Vehicle Identification Number
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Tag Locator
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 (WMI) |
| 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 |
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)
The first 3 VIN positions are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).
- 1FM - Ford Motor Company, USA, Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
- 4M2 - Ford Motor Company (Mercury), USA, MPV
Restraint Type and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The fourth VIN position is the restraint brake type and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) code.
- E - 6,001-7,000 pounds GVWR with driver and front passenger air bags and side impact air canopy
Line, Series and Body Type
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
- U83 - Explorer, AWD, XLT
- U84 - Explorer, AWD, Eddie Bauer
- U85 - Explorer, AWD, Limited
Engine Type
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
Check Digit
The ninth VIN position is a government-assigned, computer-generated check digit.
Model Year
The tenth VIN position is the model year code.
- 9 - 2009
Assembly Plant
The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
- U - Louisville, Kentucky
Build Sequence
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