Free 1998 Ford Escort VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Ford Escort VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Ford Escort VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a unique sequence of characters assigned to every vehicle manufacturer. For the 1998 Ford Escort, the WMI is “1FA,” indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by Ford Motor Company in the United States, specifically in Dearborn, Michigan. These codes not only identify the manufacturer but also provide insights into the vehicle type and country of assembly. The WMI is part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is used globally to distinguish individual motor vehicles. Thus, the “1FA” WMI code for the 1998 Ford Escort helps in tracing its origins back to Ford’s manufacturing facilities in the United States.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Ford Escort

WMI: 1FA

• Model Years Covered: 1984, 1986, 1988-1999
• Example VIN: 1FAFP13P0WW117030
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Dearborn
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 3FA

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2002
• Example VIN: 3FAKP1130WR200376
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company, Mexico
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Rioverde
• State or Province: S.L.P.
• Country: Mexico

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 Ford Escort 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 1998 Ford Escort:

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 1998 Ford Escort 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 1998 Ford Escort VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1998 Ford Escort VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 Ford Escort Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Ford Escort

The final 6 characters in a 1998 Ford Escort’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1998 Ford Escort VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the car.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN decode highlights the car as a Coupe with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and accessibility features.
• Engine Specifications: From the VIN, it’s evident that the vehicle is powered by a 2.0 L, 4-cylinder engine configured in-line, capable of delivering 130 horsepower, signifying a balance of power and efficiency for its class.
• Fuel Efficiency: The VIN indicates that the primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, providing insights into its energy source and potential fuel economy traits.
• Safety Features: Key safety features identified include front airbags for both driver and passenger and manual seat belts with 3-point belts in all outboard positions, showing a focus on occupant protection.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN provides information that the car was assembled in Hermosillo, Mexico, by Ford, offering insights into its production origins and the manufacturer’s global footprint.
• Vehicle Identification: Specific model details such as the Ford Escort ZX2 Sport can be revealed, with the VIN serving as a unique identifier for this particular set of specifications.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Ford Escort

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