Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The first 3 VIN positions are the world manufacturer identifier (WMI).
- 1FB - Ford Motor Company, USA, bus
- 1FC - Ford Motor Company, USA, basic (stripped) chassis
- 1FD - Ford Motor Company, USA, incomplete vehicle
- 1FM - Ford Motor Company, USA, multi-purpose passenger vehicle
- 1FT - Ford Motor Company, USA, truck, completed vehicle
The fourth VIN position is the vehicle brake type and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) code. All vehicles use hydraulic brakes.
- N - 8,501-9,000 lb GVWR with driver and front passenger air bags
- S - 9,001-10,000 lb GVWR with driver and front passenger air bags
- W - 10,001-14,000 lb GVWR with driver and front passenger air bags
- X - 14,001-16,000 lb GVWR with driver and front passenger air bags
- A - 16,001-19,500 lb GVWR with driver and front passenger air bags
- H - 8,501-9,000 lb GVWR with active safety belts (all positions)
- J - 9,001-10,000 lb GVWR with active safety belts (all positions)
- K - 10,001-14,000 lb GVWR with active safety belts (all positions)
- L - 14,001-16,000 lb GVWR with active safety belts (all positions)
Positions 5 through 7 indicate vehicle line, series and body type.
- E11 - E-150 wagon
- E14 - E-150 van
- E24 - E-250 van
- E25 - E-250 cutaway
- E31 - E-350 wagon
- E34 - E-350 van
- E35 - E-350 cutaway
- E37 - E-350 cutaway
- E39 - E-350 stripped chassis
- E45 - E-450 cutaway
- E49 - E-450 stripped chassis
- S24 - E-250 van (extended body)
- S31 - E-350 wagon (extended body)
- S34 - E-350 van (extended body)
The eighth VIN position is the engine displacement and number of cylinders.
- L - 5.4L, SOHC, EFI, V8, Gas
- P - 6.0L, OHV, V8, Diesel
- S - 6.8L, SOHC, EFI, V10, Gas
- W - 4.6L, SOHC, EFI, V8, Gas
The ninth VIN position is a government-assigned, computer-generated check digit.
The tenth VIN position is the model year code.
- 8 - 2008
The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
- D - Ohio Assembly
The last 6 VIN positions are an alphanumeric code for the vehicle build sequence. This is also the vehicle serial and warranty number. The serial number can also be found on the engine block, transmission and frame.
- A00001-F99999 - Ford Division
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.