What You Can Learn From a Ford VIN Lookup
Ford 289 and 302 cubic-inch engines, both members of Ford's 90-degree engine family, are similar engines with many interchangeable components. Identifying the engine as a 90-degree small-block Ford V8 is the first part of the process; differentiating the 289 and 302 follows.
- Consequently serial numbers and dates are no longer in order. In the summer and early fall of 1912 engines were made in a separate plant (only known as 'Detroit' in the records, and these engines were given 'B' numbers 1 through 12,247. These B-series engines were installed in random order beginning in October and ending in December 1912.
- The Ford part number on the box shown at left is on the top line: B8A-9431-A. Other information indicates it was an Engine Engineering Division design, weighs 9 pounds, provides information on the quality control inspection, and the date packed. A typical Ford part number looks like this: C5SZ-1005-A. Here's how this number is decoded.
- The original Ford casting number for the oil pan is C6OE-6675-A which indicates this oil pan is an engine part and belonging to the engine division. The 4th digit Engineering Component identifier represents the major component group to which the part belongs to and/or the Ford division that originally designed the part.
Every vehicle manufactured by the Ford Motor Company has a unique vehicle identification number. This VIN number is set by the manufacturer which describes all the vital information about that vehicle. A Ford VIN lookup will reveal the manufacturer, production year, engine and drive train, make and model, and much more. The easiest way to find the VIN on a Ford is to reference the registration card or the Ford vehicle title, if you have that in your possession. If that is not available then it can be found in multiple places that are permanently stamped on the vehicle
How to Find Your Ford VIN Number
- Embossed on the metal tag on the driver’s side dash board
- Stamped on the Ford driver’s side door
- Engraved on the frame of the Ford
- Stamped on the Ford’s original engine
- Find the VIN on your Ford’s registration card
- Located on your Ford’s vehicle title
Your Ford VIN can be located in multiple places on your car or truck. If for some reason this is difficult to find or the VIN is not readable then you can also find the Ford VIN number on your registration card or vehicle title.
Why Your Ford VIN is Important
It’s very important that you have access to this information if you need to lookup recalls, safety issues or just want to sell the vehicle. If all else fails you can lookup your Ford VIN by your license plate number as well as contacting the DMV directly for this information. The VIN on your Ford can also help you lookup all the details and original manufacturing information from the factory since it’s the manufacturer that is responsible for placing the VIN on the vehicle. It’s also important to note that every Ford vehicle identification number is unique.
How To Run a Ford Vehicle History Report By VIN
A vehicle history report can be run on any vehicle that has a VIN, custom built vehicles are the exception. By performing a Ford VIN lookup using a vehicle history report service you can not only find out the details of the Ford but if it has had any previous issues, accidents, recalls or known safety issues as reported by the NHTSA. If you are purchasing a used Ford vehicle then you might also want to match up the VIN number on the dash, the door, the engine, frame and transmission to make sure that everything is original. This has been problematic for many older vehicles that have been worked on or have had a major overhaul to the engine, transmission or drivetrain. Knowing how to run a Ford VIN lookup can help you save a lot of potential issues down the road when purchasing a used Ford Car or Truck. It’s basically the same as running a vehicle background check.
Free Government Resources To Lookup Your Ford VIN
There are a couple of free government resources you can use to perform a Ford VIN lookup. The NHTSA, or National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, can be used to lookup known vehicle safety and recall information by referencing your vehicle identification number. You can also go to VehicleHistory.gov which provides consumers with important vehicle information about the vehicle’s condition and it’s history. These services are completely free and have zero agenda as they are public resource provided by the federal government.
Ford VIN Lookup - FAQs
How to find out if my Ford has a recall?
Finding out if your Ford has a recall is very easy. You can visit the government website Safecar.gov and lookup known Ford recalls with a simple VIN lookup. Another option is to contact your local Ford dealership and inquire with the service department.How can I lookup a vintage Ford VIN number?
