Vehicle Identification Number

Fig 1: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Tag Locator

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit combination of letters and numbers. The VIN is stamped on a metal tab riveted on the instrument panel, top upper left of the dash. The VIN is also found on the vehicle certification (VC) label.

If the VIN plate requires replacement, authorized dealers must contact their respective regional office.

Fig 2: How To Read The Vehicle Identification Number

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Item	Description
1	World manufacturer identifier (WMI)
2	Restraint system type
3	Vehicle line, series, body type
4	Engine type
5	Check digit
6	Model year
7	Assembly plant
8	Production sequence number

Fig 3: World Manufacturer Identifier

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The first 3 VIN positions are the world manufacturer identifier.

3FA - Ford, Mexico, passenger car
3ME - Mercury, Mexico, passenger car
3LN - Lincoln, Mexico, passenger car

Fig 4: Restraint System Type

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The fourth VIN position identifies the vehicle restraint system used.

F - Active safety belts, all positions with driver and front passenger air bags
H - Active safety belts, all positions, driver and front passenger air bags and driver and front passenger side impact air bags

Fig 5: Line, Series and Body Type

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

VIN positions 5 through 7 indicate the vehicle line, series and body type.

M01 - Mercury, all wheel drive (AWD)
M02 - Mercury, Premier, AWD
M07 - Mercury, Luxury, front wheel drive (FWD)
M08 - Mercury, Premier, FWD
M26 - Lincoln, Premier, FWD
M28 - Lincoln, AWD
P01 - Ford, SE, AWD
P02 - Ford, SEL, AWD
P06 - Ford, S, FWD
P07 - Ford, SE, FWD
P08 - Ford, SEL, FWD

Fig 6: Engine Type

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The eighth VIN position is the engine type (displacement and number of cylinders).

1 - 3.0L, DOHC, EFI, V-6 - Ford, Mercury
T - 3.5L, DOHC, EFI, 4-valve, V-6 - Lincoln
Z - 2.3L, 4-valve, DOHC, EFI, 4-cylinder - Ford, Mercury

Fig 7: Check Digit

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The ninth VIN position is a government assigned, computer-generated check digit.

Fig 8: Model Year

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The tenth VIN position is the model year code.

8 - 2008

Fig 9: Assembly Plant

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.

R - Hermosillo Assembly (Hermosillo, Mexico)

Fig 10: Build Sequence

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

VIN positions 12 through 17 are an alphanumeric code for the vehicle build sequence. This is also the vehicle serial and warranty number. These 6 characters are also found on the engine block and transmission.

100001-599999 - Ford
600001-999999 - Mercury, Lincoln