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
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.
If the VIN plate requires replacement, authorized dealers must contact their respective regional office.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | World manufacturer identifier (WMI) |
| 2 | Restraint system type |
| 3 | Vehicle line, series, body type |
| 4 | Engine type |
| 5 | Check digit |
| 6 | Model year |
| 7 | Assembly plant |
| 8 | Production sequence number |
The first 3 VIN positions are the world manufacturer identifier.
- 3FA - Ford, Mexico, passenger car
- 3ME - Mercury, Mexico, passenger car
- 3LN - Lincoln, Mexico, passenger car
The fourth VIN position identifies the vehicle restraint system used.
- F - Active safety belts, all positions with driver and front passenger air bags
- H - Active safety belts, all positions, driver and front passenger air bags and driver and front passenger side impact air bags
VIN positions 5 through 7 indicate the vehicle line, series and body type.
- M01 - Mercury, all wheel drive (AWD)
- M02 - Mercury, Premier, AWD
- M07 - Mercury, Luxury, front wheel drive (FWD)
- M08 - Mercury, Premier, FWD
- M26 - Lincoln, Premier, FWD
- M28 - Lincoln, AWD
- P01 - Ford, SE, AWD
- P02 - Ford, SEL, AWD
- P06 - Ford, S, FWD
- P07 - Ford, SE, FWD
- P08 - Ford, SEL, FWD
The eighth VIN position is the engine type (displacement and number of cylinders).
- 1 - 3.0L, DOHC, EFI, V-6 - Ford, Mercury
- T - 3.5L, DOHC, EFI, 4-valve, V-6 - Lincoln
- Z - 2.3L, 4-valve, DOHC, EFI, 4-cylinder - Ford, Mercury
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.
- R - Hermosillo Assembly (Hermosillo, Mexico)
VIN positions 12 through 17 are an alphanumeric code for the vehicle build sequence. This is also the vehicle serial and warranty number. These 6 characters are also found on the engine block and transmission.
- 100001-599999 - Ford
- 600001-999999 - Mercury, Lincoln
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.