Free 1998 Ford Explorer VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Ford Explorer VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Ford Explorer VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code that identifies the manufacturer of a vehicle, providing essential information about its make, country of origin, and vehicle type. For the 1998 Ford Explorer, the WMI code “1FM” signifies that the Ford Motor Company, located in Dearborn, Michigan, USA, manufactured this vehicle. It also categorizes the vehicle as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), highlighting its versatility and utility. This specific identifier is crucial for vehicle registration, identification, and recalls, ensuring that each vehicle can be globally recognized and tracked. The WMI not only offers a glimpse into the vehicle’s lineage but also its intended use and manufacturing location.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Ford Explorer

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
• Example VIN: 1FMZU32P1WZB47905
• 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 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 Ford Explorer VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1998 Ford Explorer Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Ford Explorer

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

What info can a 1998 Ford Explorer VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, suggesting that this specific vehicle is from 1998, potentially indicating its age and historical significance.
• Vehicle Specifications: The dataset provides details of a Ford Explorer Sport with a V-Shaped, 4.0L engine, designed as a Sport Utility Vehicle/Multi-Purpose Vehicle with a 4x2 drive type, offering insight into its intended use and drivetrain configuration.
• Engine Details: The engine is manufactured by Ford and features six cylinders, producing an engine brake horsepower of 205. It incorporates Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and a Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) valve train design, reflecting its potential performance and efficiency.
• Fuel Type: Gasoline has been identified as the primary fuel type for this vehicle, which may align with consumer preferences for fuel efficiency and availability.
• Safety Features: The vehicle includes front air bags for both the driver and passenger, located in the 1st row, indicating a possible focus on fundamental safety measures.
• Manufacturing Information: This vehicle was manufactured in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, offering insights into its production origin and potentially contributing to its historical significance.
• Body and Capacity: The Explorer Sport comes with 2 doors and falls under the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Class 1C, highlighting its size and carrying capacity within the 4,001 - 5,000 lb range, providing information about its design and load-bearing capabilities.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Ford Explorer