How to decode a 1999 Ford Explorer VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1999 Ford Explorer VIN

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) codes are a critical part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) system, which uniquely identifies every vehicle around the globe. For the 1999 Ford Explorer, the WMI “1FM” signifies a vehicle manufactured by Ford Motor Company in the United States, specifically in Dearborn, Michigan. This code is designated for Multipurpose Passenger Vehicles (MPVs), highlighting the Ford Explorer’s versatile use. The WMI not only points to Ford as the manufacturer but also indicates that the vehicle is designed to carry passengers. This system aids in the tracking, regulation, and recall of vehicles by providing a standardized method of identification.

List of WMI Codes for a 1999 Ford Explorer

WMI: 1FM

Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
Example VIN: 1FMZU34E0XZA17241
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 1999 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 1999 Ford Explorer:

Known VDS for a 1999 Ford Explorer
ZU34E	ZU32E	ZU24E	ZU32X	DU32P	YU22E	YU24E	ZU32P	DU32X	DU24X
DU34E	CU24E	DU32E	ZU35P	YU24X	ZU34X	DU34X	DU35P	YU22X

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 1999 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 1999 Ford Explorer VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
X	1999

11th Character in the 1999 Ford Explorer VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1999 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		1FMZU24E0XUA61957
Z	Hazelwood (St. Louis)	Missouri	United States		1FMZU34E0XZA17241

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1999 Ford Explorer

The final 6 characters in a 1999 Ford Explorer’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Ford Explorer’s VIN below:

How to find a 1999 Ford Explorer’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1999 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 – the VIN is typically found on a metal plate visible through the windshield.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door jamb or the area where the door latches when closed – there should be a sticker or plate with the VIN.
Check the frame of the car near the windshield washer fluid container under the hood, there might be a VIN plate located there.
Review your Ford Explorer’s service or maintenance records as the VIN is usually listed on those documents.
If you still have it, examine the vehicle title or registration documents since the VIN will be detailed there.

What info can a 1999 Ford Explorer VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year, such as 1999, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Specifications: The VIN can provide details about the vehicle, such as the Ford Explorer model, equipped with a V-Shaped engine configuration and a displacement of 4.0 liters, shedding light on the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency: The VIN may indicate the engine’s horsepower starting from 160 hp, with a fuel type designated as gasoline, pinpointing the vehicle’s power and fuel consumption characteristics.
Safety Features: Insights into the Explorer’s safety system may include 2nd generation front airbags, emphasizing the safety measures employed.
Drive Type and Body Class: The VIN could reveal that the vehicle is a 4x2 drive type and classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), highlighting its design and function.
Manufacturing Information: The VIN may include manufacturing details, such as the plant location in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, supporting vehicle history and origin verification.
Fuel Delivery System: The VIN could provide information about the Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) system, underlining the vehicle’s advanced fuel delivery system for optimal engine performance.

Don’t have your 1999 Ford Explorer’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1999 Ford Explorer

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Displacement (CC)	4000.0
Displacement (CI)	244.09497637892
Displacement (L)	4.0
Doors	2
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Brake (hp) From	210
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	Ford
Engine Number of Cylinders	6
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)
Model	Explorer
Model Year	1999
Other Engine Info	SEFI: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection
Other Restraint System Info	2nd gen front airbag
Plant City	Louisville
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Kentucky
Series	Sport
Valve Train Design	Single Overhead Cam (SOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1FMZU24E*XU
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	1FMZU24E0XUA61957