How to decode a 1998 Ford L8501 VIN
Characters 1-3 of a 1998 Ford L8501 VIN
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) starts with a World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer. This three-character sequence not only divulges the manufacturer’s identity but also provides insights into where the vehicle was made and the type of vehicle it is. For instance, the WMI for a 1998 Ford L8501 truck is integral to understanding its origin and classification directly from the manufacturer, Ford Motor Company. Based in Dearborn, Michigan, USA, this code indicates that the vehicle is a truck crafted by one of America’s oldest and most distinguished automakers. By examining the WMI, one can glean crucial information about the vehicle without needing to delve deeper into its VIN.
List of WMI Codes for a 1998 Ford L8501
WMI: 1FT
- Model Years Covered: 1998
- Example VIN: 1FTXN80F7WVA09728
- Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
- Vehicle Type: Truck
- City: Dearborn
- State or Province: Michigan
- Country: United States
Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 Ford L8501 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 1998 Ford L8501:
| Known VDS for a 1998 Ford L8501 |
|---|
| XN80F |
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 1998 Ford L8501 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 1998 Ford L8501 VIN — Year Code
| Year Code | Year |
|---|---|
| W | 1998 |
11th Character in the 1998 Ford L8501 VIN — Plant Code(s)
Known 1998 Ford L8501 Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)
| Plant Code | Plant City | Plant State | Plant Country | Plant Company Name | Example VIN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V | Jefferson County | Kentucky | United States | Kentucky Truck | 1FTXN80F7WVA09728 |
VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 Ford L8501
The final 6 characters in a 1998 Ford L8501’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.
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How to find a 1998 Ford L8501’s VIN?
Locating the VIN number on your 1998 Ford L8501 is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:
- Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Ford L8501, near where it meets the windshield. The VIN is commonly placed here and can be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Examine the door frame on the driver’s side when you open the door of the Ford L8501. The VIN might be located on a sticker or plate where the door latches.
- Check the engine block of the Ford L8501, as the VIN is often stamped onto the engine itself.
- Inspect the frame near the windshield washer container under the hood; sometimes the VIN is located in this area on trucks like the Ford L8501.
- Look at the vehicle’s insurance or registration documents, as they will list the VIN for your Ford L8501.
What info can a 1998 Ford L8501 VIN reveal?
- Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 1998, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
- Engine Type: The VIN specifies the engine as a Caterpillar 3126 with an in-line configuration, 6 cylinders, 439 cubic inches or 7.2 liters displacement, and a horsepower range of 175 to 300, indicating the engine power and performance capabilities.
- Fuel Type: It seems that this vehicle runs on Diesel, which is detailed in the VIN information, suggesting its fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
- Safety Features: The presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the 1st row can be deciphered from the VIN, potentially enhancing the vehicle’s safety features.
- Body Class: The VIN indicates the vehicle is classified as a Truck, with specific configurations such as a Set-Back Axle (SBA) and a conventional Medium-Duty/Heavy-Duty (MDHD) cab type, offering insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: The VIN showcases a Class 7 vehicle, suggesting it has a GVWR ranging from 26,001 to 33,000 lb, indicating the vehicle’s capacity and potential uses.
- Manufacturing Details: Manufacturing details such as the plant’s location in Jefferson County, Kentucky, United States, and its affiliation with Kentucky Truck are included in the VIN data, providing insights into the vehicle’s production origin and potential manufacturing standards.
Don’t have your 1998 Ford L8501’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!
Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 Ford L8501
| Vehicle Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Axle Configuration | SBA - Set-Back Axle |
| Body Class | Truck |
| Cab Type | MDHD: Conventional |
| Displacement (CC) | 7193.921096 |
| Displacement (CI) | 439 |
| Displacement (L) | 7.2 |
| Engine Brake (hp) From | 175 |
| Engine Brake (hp) To | 300 |
| Engine Configuration | In-Line |
| Engine Manufacturer | Caterpillar |
| Engine Model | 3126 |
| Engine Number of Cylinders | 6 |
| Engine Stroke Cycles | 4 |
| Front Air Bag Locations | 1st Row (Driver and Passenger) |
| Fuel Type - Primary | Diesel |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From | Class 7: 26,001 - 33,000 lb (11,794 - 14,969 kg) |
| Model | L8501 |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| Plant City | Jefferson County |
| Plant Company Name | Kentucky Truck |
| Plant Country | United States |
| Plant State | Kentucky |
| Seat Belt Type | Manual |
| Series | Louisville 101 |
| Vehicle Descriptor | 1FTXN80F*WV |
| Vehicle Type | Truck |
| Sample_VIN | 1FTXN80F7WVA09728 |
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