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.
Identification Codes: VIN
VIN Locator
The VIN is a 17-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 VC label. If the VIN plate requires replacement, authorized dealers must contact their respective regional office.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier) |
| 2 | Restraint-type and GVWcode |
| 3 | Vehicle line, series, body-type code |
| 4 | Engine-type code |
| 5 | Computer-generated check digit |
| 6 | Model year code |
| 7 | Assembly plant code |
| 8 | Production sequence number |
World Manufacturer Identifier
The first 3 VIN positions are the WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier).
- 1FT - Ford Motor Company, USA, truck (completed vehicle)
Restraint Type
The fourth VIN position is the vehicle restraint and GVW code.
- E - 6, 001-7, 000 lb GVW, active safety belts (all positions), driver and front passenger air bags and side impact inflatable restraints (1st and 2nd row)
- F - 7, 001-8, 000 lb GVW, active safety belts (all positions), driver and front passenger air bags and side impact inflatable restraints (1st and 2nd row)
- M - 6, 001-7, 000 lb GVW, active safety belts (all positions), driver and front passenger air bags and side impact inflatable restraints (1st row)
- N - 7, 001-8, 000 lb GVW, active safety belts (all positions), driver and front passenger air bags and side impact inflatable restraints (1st row)
Vehicle Line, Series and Body Type
Positions 5 through 7 indicate vehicle line, series and body type.
- F1C - F-150, styleside, regular cab, RWD
- F1E - F-150, styleside, regular cab, 4WD
- W1C - F-150, styleside, Crew cab, RWD
- W1E - F-150, styleside, Crew cab, 4WD
- X1C - F-150, styleside, SuperCab, RWD
- X1E - F-150, styleside, SuperCab, 4WD
Engine Type
The eighth VIN position identifies the engine type, displacement and number of cylinders.
- 1- 3.0L, V6, Duratorq-TDCi DOHC, 4-valve, DI (direct injection), Diesel-fuel
- 5 - 5.0L, V8, 4-valve DOHC, flex-fuel
- 8 - 3.5L, V6, Ecoboost, GTDI (gasoline turbocharged direct injection)
- B - 3.3L, V6, Duratec DOHC, 4-valve, Gas
- D - 3.5L, V6, HEV PT
- P - 2.7L, V6, Ecoboost, DOHC, 4-valve, DI (direct injection)
Check Digit
The ninth VIN position is a government-assigned, computer-generated check digit.
- 0 - 9
Model Year
The tenth VIN position is the model year code.
- M - 2021
Assembly Plant
The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
- F - Dearborn Assembly (Dearborn, Michigan)
- K - Kansas City Assembly (Claycomo, Missouri)
Production Sequence Number
The last 6 VIN positions are a numeric 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 - G99999
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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.