Free 2016 Ford Explorer VIN Decoder

How to decode a 2016 Ford Explorer VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2016 Ford Explorer VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code used to identify the manufacturer of a vehicle globally. In the context of the 2016 Ford Explorer, this code corresponds to Ford Motor Company, specifically denoting a multipurpose passenger vehicle produced by the company. The code indicates that the vehicle was manufactured in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. WMIs are crucial in deciphering vehicle origins and are the initial characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which provides detailed information about the vehicle’s specifications and manufacturer. This system ensures each vehicle can be uniquely identified, linking it to its manufacturer, vehicle type, and production location.

List of WMI Codes for a 2016 Ford Explorer

WMI: 1FM

• Model Years Covered: 1991-2024
• Example VIN: 1FM5K8FH0GGA00251
• 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 Ford Explorer VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 2016 Ford Explorer VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2016 Ford Explorer Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2016 Ford Explorer

The final 6 characters in a 2016 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 2016 Ford Explorer VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN may provide insights into the vehicle’s model year, indicating it may be from the year 2016, potentially influencing its age and historical significance.
• Vehicle Specifications: The dataset contains detailed specifications of a Ford Explorer, including its manufacturer, engine displacement (3.5L), and the type of fuel injection used (Stoichiometric Gasoline Direct Injection - SGDI), contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle.
• Drive Type and Engine Details: It seems that the vehicle is equipped with a 4-wheel drive system (4WD) and is potentially powered by a V-Shaped 6-cylinder engine, boasting an output of around 365 horsepower.
• Safety Equipment: The VIN provided details on important safety features such as airbags, including their locations at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rows, and specific features like a passenger seat knee airbag, potentially enhancing the understanding of the vehicle’s safety measures.
• Fuel Type and Efficiency: The dataset indicates that the vehicle primarily uses gasoline as its fuel type, which might provide insights into its fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Information: It includes specific manufacturing details such as the location (Chicago, Illinois, United States) and the plant company name (Chicago Assembly), possibly offering insights into the vehicle’s production background and origin.
• Body Class and Additional Features: Classification as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with features like a hydraulic brake system and a direct tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) showcases the vehicle’s design and functionality attributes, potentially providing a better understanding of its structure and features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2016 Ford Explorer

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