Vehicle Identification Number

IDENTIFICATION CODES

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Tag Locator:

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-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 3 vehicle identification number (VIN) positions are the world manufacturer identifier.
- 1FM - Ford Motor Company, USA, multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)
- 4M2 - Ford Motor Company (Mercury), USA, multi-purpose vehicle (MPV)

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.
- D - 5,001-6,000 pounds GVWR with driver and front passenger air bags and side impact air canopy
- Z - 5,001-6,000 pounds GVWR with driver and front passenger air bags

Line, Series and Body Type:

VIN positions 5 through 7 indicate the vehicle line, series and body type.
- U62 - Explorer, 4x2, XLS, multi-purpose vehicle
- U63 - Explorer, 4x2, XLT, multi-purpose vehicle
- U64 - Explorer, 4x2, Eddie Bauer, multi-purpose vehicle
- U65 - Explorer, 4x2, Limited, multi-purpose vehicle
- U66 - Mountaineer, 4x2, multi-purpose vehicle
- U72 - Explorer, 4x4, XLS, multi-purpose vehicle
- U73 - Explorer, 4x4, XLT, multi-purpose vehicle
- U74 - Explorer, 4x4, Eddie Bauer, multi-purpose vehicle
- U75 - Explorer, 4x4, Limited, multi-purpose vehicle
- U86 - Mountaineer, all-wheel drive (AWD), multi-purpose vehicle

Engine Type:

The eighth VIN position is the engine type (displacement and number of cylinders).
- E - 4.0L, SOHC, V6, EFI
- K - 4.0L, SOHC, V6, EFI, flex-fuel
- W - 4.6L, SOHC, V8, EFI

Check Digit:

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

Model Year:

The tenth VIN position is the model year code.
- 5 - 2005

Assembly Plant:

The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
- U - Louisville, Kentucky
- 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 - Ford
- J00001-L99999 - Mercury