How to decode a 1996 Ford Aerostar VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1996 Ford Aerostar VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique alphanumeric markers assigned to every vehicle manufacturer around the globe. For the 1996 Ford Aerostar, the WMI is “1FM,” denoting its origin with the Ford Motor Company, which is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. This specific WMI indicates that the Aerostar is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), showcasing its versatility and family-friendly design. Manufactured from 1986 until 1997, the Aerostar models bearing the “1FM” WMI were part of a line celebrated for functionality and reliability. Such WMIs help in identifying key attributes about vehicles, including their manufacturing location and vehicle type, ensuring clear identification and standardization across the automotive industry.
List of WMI Codes for a 1996 Ford Aerostar
WMI: 1FM
- Model Years Covered: 1986-1989, 1991-1997
- Example VIN: 1FMDA41X2TZA76428
- Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
- Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
- City: Dearborn
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States WMI: 1FT
- Model Years Covered: 1995-1997
- Example VIN: 1FTDA14U7TZA73917
- Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
- Vehicle Type: Truck
- City: Dearborn
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1996 Ford Aerostar 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 Aerostar:
| Known VDS for a 1996 Ford Aerostar | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DA41X | DA31X | DA14U | CA11U | DA31U | DA11U |
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 Aerostar 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 Aerostar VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| T | 1996 |
11th Character in the 1996 Ford Aerostar VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1996 Ford Aerostar Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z | Hazelwood (St. Louis) | Missouri | United States | 1FMDA41X2TZA76428 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1996 Ford Aerostar
The final 6 characters in a 1996 Ford Aerostar’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
Check your Ford Aerostar’s VIN below:
How to find a 1996 Ford Aerostar’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1996 Ford Aerostar is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Ford Aerostar. It’s typically visible from outside the vehicle, right at the spot where the dashboard meets the windshield.
- Examine the door post on the driver’s side where the door latches when closed. Your Ford Aerostar may have a VIN sticker in that area.
- Take a peek under the hood. The VIN may be stamped onto parts such as the engine block or chassis.
- Check the rear wheel well. Sometimes VIN is placed above the tire.
- Observe the front frame. The VIN may be visible on the frame of a Ford Aerostar when looking under the vehicle.
What info can a 1996 Ford Aerostar VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1996, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Specifications: Detailed engine information, including the manufacturer (Ford), the engine’s configuration (V-Shaped), number of cylinders (6), and displacement details in CC (3949.282424), CI (241), and liters (4.0), can be deduced from the VIN.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for the vehicle is identifiable as Gasoline, providing essential data for understanding fuel efficiency and compatibility.
- Drive Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle features a 4WD (4-Wheel Drive or 4x4) system, which can be essential for buyers seeking vehicles with enhanced off-road or bad-weather capabilities.
- Body Class and Size: The VIN reveals the body class as a Minivan with 3 doors, offering insights into the vehicle’s size, functionality, and intended use, such as family or utility purposes.
- Safety Features: The presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row can be inferred, potentially indicating the vehicle’s safety features.
- Manufacturing Information: The plant’s location, including the city (Hazelwood), state (Missouri), and country (United States), points to where the vehicle was assembled, which could be crucial for those concerned with manufacturing standards and origin.
Don’t have your 1996 Ford Aerostar’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1996 Ford Aerostar
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Minivan |
| Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
| Displacement (CC) | 3949.282424 |
| Displacement (CI) | 241 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.0 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 152.00 |
| Engine Brake (hp) To | 160 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Ford |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) |
| Model | Aerostar |
| Model Year | 1996 |
| Other Engine Info | Fuel Injection Type: Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Plant City | Hazelwood (St. Louis) |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Missouri |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | XLT |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1FMDA41X*TZ |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Sample_VIN | 1FMDA41X2TZA76428 |
Ready, Set, Bumper...
Try Bumper today and learn more about a vehicle you plan to buy or already own.
TRY Bumper Today