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 to the instrument panel, top upper left of the dash. The VIN is also found on the Vehicle Certification (VC) label.

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI):

Vehicle Identification Number
The first three vehicle identification number (VIN) positions are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) code.
^ 2FA - Ford, Canada, passenger car
^ 2ME - Mercury, Canada, passenger car

Restraint Type Code:

The fourth VIN position is the vehicle restraint system type code.
^ L - Active safety belts - all positions, first generation driver and front passenger air bags
^ F - Active safety belts - all positions, second generation driver and front passenger air bags

Vehicle Line And Series Code:

Positions 5 through 7 indicate vehicle line, series and body type.
^ P71 - Crown Victoria (Base four-door)
^ P72 - Crown Victoria (Base four-door)
^ P73 - Crown Victoria (Base four-door)
^ P74 Crown Victoria (LX four-door)
^ M74 - Grand Marquis (GS four-door)
^ M75 - Grand Marquis (LS four-door)

Engine Code:

The eighth VIN position is the engine displacement and number of cylinders code.
^ W - 4.6L EFI (SOHC), eight cylinder (Romeo), gasoline
^ 9 - 4.6L EFI, eight cylinder, natural gas vehicle (NGV)

Check Digit Code:

The ninth VIN position is the check digit code (0-9).

Model Year Code:

The tenth VIN position is the model year code.
^ 1-2001

Assembly Plant Code:

The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
^ X - St. Thomas, Talbotville, Ontario (Canada)
^ S - Pilot Plant, Allen Park, Michigan (USA)

Production Sequence Code:

The last six VIN positions are the production sequence number. These six digits also are used as the vehicle serial and warranty number.
^ Ford - starts at 100000
^ Lincoln/Mercury - starts at 600000