Vehicle Identification Number
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.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | World manufacturer identifier |
| 2 | Brake type and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) |
| 3 | Vehicle line, series, body type |
| 4 | Engine type |
| 5 | Check digit |
| 6 | Model year |
| 7 | Assembly plant |
| 8 | Production sequence number |
The first 3 VIN positions are the world manufacturer identifier.
- 1FM - Ford Motor Company, USA, multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)
- 4M2 - Ford Motor Company (Mercury), USA, MPV
The fourth VIN position is the vehicle brake type and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) code, all vehicles use hydraulic brakes. This code may also identify the vehicle safety restraint system.
- E - 6,001-7,000 pounds GVWR with driver and front passenger air bags and side impact air canopy - Explorer/Mountaineer/Explorer Sport Trac
- R - 6,001-7,000 pounds GVWR with driver and front passenger air bags - Explorer Sport Trac
VIN positions 5 through 7 indicate the vehicle line, series and body type.
- U23 - Explorer Sport Trac, all wheel drive (AWD), Limited
- U31 - Explorer Sport Trac, rear wheel drive (RWD), XLT
- U33 - Explorer Sport Trac, RWD, Limited
- U37 - Mountaineer, RWD, Luxury
- U38 - Mountaineer, RWD, Premier
- U47 - Mountaineer, AWD, Luxury
- U48 - Mountaineer, AWD, Premier
- U51 - Explorer Sport Trac, four wheel drive (4WD), XLT
- U53 - Explorer Sport Trac, 4WD, Limited
- U63 - Explorer, RWD, XLT
- U64 - Explorer, RWD, Eddie Bauer
- U65 - Explorer, RWD, Limited
- U73 - Explorer, 4WD, XLT
- U74 - Explorer, 4WD, Eddie Bauer
- U75 - Explorer, 4WD, Limited
- U84 - Explorer, AWD, Eddie Bauer
- U85 - Explorer, AWD, Limited
The eighth VIN position is the engine type (displacement and number of cylinders).
- E - 4.0L, SOHC, V6, EFI (Cologne)
- 8 - 4.6L, 3-valve, V8, EFI
The ninth VIN position is a government-assigned, computer-generated check digit.
The tenth VIN position is the model year code.
- 8 - 2008
The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
- U - Louisville, Kentucky
VIN positions 12 through 17 are an alphanumeric code for the vehicle build sequence. This is also the vehicle serial and warranty number. This serial number can also be found on the engine block, transmission and frame.
- A00001-E99999 - Ford
- J00001-L99999 - Mercury