- Characters 1-3 of a Ford Explorer VIN
- List of WMI Codes for a Ford Explorer
- Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a Ford Explorer VIN
- Character 9 is the "check digit" in a Ford Explorer VIN.
- 10th Character in the Ford Explorer VIN — Year Code
- 11th Character in the Ford Explorer VIN — Plant Code(s)
- Known Ford Explorer Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
- VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Ford Explorer
- How to find a Ford Explorer's VIN?
- What info can a Ford Explorer VIN reveal?
- Sample VIN Decode Report for a Ford Explorer
How to decode a Ford Explorer VIN
Characters 1-3 of a Ford Explorer VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code allocated to a vehicle manufacturer to identify the origin of its vehicles. In the case of the Ford Explorer, the WMI 1FM signifies that the vehicle was produced by Ford Motor Company, based in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. These first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) provide critical information, including the manufacturer’s identity, the vehicle type, and the country of production. Specifically, for Ford Explorers with the WMI 1FM, it designates them as multipurpose passenger vehicles produced between the years 1991 and 2024. This system plays a crucial role in vehicle registration, identification, and recall processes globally.
List of WMI Codes for a Ford Explorer
WMI: 1FM
- Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
- Example VIN: 1FMDU32X1MUC54280
- 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 Ford Explorer 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 Explorer:
100 Most Common VDS for a Ford Explorer | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DU32X | CU24X | DU34X | CU22X | DU24X | DU32P | DU35P | DU32E | DU24E | CU24E |
CU22E | DU34E | ZU32P | ZU32E | YU22X | ZU34E | YU24E | YU22E | ZU35P | ZU32X |
ZU24E | YU24X | ZU34X | DU83P | ZU73X | DU70E | ZU84P | ZU71E | ZU63E | DU65P |
DU64P | ZU85P | DU73X | YU70E | ZU64E | DU75E | ZU72X | ZU71X | ZU65P | ZU62X |
YU60X | ZU63P | ZU74E | YU70X | DU84P | ZU70X | ZU72E | ZU62E | DU63E | DU65E |
ZU75E | ZU64P | ZU83P | ZU70E | DU64E | DU85P | YU60E | DU72X | ZU73E | ZU63X |
DU73E | DU62X | ZU61X | DU74E | CU70E | DU72E | DU62E | DU63P | CU60E | ZU64W |
DU75W | ZU65K | DU73K | ZU72K | ZU74W | DU74K | ZU75K | DU73W | ZU74K | DU72K |
DU63K | ZU63W | ZU62K | ZU63K | ZU64K | DU62K | ZU75W | DU65W | ZU73W | DU64W |
ZU65W | ZU73K | DU63W | DU64K | ZU65E | DU75K | DU74W | DU83W | ZU84K | DU84W |
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 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 Ford Explorer VIN — Year Code
11th Character in the Ford Explorer VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known Ford Explorer Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 | Escobedo | Mexico | Navistar/Ford Jv | 1FMDU70E024C80858 | |
G | Chicago | Illinois | United States | 1FMHK7F80BGA00881 | |
N | Chicago | Illinois | United States | Chicago Sho Center | 1FM5K7FW0MNA00833 |
U | Louisville | Kentucky | United States | 1FMDU32X1MUC54280 | |
Z | Hazelwood (St. Louis) | Missouri | United States | 1FMDU32X0SZB10672 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a Ford Explorer
The final 6 characters in a Ford Explorer’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Want to unlock even more detailed info about your vehicle?
How to find a Ford Explorer’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your Ford Explorer is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Ford Explorer. You should be able to see the VIN through the windshield on a small plate.
- Examine the driver’s side door jamb of your Ford Explorer. The VIN is typically found on a label or sticker where the door latches when closed.
- Check the vehicle’s insurance card/insurance policy or the title and registration. The VIN is usually listed on these documents, making it easy to find without needing to go to your Ford Explorer.
- Look for the VIN on the engine block. This number is often stamped onto a part of the engine of your Ford Explorer and can be seen by opening the hood.