Most online vehicle resources only allow you to run VIN numbers with 17digits. Vintage Ford vehicles have fewer than this and many online resources cannot lookup those up. You will want to find a service that specialized in vintage, or classic vehicles, or you can also inquire with the DMV directy.| Series Code The first three digits of the warranty or vehicle vehicle identification number indicate the truck series. CLICK HERE to see a complete listing of Series Codes. |
| Engine Code The fourth digit of the warranty or vehicle identification number indicates basic engine identification. The chart at right shows engines used in the F-series light-duty trucks (F100/150/250/350) only. |
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SOURCE: 1973-1979 Ford Truck Master | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assembly Plant Code The fifth digit of the warranty or vehicle identification number indicates the plant at which the vehicle was assembled. SOURCE: 1973-1979 Ford Truck Master Parts Catalog - Oct. 1979 |
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Ford Engine Serial Number Lookup
| Numerical Sequence of Assembly A production serial number system is used to identify model years. The numbers shown below apply to all (except E-series). |
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Due to varying production volumes, the exact serial number with which a change becomes effective cannot be determined. When selecting part numbers referenced to serial numbers, the catalog specifications should be used as an aid in selecting the proper part number. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note that up through 1977, the serial number consisted of one letter and 5 numbers (e.g. X00,000). From 1978, it changed to two letters followed by four numbers (e.g. XX0,000). |
Ford Engine Block Code Identification
| Wheelbase The actual wheelbase in inches is shown on the rating or warranty plate. |
Color Code - Exterior Paint CLICK HERE to view the U.S. and Canadian exterior paint usage codes with Ford part numbers. |
| Model Code The model code under 'TYPE/G.V.W.' indicates truck series and the corresponding G.V.W. rating. CLICK HERE to view the complete listing of model codes. |
| Body Code The first two digits of the three-digit body code is the trim code and identifies the color and type of materials used in the interior upholstery. (If only a single-digit trim code, there will be a space between the first and last digit, as shown here.) The third digit identifies the type of back of cab equipment. THIS SECTION WILL BE EXPANDED SHORTLY | Body Type Descriptions 80 - Platform |
| FIRST DIGIT | SECOND DIGIT | THIRD DIGIT | DESCRIPTION | CAB PARTS | BEHIND CAB PARTS |
| B thru G | FOR FORD INTERNAL CONTROL ONLY | 4 | Ranger cab w/ styleside pickup box | 81E (exc. Crew Cab) | 99 |
| D | Ranger cab w/ styleside pickup box | 81E (Crew Cab) | 99 | ||
| K thru O | 4 | Ranger XLT cab w/ styleside pickup box | Ranger XLT (exc. Crew Cab) | 99 | |
| 2 thru 6 | D | Ranger XLT cab w/ styleside pickup box | Ranger XLT (Crew Cab) | 99 | |
| 3 | Custom cab w/ flareside box | 81A | 83 | ||
| 4 | Custom cab w/styleside box | 81A (exc. Crew Cab) | 99 | ||
| D | Custom cab w/ styleside pickup box | 81A (Crew Cab) | 99 | ||
| 5 | Custom cab w/ platform and racks | 81A | 86 | ||
| 7 | Cowl (less windshield) | 84 | - | ||
| 8 | Custom cab w/o back of cab equipment | 81A (exc. Crew Cab) | - | ||
| G | Custom cab w/o back of cab equipment | 81A (Crew Cab) | - | ||
| 9 | Custom cab w/ platform | 81A | 80 |
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SOURCE: 1973-1979 Ford Truck Master Parts Catalog - Oct. 1979 |
| Transmission Code |
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Axle Code CLICK HERE to see a complete listing of rear axle codes |
| Gross Vehicle Weight The gross vehicle weight rating for the vehicle (based on minimum equipment required). |
District Code If the vehicle is built on a D.S.O (Domestic Special Order), F.S.O. (Foreign Special Order) or L.S.O. (Limited Production Option), the complete order (invoice) number will also be shown after the District Code Number. |
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SOURCE: 1973-1979 Ford Truck | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||