How to decode a 2002 Ford Mustang VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2002 Ford Mustang VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique three-letter or digit code used to identify the manufacturer of a specific vehicle, indicating also the vehicle type and production location. For the 2002 Ford Mustang, the WMI “1FA” points to the Ford Motor Company, specifying it as a passenger car manufactured in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. This code is an integral part of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), serving to provide essential information about the car’s origins. The WMI is crucial for various legal, registration, and identification processes, ensuring that each vehicle can be accurately traced back to its manufacturer. Through the WMI, the 2002 Ford Mustang is recognized as part of Ford’s expansive history of producing vehicles in the United States.

List of WMI Codes for a 2002 Ford Mustang

WMI: 1FA

Model Years Covered: 1981-2004, 2015-2024
Example VIN: 1FAFP44402F101135
Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
City: Dearborn
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2002 Ford Mustang 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 2002 Ford Mustang:

Known VDS for a 2002 Ford Mustang
FP444	FP404	FP45X	FP42X

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 2002 Ford Mustang 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 2002 Ford Mustang VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
2	2002

11th Character in the 2002 Ford Mustang VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2002 Ford Mustang Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
F	Dearborn	Michigan	United States	Dearborn Assembly Plant	1FAFP44402F101135

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2002 Ford Mustang

The final 6 characters in a 2002 Ford Mustang’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2002 Ford Mustang’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2002 Ford Mustang is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 2002 Ford Mustang. The VIN is typically found on a small plate that can be seen through the windshield.
Open the door on the driver’s side of your Ford Mustang and inspect the door jamb. The VIN can often be located on a label or sticker in that area where the door latches when it is closed.
Examine the engine block of your Ford Mustang for the VIN, as it is sometimes stamped directly on the engine.
Check the rear wheel well above the tire on the driver’s side of the Mustang. The VIN might be visible there.
Inspect the trunk under the spare tire, sometimes the VIN is placed in that area in vehicles like the 2002 Ford Mustang.
Look at the vehicle’s registration documents or insurance card, as the VIN will be printed there and corresponds to your particular Ford Mustang.

What info can a 2002 Ford Mustang VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN may indicate that the vehicle is from the 2002 model year, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Vehicle Make and Model: This vehicle is identified as a Ford Mustang GT, possibly providing insight into its make, model, and trim level.
Engine Specifications: The VIN details suggest that the vehicle has a V-shaped, 4.6-liter engine with 8 cylinders, which could indicate a capability of producing 260 horsepower, possibly highlighting the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
Body Type and Doors: According to the VIN, this vehicle is possibly a convertible (or cabriolet) with 2 doors, offering information about its body style and access points.
Fuel Type: This Ford Mustang is said to be primarily powered by gasoline, which might be useful for understanding fuel compatibility and efficiency.
Safety Features: The presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row is confirmed, potentially pointing towards the vehicle’s safety equipment.
Manufacturing Information: The VIN provides details about the vehicle’s assembly, noting it was possibly manufactured at the Dearborn Assembly Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, United States, which might be of interest for those who value American-made vehicles.

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2002 Ford Mustang

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Coupe
Displacement (CC)	4600.0
Displacement (CI)	280.70922283576
Displacement (L)	4.6
Doors	2
Engine Brake (hp) From	260
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	Ford
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Front Air Bag Locations	1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating To	Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Model	Mustang
Model Year	2002
Other Engine Info	EFI
Plant City	Dearborn
Plant Company Name	Dearborn assembly plant
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Michigan
Seat Belt Type	Manual
Series	GT
Valve Train Design	Single Overhead Cam (SOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	1FAFP42X*2F
Vehicle Type	Passenger Car
Sample_VIN	1FAFP42X02F103058