Vehicle Identification Number

IDENTIFICATION CODES

The Vehicle Identification Number (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 number is also found on the Vehicle Certification (VC) label.

Vehicle Identification Number

World Manufacturer Identifier:

The first three vehicle identification number (VIN) positions are the world manufacturer identifier.
^ 1FM - Ford Motor Company, USA, multi-purpose vehicle.
^ 4M2 - Mercury, USA, multi-purpose vehicle.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR):

The fourth VIN position is the vehicle brake type and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) code (all vehicles use hydraulic brakes).
^ Z - 5001 - 6000 pounds GVWR, Explorer/Mountaineer with driver and front passenger air bags (less side impact air curtains).
^ D - 5,001 - 6,000 pounds GVWR, Explorer/Mountaineer with driver and front passenger air bags (with side impact air curtains).

Vehicle Line, Series And Body Type:

Positions 5 through 7 indicate vehicle line, series and body type.
^ U62 - Explorer, 4x2, XLS.
^ U72 - Explorer, 4x4, XLS.
^ U63 - Explorer, 4x2, XLT.
^ U73 - Explorer, 4x4, XLT.
^ U64 - Explorer, 4x2, Eddie Bauer.
^ U74 - Explorer, 4x4, Eddie Bauer.
^ U65 - Explorer, 4x2, Limited.
^ U75 - Explorer, 4x4, Limited.
^ U66 - Mountaineer, 4x2.
^ U86 - Mountaineer, All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

Engine Code:

The eighth VIN position identifies the engine displacement and number of cylinders.
^ E - 4.0L, EFI, SOHC, six cylinder (V6).
^ K - 4.0L, EFI, SOHC, six cylinder (V6), flex fuel.
^ W - 4.6L, EFI, eight cylinder (V8).

Check Digit:

The ninth VIN position is a government assigned, computer-generated check digit.

Model Year Code:

The tenth VIN position identifies the vehicle model year.
^ 2 - 2002.

Assembly Plant Code:

The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
^ U - Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky).
^ Z - St. Louis (Hazlewood, Missouri).

Build Sequence:

The last six VIN positions are an alphanumeric code for the vehicle build sequence. This is also the vehicle serial and warranty number.
^ A00001-E99999 - Ford Division.
^ J00001-L99999 - Mercury Division.