How to decode a 1986 Ford Escort VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1986 Ford Escort VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code that identifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, highlighting key information such as the country of manufacturing, vehicle type, and the make. For example, the WMI “1FA” signifies vehicles made by Ford Motor Company, specifically pointing towards passenger cars produced in the United States. This is well illustrated in the case of the 1986 Ford Escort, a vehicle crafted in Dearborn, Michigan. Such WMIs are essential in deciphering VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers), allowing for the detailed tracking and identification of vehicles, offering insights into their origins and specifications. The 1986 Ford Escort, with its “1FA” WMI, is a testament to this system’s role in globally standardizing vehicle identification.
List of WMI Codes for a 1986 Ford Escort
WMI: 1FA
- Model Years Covered: 1984, 1986, 1988-1999
- Example VIN: 1FABP3495GW282907
- Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
- Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
- City: Dearborn
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1986 Ford Escort 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 1986 Ford Escort:
| Known VDS for a 1986 Ford Escort | |
|---|---|
| BP349 | BP01J |
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 1986 Ford Escort 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 1986 Ford Escort VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| G | 1986 |
11th Character in the 1986 Ford Escort VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1986 Ford Escort Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | Wayne | Michigan | United States | 1FABP3495GW282907 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1986 Ford Escort
The final 6 characters in a 1986 Ford Escort’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1986 Ford Escort’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1986 Ford Escort is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Ford Escort. The VIN is typically visible through the windshield on a small metal or plastic plate.
- Examine the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Ford Escort. The VIN might be located on a label or sticker where the door latches when it is closed.
- Check under the hood of your Ford Escort. The VIN can sometimes be found on the front of the engine block, or on a metal plate attached to the bulkhead.
- Inspect the rear wheel well of the Ford Escort. Sometimes the VIN is stamped on the frame behind the tires.
- Review your Ford Escort’s vehicle registration documents or insurance papers, which will contain the VIN.
What info can a 1986 Ford Escort VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, being the year 1986, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Size: From the VIN, one might ascertain both the body class and size, indicating that the vehicle is a Wagon with 4 doors, suitable for versatility and space.
- Engine Specifications: The VIN might offer detailed engine specifications, including an In-Line configuration with a displacement of 1.9 liters or 116 cubic inches, powered by a gasoline engine manufactured by Ford, hinting at its performance capabilities.
- Drive Type: It’s possible to glean the drive type from the VIN, which in this case denotes a 4WD (4-Wheel Drive) system, suggesting enhanced traction and off-road capability.
- Fuel Type: The type of fuel the vehicle primarily uses, such as Gasoline, can often be extracted from the VIN, reflecting on the vehicle’s environmental footprint and running costs.
- Safety Features: The VIN might reflect on basic safety features by indicating the type of seat belts installed, which are Manual in this instance, providing a glimpse into the car’s safety standards.
- Manufacturing Information: The VIN can reveal comprehensive manufacturing details, including that the vehicle was assembled in Wayne, Michigan, United States, by Ford, offering insights into its origin and quality assurance standards.
Don’t have your 1986 Ford Escort’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1986 Ford Escort
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback |
| Displacement (CC) | 1900.89942400 |
| Displacement (CI) | 116.00 |
| Displacement (L) | 1.9 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 110 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Manufacturer | Ford |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) |
| Model | Escort |
| Model Year | 1986 |
| Other Engine Info | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Plant City | Wayne |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Michigan |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Trim | EXP |
| Turbo | No |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1FABP01J*GW |
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Car |
| Sample_VIN | 1FABP01J7GW300689 |
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