Free 2017 Ford Explorer VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2017 Ford Explorer VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2017 Ford Explorer VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer, the type of vehicle, and the country of manufacture. In the case of the 2017 Ford Explorer, the WMI “1FM” signifies that the vehicle was manufactured by Ford Motor Company in the United States, specifically in Dearborn, Michigan. This code also indicates that the vehicle is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), which typically encompasses SUVs and minivans. The WMI is an essential part of the VIN, helping to provide detailed information about a vehicle’s origins, manufacturer, and category. This system is used globally to standardize the classification and identification of motor vehicles.

List of WMI Codes for a 2017 Ford Explorer

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
• Example VIN: 1FM5K8AR0HGA04172
• 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 Ford Explorer VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2017 Ford Explorer VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2017 Ford Explorer Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2017 Ford Explorer

The final 6 characters in a 2017 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 2017 Ford Explorer VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 2017, providing a crucial point of reference for age and potential market value.
• Engine Details: Specifics about the engine, such as it being a 3.5L GTDI V-Shaped with a horsepower starting from 365, are included, indicating potential performance capabilities.
• Safety Features: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle comes standard with several safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Anti-lock Braking System, and Electronic Stability Control, suggesting an emphasis on safety.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: It may specify the primary fuel type as Gasoline and incorporate advanced fuel delivery systems like Stoichiometric Gasoline Direct Injection (SGDI), offering insights into potential fuel efficiency and performance.
• Body Class and Size: Detailed information about the vehicle being a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors and seating for 7 across 3 seat rows is provided, giving a clear picture of its size and capacity.
• Drive Type and Transmission: It may specify the drive type as 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, indicating the vehicle’s potential capability in different terrains.
• Manufacturing Details: Key manufacturing details, such as the plant location in Chicago, United States, and the company name Chicago Assembly, may be noted, potentially providing insights into the origin and quality standards.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2017 Ford Explorer

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