What is a VIN?
A Vehicle Identification Number or VIN for short is a unique code specific to the car. Think of the VIN as the vehicle’s fingerprint, and an information reference system that identifies the specifics of that vehicle such as year, make, model, and which country it was built in.
Where is the Vin Located?
Typically you can find the VIN in these locations on the vehicle.
- Lower driver Side of windshield
- Driver side door jam
- Vehicle Documentation (ie. Registration, Insurance)
Data Plate Decoder Sheet
Photo Credit: Ford.com
| Example | 1FA 6 P8C F 4 R 5 402758 |
| Year | 2024 |
| Position 1-3 | World Manufacturer Identifier |
| 1F0 = Ford Motor Company USA | 1F1 = Ford Motor Company USA |
| 1F6 = Detroit Chassis LLC USA | 1F7 = MSX International Detroit, MI USA |
| 1F8 = American Transportation Corp, USA | 1FA = Ford Motor Company USA |
| 1FB = Ford Motor Company USA | 1FC = Ford Motor Company USA |
| 1FD = Ford Motor Company USA | 1FM = Ford Motor Company USA |
| 1FT = Ford Motor Company USA | 1ZV = Ford Motor Company USA |
| 1ZW = AutoAlliance International USA | 2FA = Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd. |
| 2FD = Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd. | 2FM = Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd. |
| 2FT = Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd. | 3FA = Ford Motor Company of Mexico |
| 3FB = Ford Motor Company SA Mexico | 3FD = Ford Motor Company of Mexico |
| 3FE = Ford Motor Company of Mexico | 3FT = Ford Motor Company of Mexico |
| Position 4 | Restraint System (6) |
| Seat belt Type | Manual |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Knee Airbag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Side Airbag Locations | 1st and 2nd Rows |
| Position 5-7 | Make, Car, Line, Series, Body Type (PC8) |
| P8T = Fastback | P8C = Fastback GT |
| P8U = Convertible | P8F = GT Convertible |
| P8R = Dark Horse | |
| Position 8 | Engine Type – Displacement, Cylinders, Fuel Type, Manufacturer and Horsepower (F) |
| H = Ecoboost | 2.3L / 4 Cyl / Gasoline / Ford / 315 HP |
| F = 5.0 Coyote | 5.0L / 8 Cyl / Gasoline / Ford / 486 HP |
| 0 = 5.0 Coyote | 5.0L / 8 Cyl / Gasoline / Ford / 500 HP |
| Position 9 | VIN Check Digit |
| This digit (4) is a mandatory number that is issued in North America specifically to validate a VIN. This number will change based on the calculation of the VIN, its numbers and a mathematical system. | |
| Position 10 | Vehicle Model Year |
| R | (R) = 2024 |
| Position 11 | Plant or Manufacturer Location |
| 5 | (5) = Flat Rock Michigan |
| Position 12 – 17 | Sequential Unit Number |
