Free 1997 Ford Explorer VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Ford Explorer VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Ford Explorer VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that is assigned to every vehicle manufacturer and forms the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). It provides crucial information regarding the vehicle’s origin, including the manufacturer name and the country of assembly. For the 1997 Ford Explorer, the WMI “1FM” indicates that the vehicle was manufactured by Ford Motor Company, based in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. This particular code suggests that the vehicle falls under the category of a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), providing insights into its design and intended use. The WMI, therefore, serves as a gateway to understanding the vehicle’s foundational identity and provenance.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Ford Explorer

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
• Example VIN: 1FMDU32E0VZA21879
• 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 1997 Ford Explorer 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 1997 Ford Explorer:

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 1997 Ford Explorer 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 1997 Ford Explorer VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Ford Explorer VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Ford Explorer Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Ford Explorer

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Ford Explorer’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Ford Explorer’s VIN below:

What info can a 1997 Ford Explorer VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that the Ford Explorer XL was manufactured in 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Specifications: The Ford Explorer XL is classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with a V-Shaped engine configuration and an engine displacement of 4.0 liters, or approximately 241 cubic inches.
• Engine and Performance: The 6-cylinder engine, manufactured by Ford, features a horsepower ranging from 152 to 160, employing Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for enhanced performance and efficiency.
• Fuel Efficiency and Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, implying considerations for fuel efficiency and environmental impact that potential owners may need to evaluate.
• Safety Features: Safety specifications include front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st Row, alongside manual seat belts, highlighting the vehicle’s designed safety measures.
• Manufacturing Details: Assembled in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, the specific plant details underscore the vehicle’s American manufacturing heritage, offering clues about production standards and quality.
• Drive Type and Capacity: With a 4x2 drive type and a door count of 2, along with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating falling into Class 1C, it provides an insight into the vehicle’s design focused towards utility and potentially lighter off-road capability.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Ford Explorer

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