Free 2003 Ford Explorer VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2003 Ford Explorer VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 Ford Explorer VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle, representing the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). For the 2003 Ford Explorer, the WMI is “1FM”, indicating that the vehicle was manufactured by Ford Motor Company. This specific code tells us that the vehicle originates from the United States and is produced in Dearborn, Michigan. Additionally, the WMI determines that the vehicle is classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), providing insights into the type and purpose of the vehicle. Each element of the WMI offers a wealth of information about the vehicle’s origins, manufacturer, and category, proving essential for identification and registration purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 Ford Explorer

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
• Example VIN: 1FMDU74K03ZA92152
• 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 2003 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 2003 Ford Explorer:

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 2003 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 2003 Ford Explorer VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2003 Ford Explorer VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 Ford Explorer Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 Ford Explorer

The final 6 characters in a 2003 Ford Explorer’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your Ford Explorer’s VIN below:

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What info can a 2003 Ford Explorer VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2003, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: A VIN may indicate the body class as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with 4 doors, suggesting a versatile and spacious design ideal for family or multipurpose use.
• Engine Type and Fuel: Specifics from the VIN, such as a 4.0 L V-Shaped engine with 210 horsepower sourced from Ford, utilizing gasoline as the primary fuel type, but also capable of running on Ethanol (E85), illustrate the power and flexibility under the hood.
• Drive Type: The VIN reveals the vehicle has 4WD (4-Wheel Drive) capabilities, which can provide enhanced traction and handling in various driving conditions.
• Brake System: It also indicates a Hydraulic brake system, which may contribute to the vehicle’s braking performance and safety features.
• Safety Features: The VIN provides information about safety features, such as curtain airbags in the 1st row (Driver and Passenger), front airbags, and side airbags, offering insights into the vehicle’s equipped safety measures.
• Fuel Options: The VIN highlighting the vehicle as a Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV) that can operate on both gasoline and Ethanol (E85) provides clues to its fuel versatility and potential economic benefits.
• Manufacturing Information: The VIN details such as the plant location in Hazelwood, Missouri, United States, and being made by St. Louis indicate its American manufacturing roots, which might appeal to those interested in a vehicle’s origin.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 Ford Explorer

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