Vehicle Identification Number

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








The first three Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) positions are the world manufacturer code:
- 1FA - Ford Motor Company, USA, Ford, Passenger Car.
- 1ME - Ford Motor Company, USA, Mercury, Passenger Car.
- 3FA - Ford Motor Company, Mexico, Ford, Passenger Car.
- 3MA - Ford Motor Company, Mexico, Passenger Car.






The fourth VIN position is the vehicle restraint system type code:
- B - ACT Seat Belts FRT-RR.
- L - ACT Seat Belts all positions, DR and PASS Air Bags.






The fifth VIN position is the vehicle manufacturer specification code:
- P - Ford.
- M - Mercury.






The sixth, and seventh VIN positions are the model or line, series, and body type (passenger cars) code:
- 10 - Escort, Base, 4Door Sedan, FA.
- 13 - Escort, LX, 4-Door Sedan, FA.
- 15 - Escort, LX, 4-Door Wagon, FF.
- 10 - Tracer, Base GS, 4-Door Sedan, FA.
- 13 - Tracer, LS, 4-Door Sedan, FA.
- 15 - Tracer, LS, 4-Door Wagon, FF.






The eighth VIN position is the engine displacement and number of cylinders code:
- P - 2.0L (121 cu.in.) SOHC 4 CYL EFI.






The ninth VIN position is the check digit code.






The tenth VIN position is the model year code:
- T - 1996.
- V - 1997.
- W - 1998.
- X - 1999.
- Y - 2000.
- 1 - 2001.
- 2 - 2002.






The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code:
- W - Wayne, Michigan.
- R - Hermosillo, Mexico.






The last six VIN positions are the production sequence number code:
- 100,001 Through 599,999 -- Ford Division.
- 600,001 Through 999,999 -- Mercury Division.