Free Ford F-250 VIN Decoder

How to decode a Ford F-250 VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Ford F-250 VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes assigned to every vehicle manufacturer, pinpointing detailed information about the vehicle, including its place of manufacture. For the Ford F-250, a truck revered for its robustness and reliability, different WMIs indicate its production in various locations. 1FT signifies units manufactured by Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, USA, covering model years from 1981 up to 2024. 2FT marks those produced by Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, for select model years between 1981 and 1999. Lastly, 3FT is designated for Ford F-250 trucks assembled by Ford Motor Company, Mexico, in Rioverde, S.L.P., Mexico, during specific years from 1997 to 2004, highlighting the international footprint of this iconic model.

List of WMI Codes for a Ford F-250

WMI: 1FT

• Model Years Covered: 1981-2024
• Example VIN: 1FTEX26G1BKA53735
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Dearborn
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

WMI: 2FT

• Model Years Covered: 1981, 1983-1999
• Example VIN: 2FTFF26G7BCA84127
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd.
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Oakville
• State or Province: Ontario
• Country: Canada

WMI: 3FT

• Model Years Covered: 1997, 2000-2004
• Example VIN: 3FTHF25G0VMA59623
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company, Mexico
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Rioverde
• State or Province: S.L.P.
• Country: Mexico

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Ford F-250 VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

• Engine type
• Transmission
• Model or trim
• Body style
• Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the most popular vehicle descriptor codes for a 2024 Ford F-250:

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 F-250 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 F-250 VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the Ford F-250 VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known Ford F-250 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Ford F-250

The final 6 characters in a Ford F-250’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a Ford F-250 VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as being a 2020 Ford, offering insights into the age and potential historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class, potentially indicating a Pickup with a Regular cab type, providing detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN, and in this case, it is a 4x2, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Engine Type and Specifications: The VIN can provide information about the engine’s configuration, such as being V-Shaped with a 6.2L displacement and capable of producing 383 horsepower, indicative of the vehicle’s powerful propulsion unit made by Ford.
• Safety Features: Advanced safety technologies are often specified within the VIN, showcasing standard features for the vehicle, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Crash Imminent Braking (CIB), Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), and a comprehensive suite of airbags.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type of a vehicle is typically encoded in the VIN, providing insights into its efficiency and potential environmental impact.
• Drivetrain and Transmission: The VIN can specify the drivetrain, here a 4x2 arrangement, along with the transmission details, including it being an automatic with 6 speeds, key factors in understanding a vehicle’s performance and handling characteristics.
• Manufacturing Details: Lastly, the VIN encompasses vital manufacturing details such as the plant country (United States), the state (Kentucky), and even the specific plant city and company name, indicative of the vehicle’s origin and quality standards.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Ford F-250