Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Identification Codes

Component Location

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) Tag Locator





The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a 17-digit combination of letters and numbers. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is stamped on a metal tab riveted on the instrument panel, top upper left of the dash. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is also found on the VC (Vehicle Certification) label.

If the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate requires replacement, authorized dealers must contact their respective regional office.










WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier)

The first 3 VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) positions are the WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier).

- 1FM - Ford Motor Company, USA, MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle).

Restraint System Type

The fourth VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) position identifies the vehicle restraint system used.

- H - Active safety belts, all positions, driver and front passenger air bags and side impact air bags - all positions.

Vehicle Line and Series Type

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) positions 5 through 7 identifies the vehicle line, series and body type.

- K7B - Explorer, FWD (Front Wheel Drive)

- K7D - Explorer, FWD (Front Wheel Drive), XLT

- K7F - Explorer, FWD (Front Wheel Drive), Limited

- K8B - Explorer, AWD (All-Wheel Drive)

- K8D - Explorer, AWD (All-Wheel Drive), XLT

- K8F - Explorer, AWD (All-Wheel Drive) , Limited

Engine Type

The eighth VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) position is the engine type (displacement and number of cylinders).

- 8 - 3.5L, V6, gas

- 9 - 2.0L, four-cylinder GTDI (Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection)

More specific engine information can be found on the engine tag. REFER to Engine - 3.5L Ti-VCT or REFER to Engine - 2.0L GTDI .

Check Digit

The ninth VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) position is a government-assigned, computer-generated check digit.

Model Year

The tenth VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) position is the model year code.

- C - 2012

Assembly Plant

The eleventh VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) position is the assembly plant code.

- G - Chicago Assembly, Chicago, IL.

Build Sequence

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) 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.

- A00001-E99999 - Ford Motor Company