Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Vehicle Identification Number






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Part 2:






IDENTIFICATION CODES
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a seventeen-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.

Vehicle Identification Number


World Manufacturer Identifier:






The first three vehicle identification number (VIN) positions are the world manufacturer identifier.
- 5LM - Ford Motor Company - Lincoln, truck, completed vehicle


Brake Type And Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):






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 second generation air bags and driver and front passenger side air bags


Line, Series And Body Type:






VIN positions five through seven indicate the vehicle line, series and body type.
- U68 - Aviator, 4x2, multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)
- U78 - Aviator, 4x4, multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)
- U88 - Aviator, all-wheel drive (AWD), multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)


Engine Type:






The eighth VIN position is the engine type (displacement and number of cylinders).
- H - 4.6L, eight cylinder


Check Digit:






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


Model Year:






The tenth VIN position is the model year code.
- 3 - 2003


Assembly Plant:






The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
- Z - St. Louis (Hazelwood) Missouri


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.
- A00001 - E99999