Free Ford Thunderbird VIN Decoder

How to decode a Ford Thunderbird VIN

Characters 1-3 of a Ford Thunderbird VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) serves as the initial three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), uniquely identifying the vehicle’s manufacturer, make, and country of origin. In the case of the Ford Thunderbird, the WMI 1FA specifically points to Ford Motor Company located in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. This code not only denotes the vehicle’s maker and its location but also informs about the vehicle type, affirming it as a passenger car. The WMI system is a crucial component of automotive identification, ensuring a standardized method for tracking vehicles across the globe. For the Ford Thunderbird, the WMI covering model years from 1981 to 1997, and 2002 to 2005, highlights its long history and the specific periods of production within the Ford lineup.

List of WMI Codes for a Ford Thunderbird

WMI: 1FA

• Model Years Covered: 1981-1997, 2002-2005
• Example VIN: 1FABP42F2BH179052
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Dearborn
• State or Province: Michigan
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird:

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 Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird VIN — Year Code

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

Known Ford Thunderbird Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Ford Thunderbird

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

What info can a Ford Thunderbird VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can indicate that the vehicle may be from the model year 1996, potentially providing insights into the age and historical value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Size: The vehicle is specified as a Sedan/Saloon with 2 doors, possibly offering insights into its body size and type, which might be crucial for understanding its design and potential use scenarios.
• Engine Specifications: The engine of the vehicle may be a V-Shaped, 4.6-liter engine by Ford, with a horsepower range of 190 to 210. This detail may shed light on the vehicle’s potential performance capabilities and fuel efficiency.
• Fuel Type - Primary: It is mentioned that the vehicle uses Gasoline as its primary fuel source, which could be important for estimating fuel costs and environmental impact.
• Safety Features: The vehicle might be equipped with 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) airbags and active seat belts in all designated positions, possibly highlighting its focus on safety.
• Manufacturing Location: The vehicle may have been assembled in Lorain, Ohio, United States, potentially providing information about its origin which might be useful for understanding build quality and for historical interest.
• Vehicle Type and Model: It is classified as a Passenger Car, specifically the Thunderbird LX, potentially giving a clear indication of the vehicle’s intended use and luxury features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a Ford Thunderbird