Vehicle Identification Number

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a seventeen digit combination of letters and numbers. The VIN is stamped on a metal plate riveted to the instrument panel where it can be read through the windshield on the driver side. The VIN is repeated on the Vehicle Certification (VC) label.






The first three Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) position codes indicate:
- ILN-Ford Motor Company, USA






The fourth VIN position is for the restraint system type.
- B-Active Belts (All Positions).
- A-Active Driver/Passive Passenger Belts and Driver Air Bag.
- R-Passive Driver/Passenger Belts and Driver Air Bag.
- P-Passive Belts (Front) Active Belts (Rear).
- C-Active Belts (All Positions) and Driver Air Bag.
- L-Active Belts-All Positions/Passenger and Driver Air Bags.
- S-Passive Driver/Passenger Belts and Driver/Passenger Air Bags.






The fifth VIN position is the code for the manufacturer specification.
The manufacturer specification is:
- M-Lincoln, Mercury North American Vehicles.






The sixth and seventh VIN positions are the codes for line, series and body types:
- 91-Base 2-Door Coupe.
- 92-LSC2-Door Coupe






The eighth VIN position is for the engine displacement and number of cylinders. The codes are:
- V-4.6L (4V) (281 cu.in.) DOHC V8 gasoline, Ford.






The ninth VIN position is a check digit. The check digit for the 1997 model year is V.






The tenth VIN position is the code for the model year. The codes are:
- V-1997.
- W-1998.






The eleventh VIN position is the code for the assembly plant. The code is:
- Y-Wixom (Wixom, Michigan.)






The last six VIN positions are an alphanumeric code for the build sequence. This is also the serial and warranty number.