Free 1997 Ford Ranger VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Ford Ranger VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Ford Ranger VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a crucial component of a vehicle’s identification, designating its manufacturer, vehicle type, and place of origin. For instance, the 1997 Ford Ranger has a WMI that begins with “1FT,” indicating it was produced by the Ford Motor Company in the United States, specifically in Dearborn, Michigan. This alphanumeric code assures that the vehicle’s origins and type, in this case, a truck, are precisely defined. The use of WMIs contributes to the universal tracking and registration processes for vehicles worldwide. Thus, through this system, every vehicle, like the 1997 Ford Ranger, can be uniquely identified and traced back to its roots.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Ford Ranger

WMI: 1FT

• Model Years Covered: 1983-2011, 2019-2024
• Example VIN: 1FTCR14A0VTA69899
• 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 1997 Ford Ranger 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 1997 Ford Ranger:

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 1997 Ford Ranger 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 1997 Ford Ranger VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Ford Ranger VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Ford Ranger Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Ford Ranger

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Ford Ranger’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1997 Ford Ranger VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, indicating that it is a 1997 model, providing insights into its age and possibly its technology level.
• Vehicle Type and Specifications: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is a truck, specifically a Ford Ranger, equipped with a V-shaped engine configuration and 3.0 liters displacement, highlighting its design and performance capabilities.
• Engine and Performance: Key engine details include a horsepower range of 140 to 150, an engine made by Ford with 6 cylinders, and featuring an Overhead Valve (OHV) valve train design, underscoring its power and engineering attributes.
• Safety Features: Standard safety features are hinted at through the inclusion of front airbags for both the driver and the passenger, as well as manual seat belts, emphasizing attention to occupant protection.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is specified as gasoline, providing potential owners with crucial information regarding fuel compatibility and consumption expectations.
• Drive Type and Body Class: It’s detailed that the vehicle has a 4x2 drive type and is classified as a pickup, which can provide insights into its utility and driving capabilities, especially in terms of handling and terrain preference.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN discloses that the manufacturing plant is located in Edison, New Jersey, United States, giving a glimpse into its production origin, which can be useful for understanding potential market-specific features and quality.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Ford Ranger

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