Engine: Application and ID

ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
The U.S. Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1984 requires identification of certain high theft vehicles to reduce the National Auto Theft Rate. This federal law requires Ford Motor Company to affix the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on specific parts. These body parts are the:
- Front bumper.
- Rear bumper.
- Front fenders.
- Hood.
- Front doors.
- Quarter panels.
- Liftgate.
- Engine.
- Transaxle.

In addition, the service replacement parts must also be identified as service parts.

Production vehicle parts are identified by an adhesive-backed white label on which the VIN is printed. The appropriate service parts are identified by a similar label on which is printed a letter R. an oval Ford logo and the letters D.O.T. (Department of Transportation). The production label is about 56mm (2-1/4 inches) long and 16mm (5/8 inch) wide, white in color with a small blue Ford logo printed on it. The service label is also white and is about 70mm (2-3/4 inches) long and 16mm (5 /8 inch) wide with gray lettering.

In the event of collision damage not requiring part replacement or drivetrain service, the persons making the repairs should take care not to damage or remove the labels, unless such action is reasonably necessary in performing the repair.

The areas selected for the location of the production and service labels are unlikely to be affected during normal servicing and non-collision repairs.

VEHICLE CERTIFICATION LABEL
The Vehicle Certification Label is affixed to the LH door jamb below the door latch striker plate. The upper half of the label contains the name of the manufacturer, month and year of manufacture, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross axle weight rating (GAWR), and the certification statement.

The Vehicle Certification Label also contains the 17 character vehicle identification number (VIN).

EMISSION CALIBRATION NUMBER LABEL
The emission calibration number label is located on the LH door jamb. It identifies the engine calibration number, the engine code number, and revision level.

These numbers are used to determine if parts are unique to specific engines.

Always refer to these labels when replacement parts are required or when checking engine calibrations. Engine parts often differ within a family. Verification of identification codes will ensure that the proper parts are obtained. The codes contain all pertinent information relating to dates, optional equipment, and revisions. The Ford Master Parts Catalog contains a complete listing of the codes and their application.