How to decode a 1994 Ford Explorer VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1994 Ford Explorer VIN
A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to each car manufacturer to identify the location, name, and vehicle type produced by them. This code is the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides specific information about a vehicle. For instance, for a 1994 Ford Explorer, the WMI “1FM” signifies that it was manufactured by Ford Motor Company in the United States, specifically in Michigan. The vehicle type indicated by this WMI is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), which categorizes the Ford Explorer as designed for various passenger and cargo transportation purposes. This coding system helps in standardizing vehicle identification worldwide, making it easier to recognize where and by whom a vehicle was made.
List of WMI Codes for a 1994 Ford Explorer
WMI: 1FM
- Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
- Example VIN: 1FMCU22XXRUA15159
- 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 1994 Ford Explorer 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 1994 Ford Explorer:
| Known VDS for a 1994 Ford Explorer | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| CU22X | DU34X | CU24X | DU32X |
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 1994 Ford Explorer 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 1994 Ford Explorer VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| R | 1994 |
11th Character in the 1994 Ford Explorer VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1994 Ford Explorer Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | Louisville | Kentucky | United States | 1FMCU22XXRUA15159 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1994 Ford Explorer
The final 6 characters in a 1994 Ford Explorer’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1994 Ford Explorer’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1994 Ford Explorer is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Ford Explorer, preferably near the bottom of the windshield, where you can see the VIN through the glass.
- Examine the inside edge of the driver’s side door jamb on your 1994 Ford Explorer for a sticker or plate that displays the VIN.
- Inspect the firewall of the vehicle’s engine bay, where the VIN may be stamped directly into the metal.
- Check the vehicle’s frame near the windshield washer container for the engraved VIN on your Ford Explorer.
- Look at your vehicle registration documents, insurance papers, or title, where the VIN of your Ford Explorer will be clearly listed.
What info can a 1994 Ford Explorer VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1994, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Body Class and Doors: A VIN can specify the body class. For the 1994 Ford Explorer XL, this may indicate a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with 4 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Engine Type: Equipped with a V-Shaped, 4.0 L engine by Ford, with an output ranging from 155 to 160 horsepower, this information is essential for understanding vehicle performance and compatibility with parts.
- Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which is crucial for determining fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: Among its safety features, this vehicle includes front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, highlighting its safety provisions.
- Drive Type: The drive type can also be identified from the VIN. In the case of the 1994 Ford Explorer XL, it is a 4x2, which can help in understanding the vehicle’s handling characteristics and drive configuration.
- Manufacturing Information: The vehicle was assembled in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, indicating its production location and possibly affecting its availability and parts sourcing.
Don’t have your 1994 Ford Explorer’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1994 Ford Explorer
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Body Class | Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) |
| Brake System Type | Hydraulic |
| Displacement (CC) | 3949.282424 |
| Displacement (CI) | 241 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.0 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 155 |
| Engine Brake (hp) To | 160 |
| Engine Configuration | V-Shaped |
| Engine Manufacturer | Ford |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Gasoline |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg) |
| Model | Explorer |
| Model Year | 1994 |
| Other Engine Info | Fuel Injection Type: Electronic Fuel Injection |
| Plant City | Louisville |
| Plant Company Name | |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Kentucky |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | XL |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1FMCU24X*RU |
| Vehicle Type | Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle |
| Sample_VIN | 1FMCU24X0RUD20263 |
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