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
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Tag Locator
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.
World Manufacturer Identifier
The first 3 vehicle identification number (VIN) positions are the world manufacturer identifier.
- 3FA - Ford, Mexico, passenger car
- 3ME - Mercury, Mexico, passenger car
- 3LN - Lincoln, Mexico, passenger car
Restraint System Type
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
Line, Series and Body Type
VIN positions 5 through 7 indicate the vehicle line, series and body type.
- P06 - Ford Fusion, S
- P07 - Ford Fusion, SE
- P08 - Ford Fusion, SES
- M07 - Mercury Milan, Luxury
- M08 - Mercury Milan, Premier
- M26 - Lincoln Zephyr, Premier
Engine Type
The eighth VIN position is the engine type (displacement and number of cylinders).
- 1 - 3.0L, DOHC, EFI, V-6 - Ford, Mercury, Lincoln
- Z - 2.3L, 4-valve, DOHC, EFI, 4-cylinder - Ford, Mercury
Check Digit
The ninth VIN position is a government assigned, computer-generated check digit.
Model Year
The tenth VIN position is the model year code.
- 6 - 2006
Assembly Plant
The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
- R - Hermosillo Assembly (Hermosillo, Mexico)
Build Sequence
VIN positions 12 through 17 are an alphanumeric code for the vehicle build sequence. This is also the vehicle serial and warranty number.
- A00001-L99999
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:
- • 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.