Free 1997 Ford Aerostar VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Ford Aerostar VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Ford Aerostar VIN

WMI, or World Manufacturer Identifier, is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer worldwide and makes up the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 1997 Ford Aerostar, this WMI is 1FT, denoting that the vehicle was manufactured by Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. Specifically, the WMI 1FT is used for trucks, underlining the Aerostar’s classification as a multipurpose passenger vehicle (MPV) with truck-like capabilities. This identifier not only links the vehicle to Ford but also provides information regarding the vehicle type and location of manufacture. Such information is crucial for identification, registration, and distinguishing the vehicle for legal and safety purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Ford Aerostar

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 1986-1989, 1991-1997
• Example VIN: 1FMDA41X0VZB87157
• 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: 1FTDA14U0VZB82657
• 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 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 1997 Ford Aerostar:

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 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 1997 Ford Aerostar VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1997 Ford Aerostar Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Ford Aerostar

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

What info can a 1997 Ford Aerostar VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential technological standards of that time.
• Engine Specifications: The VIN suggests that the vehicle features a V-Shaped engine configuration with a displacement of 3.0 liters (182 CI), possibly made by Ford, signifying potential performance characteristics.
• Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is Gasoline, which may impact its fuel efficiency and emissions.
• Safety Features: The vehicle is equipped with front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, which may indicate a focus on safety.
• Body Class and Drive Type: The VIN indicates that this vehicle is a Cargo Van that operates with a 4x2 drive type, possibly offering specifics on the vehicle’s design and handling capabilities.
• Vehicle Manufacturing Details: The VIN reveals that this vehicle was produced in Hazelwood (St. Louis), Missouri, United States, suggesting these details provide a glimpse into the vehicle’s origin, which can possibly influence parts availability and overall vehicle history.
• Engine Power: The VIN may suggest that the engine’s horsepower ranges from 140 to 150 hp, offering a potential clue to the vehicle’s performance level and capability.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Ford Aerostar

Source