Vehicle Identification Number

IDENTIFICATION CODES

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-digit combination of letters and numbers. The VIN is stamped on a metal tab riveted to the instrument panel, top upper left of the dash. The VIN number is also found on the Vehicle Certification (VC) label.

Vehicle Identification Number

World Manufacturer Identifier:

The first three vehicle identification number (VIN) positions are the world manufacturer code.
^ 1LN - Ford Motor Company - Lincoln, USA, passenger car
^ 1LJ - Ford Motor Company - Lincoln, USA, incomplete vehicle

Vehicle Restraint Type:

The fourth VIN position is the vehicle restraint system type code.
^ L - Active safety belts - all positions, driver and front passenger air bags
^ F - Active safety belts - all positions, second generation driver and front passenger air bags
^ H - Active safety belts - all positions, driver and front passenger air bags, driver and front passenger side impact air bags

Line And Series:

Positions 5 through 7 indicate vehicle line and series.
^ M86 - Lincoln LS - six cylinder
^ M87 - Lincoln LS - eight cylinder

Engine Code:

The eighth VIN position is the engine displacement and number of cylinders code.
^ A - 3.9L, eight cylinder, DOHC, EFI
^ S - 3.0L, six cylinder, DOHC, EFI

Check Digit:

The ninth VIN position is the check digit code (0-9).

Model Year:

The tenth VIN position is the model year code.
^ 1-2001

Assembly Plant:

The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.
^ S - Pilot Plant, Allen Park, Michigan (USA)
^ Y - Wixom, Michigan (USA)

Production Sequence Number:

The last six VIN positions are the production sequence number. This set of numbers is also used as the vehicle serial and warranty number.
^ Lincoln/Mercury - Begins with 600001