Vehicle Identification Number

Fig 1: Identifying Vehicle Identification Number Location

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.

Fig 2: Identifying Vehicle Identification Number With Description

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 3: Identifying World Manufacturer Identifier

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The first 3 vehicle identification number (VIN) positions are the world manufacturer identifier.

• 1FM - Ford Motor Company, USA, multi-purpose vehicle (Ford)
• 4M2 - Ford Motor Company, USA, multi-purpose vehicle (Mercury)

Fig 4: Identifying Brake And Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The fourth VIN position is the vehicle brake type and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) code, all vehicles use hydraulic brakes and driver and front passenger air bags.

• C - 4,000-5,000 pounds GVWR with driver and front passenger side impact air bags
• Y - 4,000-5,000 pounds GVWR without driver and front passenger side impact air bags

Fig 5: Identifying Line, Series And Body Type

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

• U02 - Escape, 2-wheel drive, XLS
• U03 - Escape, 2-wheel drive, XLT
• U04 - Escape, 2-wheel drive, Limited
• U92 - Escape, 4-wheel drive, XLS
• U93 - Escape, 4-wheel drive, XLT
• U94 - Escape, 4-wheel drive, Limited
• U95 - Escape, XLT - 2-wheel drive (Hybrid)
• U96 - Escape, XLT - 4-wheel drive (Hybrid)
• U56 - Mariner, 2-wheel drive
• U57 - Mariner, 4-wheel drive

Fig 6: Identifying Engine Type

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

• Z - 2.3L, 4-valve, in-line 4 cylinder
• 1 - 3.0L Modular, 6-cylinder, EFI, DOHC
• H - ATK-CYC, 2.3L, 4-valve PFI, in-line 4 cylinder, gas/electric (Hybrid)

Fig 7: Identifying Government-Assigned Check Digit

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

Fig 8: Identifying Model Year Code

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The tenth VIN position is the model year code.

• 6 - 2006

Fig 9: Identifying Assembly Plant Code

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.

• D - Ohio Assembly (Avon Lake, Ohio)
• K - Kansas City Assembly (Claycomo, Missouri)

Fig 10: Identifying Alphanumeric Code For Vehicle 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.

• A00001-F99999