Free 1998 Ford Windstar VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1998 Ford Windstar VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Ford Windstar VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that identifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, providing insights into where the vehicle was made, by whom, and the type of vehicle it is. For example, the 1998 Ford Windstar, a popular multipurpose passenger vehicle (MPV) produced by Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd., has a WMI that begins with “2FM”. This code specifically indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. The “2” signifies that the vehicle was produced in Canada, while “FM” is indicative of Ford Motor Company of Canada, specifying the manufacturer’s identity and location for this particular model year. This coding system offers a standardized way to identify vehicles globally, ensuring clarity and consistency across the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Ford Windstar

WMI: 2FM

• Model Years Covered: 1995-2003
• Example VIN: 2FMZA5140WBC35522
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Oakville
• State or Province: Ontario
• Country: Canada

WMI: 2FT

• Model Years Covered: 1995, 1998-2003
• Example VIN: 2FTZA5448WBD35089
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd.
• Vehicle Type: Truck
• City: Oakville
• State or Province: Ontario
• Country: Canada

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 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 1998 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 1998 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 1998 Ford Windstar VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1998 Ford Windstar Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Ford Windstar

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

What info can a 1998 Ford Windstar VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year to be 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN specifies the body class as a Minivan with a 4-door configuration, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s size and potential utility.
• Engine Type and Fuel Efficiency: The engine details obtained from the VIN reveal a 3.0L V-Shaped engine with a displacement ranging from 182 cubic inches or 2982.45 cubic centimeters. The engine power is indicated to be between 140 and 150 horsepower, and the fuel type is Gasoline with an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system.
• Drive Type: The VIN indicates a 4x2 drive type, providing information about the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
• Brake System: The VIN specifies a Hydraulic brake system type, offering insights into the vehicle’s braking mechanics.
• Safety Features: Safety features include front airbags located in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, highlighting its designed protective measures.
• Assembly Location: The vehicle was assembled in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, revealing the geographic origin of its manufacturing.
• Additional Engine and Vehicle Details: The VIN provides further details about the engine, including a six-cylinder engine with an Overhead Valve (OHV) valve train design. Moreover, the vehicle is categorized as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle, indicating versatility in function.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Ford Windstar