- Consult the rear wheel well. Directly above the tire, there might be a sticker or plate on the body of your Ford Explorer that includes the VIN.
![VIN Decoder](/content-assets/images/headterm/vin_on_car_md.webp)
What info can a Ford Explorer VIN reveal?
- Model and Series: The VIN can reveal detailed information about the vehicle’s make and series, such as a Ford Explorer Platinum, which can help identify not just the brand and model but also the specific trim level.
- Safety Systems: A VIN may indicate the presence of advanced safety features, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning, and Lane Keeping Assistance, showcasing the vehicle’s technological advancements in ensuring passenger safety.
- Engine and Performance: Details about the engine, such as it being a 3.5L GTDI V-Shaped configuration with 365 horsepower, highlight the vehicle’s power and engineering, providing insights into its performance capabilities.
- Fuel Efficiency and Type: By decoding the VIN, one can learn about the primary fuel type, which in this case is gasoline, as well as the vehicle’s fuel injection type, offering clues about its fuel consumption and efficiency.
- Body and Design: Information regarding the vehicle’s body class as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), along with specifics like the number of doors (4) and seating capacity (7 across 3 rows), may help prospective buyers or owners understand the vehicle’s design and capacity.
- Drive Type and Transmission: The drive type, such as 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, paired with an automatic transmission style and six speeds, possibly provides essential details on the vehicle’s drivetrain and how it handles different driving conditions.
- Manufacturing Details: Insights into the manufacturing, such as the plant location (Chicago, Illinois, United States) and company name (Chicago Assembly), may offer background on where and by whom the vehicle was produced, adding to its history and authenticity.
![VIN Decoder](/content-assets/images/headterm/vin_img.webp)
Don’t have your Ford Explorer’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a Ford Explorer
Vehicle Spec | Value |
---|---|
Active Safety System Note | Front 180-degree camera: Standard; Forward, Reverse and Side Sensing Systems: Standard; Cross-traffic Alert: Standard; Brake Support: Standard; My Key Tech, Hill Start Assist |
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | Standard |
Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) | Standard |
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Standard |
Auto-Reverse System for Windows and Sunroofs | Standard |
Automatic Crash Notification (ACN) / Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) | Standard |
Axles | 2 |
Backup Camera | Standard |
Base Price ($) | 53940 |
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) | Standard |
Body Class | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
Crash Imminent Braking (CIB) | Standard |
Daytime Running Light (DRL) | Standard |
Displacement (CC) | 3500.0 |
Displacement (CI) | 213.58310433156 |
Displacement (L) | 3.5 |
Doors | 4 |
Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
Dynamic Brake Support (DBS) | Standard |
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Standard |
Engine Brake (hp) From | 365 |
Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
Engine Manufacturer | Ford |
Engine Model | 3.5L GTDI |
Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | Standard |
Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
Fuel Delivery / Fuel Injection Type | Stoichiometric Gasoline Direct Injection (SGDI) |
Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg) |
Keyless Ignition | Standard |
Knee Air Bag Locations | Passenger Seat Only |
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | Standard |
Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA) | Standard |
Model | Explorer |
Model Year | 2018 |
Number of Seat Rows | 3 |
Number of Seats | 7 |
Number of Wheels | 4 |
Parking Assist | Standard |
Plant City | Chicago |
Plant Company Name | Chicago assembly |
Plant Country | United States |
Plant State | Illinois |
Seat Belt Type | Manual |
Semiautomatic Headlamp Beam Switching | Standard |
Series | Platinum |
Side Air Bag Locations | 1st and 2nd and 3rd Rows |
Steering Location | Left-Hand Drive (LHD) |
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type | Direct |
Top Speed (MPH) | 122 |
Traction Control | Standard |
Transmission Speeds | 6 |
Transmission Style | Automatic |
Turbo | Yes |
Vehicle Descriptor | 1FM5K8HT*JG |
Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
Wheel Base (inches) From | 112.8 |
Wheel Size Front (inches) | 20 |
Wheel Size Rear (inches) | 20 |
Sample_VIN | 1FM5K8HT0JGA02106 |
Get a Ford Explorer History Report
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