The 6th character of a VIN encodes the engine, trim or body detail. It falls in the VDS (4–8) block of the 17-character VIN. Below is exactly what it means, with a real sample VIN highlighting the 6th position.
Here it is 5, part of the descriptor block UR5DL for this Ram 2500.
The 6th character is part of the VDS. It frequently encodes the engine type, trim level or a body detail, though the exact assignment is up to the manufacturer.
Together, positions 4–8 pin down the specific configuration of the vehicle within its make and model line; character 6 is one input to that.
Decode a full VIN → · See all 17 positions →
← 5th character · 7th character →
It encodes the engine, trim or body detail. In the sample 3C6UR5DLXKG733980 the 6th character is 5.
It is a VDS character, often the engine, trim or body detail, assigned by the manufacturer.
For many manufacturers, yes — positions 6-8 commonly carry engine and powertrain codes, but the scheme varies by make.