Free 1998 Ford Expedition VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Ford Expedition VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Ford Expedition VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a unique sequence of three letters or numbers assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally. They form the initial part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), illustrating the vehicle’s manufacturer, vehicle type, and country of assembly. For the 1998 Ford Expedition, the WMI “1FM” signifies that it is a product of the Ford Motor Company located in the United States, specifically designed as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV). This specific identifier is crucial for recognizing the vehicle’s origin, model variations, and ensuring its authenticity. It serves as an essential tool for tracking, registration, and recall purposes for vehicles worldwide.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Ford Expedition

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2024
• Example VIN: 1FMEU17L3WLA00898
• 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 1998 Ford Expedition 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 Expedition:

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 Expedition 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 Expedition VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1998 Ford Expedition Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Ford Expedition

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

What info can a 1998 Ford Expedition VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Drive Type: It indicates the vehicle is a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, offering clues about its usage and capabilities.
• Engine Specifications: Details such as a 4.6L V-Shaped engine with 215 to 220 horsepower, courtesy of Ford, and equipped with Electronic Fuel Injection from the Romeo Engine Plant, are encoded in the VIN, highlighting its power and efficiency features.
• Safety Features: The presence of front airbags for both driver and passenger in the 1st row is mentioned, underscoring the vehicle’s safety provisions.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type is Gasoline, which is key information for determining fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN specifies that the Expedition was manufactured in Wayne, Michigan, United States, by Michigan Truck, allowing for an understanding of its production origin.
• Capacity and Size: The vehicle falls into the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating range of Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg), providing an idea of its size and weight class.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Ford Expedition