How to decode a 2008 Ford Explorer VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2008 Ford Explorer VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter code that identifies the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, offering insight into the vehicle’s origin, brand, and type. For the 2008 Ford Explorer, the WMI “1FM” pinpoints Ford Motor Company as its manufacturer, located in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. This code indicates that the vehicle falls under the classification of a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), which is reflective of its versatile design suitable for various passenger and cargo needs. The prefix is the first segment of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a unique identifier for each vehicle produced. This system is a standardized method used globally to track vehicle history, specifications, and authenticity.

List of WMI Codes for a 2008 Ford Explorer

WMI: 1FM

Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
Example VIN: 1FMEU65808UA00723
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 2008 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 2008 Ford Explorer:

Known VDS for a 2008 Ford Explorer
EU658	EU84E	EU858	EU65E	EU85E	EU748	EU64E	EU848	EU63E	EU738
EU74E	EU758	EU73E	EU648	EU638	EU75E

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 2008 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 2008 Ford Explorer VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
8	2008

11th Character in the 2008 Ford Explorer VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2008 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		1FMEU65808UA00723

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2008 Ford Explorer

The final 6 characters in a 2008 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 2008 Ford Explorer’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2008 Ford Explorer is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Check the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Ford Explorer. The VIN is often visible through the windshield on a metal plate.
Look at the door jamb on the driver’s side of your Ford Explorer. The VIN may be found on a label or sticker where the door latches when it is closed.
Examine the engine block of your Ford Explorer, as the VIN is sometimes stamped onto the engine itself.
Review the vehicle’s registration documents or the title, as these will contain the VIN for your Ford Explorer.
Inspect your Ford Explorer’s insurance card or insurance policy documents, which should list the VIN along with other important vehicle information.

What info can a 2008 Ford Explorer VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year as 2008, providing insights into the age and manufacturer of the vehicle.
Engine Type: This Ford Explorer is equipped with a V-shaped, 4.0 L engine with 210 hp, suggesting a powerful six-cylinder engine design optimized for performance and efficiency.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, which is an important detail for potential owners concerned with fuel compatibility and efficiency.
Safety Features: It is equipped with curtain, front, and side airbags for both driver and passenger in the first row, emphasizing occupant safety through a comprehensive airbag system.
Body Class and Drive Type: Classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), highlighting the vehicle’s versatility and capability in various driving conditions.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Featuring a direct TPMS, this Ford Explorer ensures real-time tire pressure monitoring, which can enhance safety and performance.
Manufacturing Details: Assembled in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, these details provide insight into the vehicle’s production location, potentially affecting parts availability and service options.

Don’t have your 2008 Ford Explorer’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2008 Ford Explorer

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Curtain Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Displacement (CC)	4600.0
Displacement (CI)	280.70922283576
Displacement (L)	4.6
Doors	4
Drive Type	AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Engine Brake (hp) From	292
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Model	Explorer
Model Year	2008
Plant City	Louisville
Plant Company Name
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Kentucky
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	Eddie Bauer
Side Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Type	Direct
Valve Train Design	Single Overhead Cam (SOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1FMEU848*8U
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	1FMEU84858UA88469