of that info.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

All 5AT models had the VLSD, as only the base had the open diff, and all base cars had the 6MT.

ninevoltz

Thanks for all the replies. I jacked my rear end up after work today and put the trans in neutral. Turning the left wheel resulted in the right wheel turning the opposite direction. Back when I did some burnouts (not anymore, them tires is EXPENSIVE) I was only leaving one skid mark on the pavement. Is there something that could be wrong with the diff making it not lock up anymore? I've got 105,000 on the clock right now.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

Your VLSD may be worn out - it happens with mileage and/or hard use.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

At 105K, your VLSD is long since gone.

ninevoltz

Another tidbit I learned from the owner's manual is that the VDC system uses braking with the VLSD. I only have the TCS in my car. When I get a slip light, I feel the throttle cut off. It's not as smooth as my wife's BMW's DTS. You can hear my car sputtering.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

That's why I bought a Base.

SQuaLZ

Did you buy the car used? I am assuming you did or why would you be asking these questions 9 years after purchase.

Maybe the previous owner sold the VLSD and put in an open diff.

ninevoltz

Yes. I'm the third owner. Here are some clips showing why I'm confused.

My VIN plugged into Nissan FAST:


A random Touring model found on eBay:


And my engine bay VIN tag:


Notice that my GRADE shows base, but I have heated leather seats, auto-dimming mirror, cruise, and Blow-se stereo. The other car found on eBay shows as touring. Also of interest is how the FAST software knows my model code from the VIN number, as you can see on the fender tag. Bringing up the rear axle in the parts breakdown for my VIN does indicate that I indeed should have an R200V VLSD.



More good info:

dcains

iTrader: (15)

Honestly, I don't even know what you're asking, at this point. Are you saying the VIN does or doesn't indicate trim level? I still say it doesn't. If you really want to know if your car does or doesn't have the VLSD, pull off the diff cover and have a look inside. Probably not worth the effort, but at least you'll know. If you can see the top of the pumpkin (maybe with a mirror), the open diff has "GC" in paint, while the VLSD has "GD".

ninevoltz

I think I may have figured it out, it appears that all automatic Z's will appear as BASE grade in the FAST software. I threw in all of the pictures so that other people can decode their VIN/model. It looks like there is no such thing as model code GLJALTNZ33EUA.

The VIN does NOT indicate trim level, however the FAST software has a database of serial numbers linked to the model code for your specific car.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

Maybe I'll download it and play with it later. I'm a Mac user, but one of my machines has a Win7 partition I can install it on.

ninevoltz

That's my favorite thing about Nissan, availability of technical information and repair parts. My wife's BMW scares me, as it's out of warranty now. They are the worst enemy of a backyard mechanic. If we get screwed with a big repair bill for something I should have been able to do myself, I'm never letting her buy another BMW. She'll be in a Maxima next.