Free 1996 Ford Windstar VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1996 Ford Windstar VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Ford Windstar VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, as well as its type and the location of its production. For example, Ford Windstars produced between 1995 and 2003 have a specific WMI indicating they were manufactured by Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. This code, applied to vehicles such as the 1996 Ford Windstar, distinguishes it as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV) crafted in Canada, offering unique insights into the vehicle’s origins and specifications. WMIs are integral to understanding the global lineage of vehicles, providing a concise method for tracking and registration.

List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Ford Windstar

WMI: 2FM

• Model Years Covered: 1995-2003
• Example VIN: 2FMDA51U8TBA21156
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Oakville
• State or Province: Ontario
• Country: Canada

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1996 Ford Windstar 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 1996 Ford Windstar:

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 1996 Ford Windstar 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 1996 Ford Windstar VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1996 Ford Windstar VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1996 Ford Windstar Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Ford Windstar

The final 6 characters in a 1996 Ford Windstar’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1996 Ford Windstar VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as the year 1996, providing insights into the age and potential technological features of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN decodes to a Ford Windstar LX, indicating a minivan body class with a 3.0L V-Shaped engine configuration, manufactured by Ford. Such details help in understanding the vehicle’s design and performance capabilities.
• Engine Type and Fuel Efficiency: The VIN reveals the engine’s power, with horsepower ranging from 140 to 150, and indicates that it operates on gasoline as its primary fuel type. This suggests the vehicle’s performance range and its environmental impact.
• Safety Features: The VIN indicates airbags located in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, providing valuable information on the vehicle’s safety measures designed to protect the occupants in the event of a collision.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN reveals that the vehicle was assembled in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, offering insights into the vehicle’s assembly location and potential market-specific features or standards.
• Drive Type and Brake System: The VIN specifies that the vehicle is equipped with a 4x2 drive type and a hydraulic brake system, which are critical for understanding its handling characteristics and maintenance needs.
• Additional Specifications: The VIN also indicates a gross vehicle weight rating within Class 1D, supporting 4 doors and features like manual seat belts and electronic fuel injection, providing a comprehensive overview of vehicle capabilities and design features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Ford Windstar