How to decode a 1988 Ford Aerostar VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1988 Ford Aerostar VIN
World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are unique sequences that identify the manufacturer of a vehicle. For instance, the WMI for a 1988 Ford Aerostar, which falls within the range of model years from 1986 to 1989 and then from 1991 to 1997, starts with “1FM”. This code reveals that the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, USA, manufactured the vehicle. Specifically, it indicates that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), catering to a variety of transportation needs. Through the WMI, one can trace the origin of the Ford Aerostar, emphasizing the global standardization in vehicle identification.
List of WMI Codes for a 1988 Ford Aerostar
WMI: 1FM
- Model Years Covered: 1986-1989, 1991-1997
- Example VIN: 1FMCA11U2JZB12843
- 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 1988 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 1988 Ford Aerostar:
| Known VDS for a 1988 Ford Aerostar |
|---|
| CA11U |
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 1988 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 1988 Ford Aerostar VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| J | 1988 |
11th Character in the 1988 Ford Aerostar VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1988 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 | 1FMCA11U2JZB12843 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1988 Ford Aerostar
The final 6 characters in a 1988 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 1988 Ford Aerostar’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1988 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, near where the windshield meets the dash. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield.
- Examine the door post on the driver’s side when you open the door of your 1988 Ford Aerostar; there should be a label with the VIN where the door latches.
- Check the engine block of your Ford Aerostar, as the VIN can sometimes be stamped on the engine.
- Inspect the frame of your 1988 Ford Aerostar; common locations include areas near the front bumper or in the rear wheel well.
- Look in the vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or title of your Ford Aerostar, as the VIN is usually listed in the official documents.
What info can a 1988 Ford Aerostar VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN may suggest that the vehicle is from the year 1988, potentially indicating its age and market value.
- Make and Model: This vehicle is possibly a Ford Aerostar, giving an idea of the brand and model specificities.
- Engine Details: The Ford Aerostar might be equipped with a 3.0-liter V-Shaped 6-cylinder engine producing around 145 horsepower, showcasing its power capacity.
- Fuel Type: It may run on gasoline, a factor that can influence fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Body Class and Doors: The VIN hinting at the vehicle being a Minivan with 3 doors provides insights into its size and potential usage scenarios.
- Drive Type: It could possibly have a 4x2 drive type, offering insights into its driving and handling capabilities.
- Manufacturing Details: The vehicle might have been assembled in Hazelwood (St. Louis), Missouri, United States, potentially influencing its collectibility or parts availability.
Don’t have your 1988 Ford Aerostar’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1988 Ford Aerostar
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Minivan |
| Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
| Displacement (CC) | 2982.445648 |
| Displacement (CI) | 182 |
| Displacement (L) | 3.0 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Drive Type | 4x2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 145 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Ford |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Model | Aerostar |
| Model Year | 1988 |
| 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 |
| Series2 | Window Wagon |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1FMCA11U*JZ |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Sample_VIN | 1FMCA11U2JZB12843 |
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