Body - Theft Prevention Parts Identification Number

88ford16

SHEET METAL - THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD - PARTS IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

ENGINE - THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD - PARTS IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

TRANSMISSION - THEFT PREVENTION STANDARD - PARTS IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

Article No. 88-15-4

FORD: 1989 PROBE, MUSTANG, THUNDERBIRD

LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1989 COUGAR, MARK VII, CONTINENTAL, LINCOLN TOWN CAR

MERKUR: 1989 XR4Ti, SCORPIO

ISSUE: 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 bumpers, fenders, hood, front and rear doors, quarter panels and luggage compartment door. The other affected components are engines and transmissions. In addition, the service replacement parts must also be identified as "service" parts.

The production car parts are identified by an adhesive-backed white label on which the vehicle "VIN" number 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 2-3/16" long and 5/8" wide, white in color with a small blue Ford logo printed on it. The "service" label is also white and is about 2-3/4" long and 5/8" wide with gray lettering.

NOTE: THIS NEW FEDERAL LAW MAKES OBSCURING, TAMPERING, OR REMOVING OF EITHER LABEL PUNISHABLE BY A FINE, OR IMPRISONMENT, OR BOTH. THE LABELS MUST THEREFORE BE GIVEN SPECIAL CARE TO PROTECT THEM WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PREPARED FOR INITIAL DELIVERY TO THE CUSTOMER (e.g., RUSTPROOFED OR UNDERCOATED), WHEN SERVICED, OR WHEN REPAIRED.

The labels, both "production" and "service", are purposely made very fragile. Any attempt to remove, alter, obliterate or tamper with the label will be very evident. Consequently, if repairs are made in the vicinity of a label, the label must be protected. Any sort of adhesive covering material, (masking tape, etc.) placed directly on the label will cause damage, therefore, it is suggested that a double thickness of heavy paper (grocery bag, etc.) be cut to cover the label. This protective cover can then be held in place with masking tape. An alternate protective covering is reusable magnetic tape available from 3M distributors (part number 80-000-0329-S). If paint is involved, the area around the label that was covered by the masking tape or magnetic tape can then be "touched up" with a brush when the label protection is removed.

The replacement part (service) label comes with a protective mask. As the new service part requires painting, undercoating or rustproofing, the label cover should be left on until all repairs are completed.

NOTE: FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES THAT ALL LABEL "MASKS" OR COVERS MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE THE VEHICLE IS RETURNED TO THE OWNER.

FIGURE 6:

FIGURE 7:

FIGURE 8:

FIGURE 9:

FIGURE 10:

FIGURE 11:

FIGURE 12:

ACTION: 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.

NOTE: THE LOCATIONS ARE NOT THE SAME. FIGURES 6 THROUGH 12 SHOW THE LOCATIONS OF THE "SERVICE" LABELS.

The following information indicates federal penalties for violations of the theft prevention standard.
Federal Civil Penalty

Violators of these requirements may be subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation by NHTSA.

Federal Criminal Law

Federal criminal law provides that whoever knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with or alters an identification number for a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five (5) years, or both. This provision does not apply to the removal, obliteration, tampering or alteration by a person who repairs such a vehicle or part, if the removal, obliteration, tampering or alteration is reasonably necessary for the repair, unless that person knows that the vehicle or part involved is stolen (United States Code, Title 18, Section 511).
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 86-18-2, 87-6-2 Supersedes 88-7-2
WARRANTY STATUS: "INFORMATION ONLY"