Free 1997 Ford Expedition VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Ford Expedition VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Ford Expedition VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code consisting of the first three characters of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), designating the vehicle’s manufacturer, the type of vehicle, and the place of manufacture. In the case of the 1997 Ford Expedition, the WMI “1FM” reveals that the vehicle was manufactured by Ford Motor Company, specifically classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), and produced in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. This code is pivotal for identifying the vehicle’s make and model, providing insights into its specifications and manufacturing origin. The WMI not only aids in vehicle tracking and registration but also in the recall and safety processes, ensuring each vehicle can be accurately traced back to its manufacturer and production details.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Ford Expedition

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 1997-2024
• Example VIN: 1FMEU1760VLC26275
• 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 1997 Ford Expedition 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 Expedition:

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 Expedition 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 Expedition VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1997 Ford Expedition Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Ford Expedition

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

What info can a 1997 Ford Expedition VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, possibly indicating a 1997 Ford Expedition, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Engine Specifications: It may include comprehensive engine details such as a V-Shaped configuration, a 4.6L displacement, and an 8-cylinder engine designed by Ford, possibly highlighting the power and capacity of the vehicle.
• Fuel Type - Primary: The primary fuel type for this vehicle can be gasoline, possibly reflecting on the vehicle’s efficiency and performance characteristics.
• Safety Features: Essential safety features might be identified, such as the presence of front airbags in the 1st row for both the driver and passenger, possibly indicating the vehicle’s focus on occupant safety.
• Body Class and Size: The VIN may reveal the vehicle as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, offering insights into its design and capacity for passengers and cargo.
• Drive Type and Brake System: Details such as a 4x2 drive type and a hydraulic brake system could provide valuable information on the vehicle’s handling and control mechanisms.
• Manufacturing Information: The production details, including the manufacturing plant location in Wayne, Michigan, United States, and the company name, Michigan Truck, might help trace the vehicle’s origin and production quality.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Ford Expedition

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