Free 1988 Ford Bronco VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1988 Ford Bronco VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Ford Bronco VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that forms the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designated to identify the manufacturer, vehicle type, and the country of manufacture. For instance, in the case of a 1988 Ford Bronco, the WMI ‘1FM’ signifies that the vehicle was produced by Ford Motor Company in the United States, specifically in Michigan, and categorizes the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV). This code not only helps in identifying the origin of the vehicle but also provides insight into the manufacturing location and the type of vehicle. WMIs are essential in distinguishing vehicles on a global scale, enabling a standardized form of vehicle identification. Such identification becomes crucial for regulatory, registration, and identification purposes across different countries.

List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Ford Bronco

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1996, 2021-2024
• Example VIN: 1FMEU15H0JLA80880
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Dearborn
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1988 Ford Bronco VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1988 Ford Bronco:

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1988 Ford Bronco VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 1988 Ford Bronco VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1988 Ford Bronco VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1988 Ford Bronco Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Ford Bronco

The final 6 characters in a 1988 Ford Bronco’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Ford Bronco’s VIN below:

What info can a 1988 Ford Bronco VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating this example as possibly being from 1988, offering insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Body Class: It identifies the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, specifically a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), offering insights into the vehicle’s design and intended use.
• Engine Specifications: Critical engine details such as a 4.9L displacement, 145 to 150 engine brake horsepower, and fuel injection type may point to the vehicle’s performance capabilities. The engine is manufactured by Ford, configured in-line, and possibly supports 6 cylinders.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which may provide essential information for understanding fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Drive Type and Brake System: It specifies the vehicle as possibly having a 4WD (4-Wheel Drive) system and utilizing a hydraulic brake system, indicating its potential capability in various driving conditions and potential braking performance.
• Manufacturing Information: The production location in Wayne, Michigan, United States, by Michigan Truck, adds a potential element of manufacturing context and can indicate potential quality standards or design specifics related to the production site.
• Vehicle Dimensions and Weight Class: Details like the vehicle possibly having 2 doors and being categorized under Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Class 2E (6,001 - 7,000 lb) may provide a potential clear picture of the vehicle’s size and regulatory classification.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Ford Bronco

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