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.
The first 3 vehicle identification number (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
VIN positions 5 through 7 indicate the vehicle line, series and body type.
- U62 - Explorer, 4x2, XLS, MPV
- U63 - Explorer, 4x2, XLT, MPV
- U64 - Explorer, 4x2, Eddie Bauer, MPV
- U65 - Explorer, 4x2, Limited, MPV
- U72 - Explorer, 4x4, XLS, MPV
- U73 - Explorer, 4x4, XLT, MPV
- U74 - Explorer, 4x4, Eddie Bauer, MPV
- U75 - Explorer, 4x4, Limited, MPV
- U36 - Mountaineer, 4x2, base-level model, MPV
- U37 - Mountaineer, 4x2, mid-level model, MPV
- U38 - Mountaineer, 4x2, high-level model, MPV
- U46 - Mountaineer, all-wheel drive (AWD), base-level model, MPV
- U47 - Mountaineer, AWD, mid-level model, MPV
- U48 - Mountaineer, AWD, high-level model, MPV
The eighth VIN position is the engine type (displacement and number of cylinders).
- E - 4.0L, SOHC, V6, EFI
- 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.
- 6 - 2006
The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
- U - Louisville, Kentucky
- Z - St. Louis (Hazelwood), Missouri
VIN positions 12 through 17 are an alphanumeric code for the vehicle build sequence. This is also the vehicle serial and warranty number.
- A00001-E99999 - Ford
- J00001-L99999 - Mercury