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.
- body side door.
- 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 56 mm (2 1/4 inches) long and 16 mm (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 70 mm (2 3/4 inches) long and 16 mm (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.