Free 1989 Ford E-150 VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1989 Ford E-150 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1989 Ford E-150 VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, its type, and the country of manufacture. For the 1989 Ford E-150, the WMI “1FM” signifies that it is a product of the Ford Motor Company, oriented as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), manufactured in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. This specific WMI also indicates a model year coverage including 1989, showcasing its relevance to vehicles produced during this year. The WMI is a part of the larger Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), crucial for recognizing the specific identity and characteristics of a vehicle. Thus, for the 1989 Ford E-150, its WMI signifies its foundational identity in the automotive world, tying it to Ford’s legacy and manufacturing details.

List of WMI Codes for a 1989 Ford E-150

WMI: 1FT

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1984, 1988-2014
• Example VIN: 1FTEE14Y7KHB15390
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Dearborn
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 1982-1983, 1986, 1989-2014
• Example VIN: 1FMEE11N8KHA82986
• 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 1989 Ford E-150 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 1989 Ford E-150:

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 1989 Ford E-150 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 1989 Ford E-150 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1989 Ford E-150 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1989 Ford E-150 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1989 Ford E-150

The final 6 characters in a 1989 Ford E-150’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1989 Ford E-150 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1989, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle. It might also provide specifics about the manufacturing location, including the city of Lorain, state of Ohio, and country as the United States.
• Vehicle Specifications: Through a VIN, one can learn about a vehicle’s make, such as Ford, and its model, E-150, including the series Econoline and the trim as a Regular Cargo Van.
• Engine Details: The VIN can disclose comprehensive engine information including its manufacturer (Ford), displacement metrics (4.9L or 300 CI), configuration (In-Line), and the number of cylinders (6). Additionally, it could provide details on the engine’s horsepower range (145 to 150 hp) and specificities like the type of fuel injection.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: It’s possible to determine the primary fuel type a vehicle uses from the VIN, for instance, gasoline in this case, which plays a crucial role in understanding the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Safety and Design Features: Key safety mechanisms such as the type of brake system (Hydraulic) and seat belt type (Manual) might be identifiable. Moreover, the VIN can offer insights into the vehicle’s body class, defining it as a Cargo Van, which further relates to its functionality and design purpose.
• Drive Type and Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Details about the drive type, like 4x2, and the gross vehicle weight rating, classified as Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), can be gleaned from the VIN.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1989 Ford E-150