Vehicle Identification Number

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 number is also found on the Vehicle Certification (VC) label.

Vehicle Identification Number







The first three Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) positions are the world manufacturer code.
- 1FM - Ford Motor Company, USA, multi-purpose vehicle
- 2FM - Ford Motor Company, Canada
- 3FM - Ford Motor Company, Mexico, multi-purpose vehicle
- 4M2 - Mercury, USA, multi-purpose vehicle







The fourth VIN position is the vehicle brake type and GVW code (all vehicles use hydraulic brakes).
- 1 - 4,700 pounds GVWR, Explorer 4x2, 2-door
- 2 - 4,800 pounds GVWR, Explorer 4x2, 2-door
- N - 5,100 pounds GVWR, Explorer 4x2, 4-door
- 3 - 5,200 pounds GVWR, Explorer 4x2, 4-door
- K - 5,280 pounds GVWR, Explorer 4x2, 4-door (unique to 5.0L engine)
- B - 5,380 pounds GVWR, Explorer 4x2, 4-door (unique to 5.0L engine)
- C - 4,880 pounds GVWR, Explorer/Mountaineer 4x4, 2-door
- D - 5,020 pounds GVWR, Explorer/Mountaineer 4x4, 2-door
- U - 5,340 pounds GVWR, Explorer/Mountaineer 4x4, 4-door
- V - 5,440 pounds GVWR, Explorer/Mountaineer 4x4, 4-door
- Y - 5,540 pounds GVWR, Explorer/Mountaineer 4x4, 4-door (unique to 5.0L engine)
- Z - 5,640 pounds GVWR, Explorer/Mountaineer 4x4, 4-door (unique to 5.0L engine)
- E - 5,540 pounds GVWR, Explorer/Mountaineer 4x4, 4-door, Brazil (unique to 5.0L engine)

In addition to the above listed gross vehicle weight codes, if equipped with side impact air bags, the following codes apply:
- Y - 4,001-5,000 pounds GVWR, Explorer/Mountaineer
- Z - 5001-6000 pounds GVWR, Explorer/Mountaineer







Positions 5 through 7 indicate vehicle line, series and body type
- U22 - Explorer (2-door), 4x2
- U32 - Explorer (4-door), 4x2
- U24 - Explorer (2-door), 4x4
- U34 - Explorer (4-door), 4x4
- U35 - Explorer (4-door), AWD
- U52 - Mountaineer (4-door) 4x2
- U54 - Mountaineer (4-door) 4x4
- U55 - Mountaineer (4-door) AWD







The eighth VIN position is the engine displacement and number of cylinders.
- X - 4.0L EFI-OHV, six cylinder
- E - 4.0L EFI-SOHC, six cylinder
- P - 5.0L EFI, eight cylinder







The ninth VIN position is a check digit.







The tenth VIN position is the model year code.
- X - 1999







The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
- U - Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky) Z - St. Louis (Hazlewood, Missouri)







The last six VIN positions are an alphanumeric code for the vehicle build sequence. This is also the vehicle serial and warranty number.
- A00001-E99999 - Ford Division
- J00001-L99999 - Lincoln Mercury Division