Free Ford Explorer Sport VIN Decoder

How to decode a Ford Explorer Sport VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Ford Explorer Sport VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. It forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the vehicle, including its manufacturing year, location, and specific attributes. For instance, Ford Motor Company, known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including the Ford Explorer Sport, uses the WMI ‘1FM’ to denote vehicles manufactured in their facilities. Specifically, this identifies vehicles made in the United States, with Michigan’s Dearborn city being a notable manufacturing site for various models. The WMI helps in easily recognizing the vehicle’s origin and the company responsible for its production, emphasizing the global standardization in vehicle identification.

List of WMI Codes for a Ford Explorer Sport

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 2003
• Example VIN: 1FMYU60E03UA04418
• 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 Ford Explorer Sport 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 Ford Explorer Sport:

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 Ford Explorer Sport 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 Ford Explorer Sport VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Ford Explorer Sport VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Ford Explorer Sport Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Ford Explorer Sport

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

What info can a Ford Explorer Sport VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2003, providing insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN discloses that the vehicle was manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, affirming the vehicle’s origins and providing insights into the manufacturing standards and regulations applicable at the time of production.
• Vehicle Type and Engine: This VIN identifies the vehicle as a Ford Explorer Sport, classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with a 4.0L V-Shaped engine, showcasing the vehicle’s design targeted towards performance and utility.
• Engine Performance: Key performance metrics can be inferred, including an engine displacement of 4000cc (or 4.0 liters) and an engine horsepower starting from 203 hp. This information provides insights into the vehicle’s power and capability.
• Drive Type: The VIN can also specify the drive type, revealing it features a 4WD (4-Wheel Drive) system, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Brake System: The VIN indicates the presence of a hydraulic brake system, which could contribute to the vehicle’s robust braking performance.
• Safety Features: Safety features include front airbags for both the driver and passenger, which can highlight the vehicle’s commitment to occupant safety during collisions.
• Fuel Efficiency: The VIN identifies the primary fuel type as gasoline, allowing potential owners to gauge fuel efficiency and estimate running costs, as well as understanding the vehicle’s environmental impact.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify specifications such as a 2-door configuration and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating from Class 1D, highlighting the vehicle’s physical dimensions and load-carrying capacity, useful for assessing its suitability for various uses and payloads.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Ford Explorer Sport