Free 1997 Ford Probe VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Ford Probe VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Ford Probe VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer, providing key information about the vehicle’s origin, type, and production location. For example, in the case of a 1997 Ford Probe, the WMI “1ZV” specifically denotes vehicles manufactured by Auto Alliance International in the United States, indicative of the vehicle being a passenger car. This code is crucial for vehicle identification, tracing, and regulatory compliance, forming the first three characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is globally recognized and used to distinguish individual vehicles. Particularly, the “1ZV” WMI highlights the collaboration between Ford and its manufacturing partner, situating the production in Washington, DC, thus blending international automotive partnerships with American manufacturing practices. This serves not just as an identifier but as a testament to the global nature of the automotive industry.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Ford Probe

WMI: 1ZV

• Model Years Covered: 1989-1997
• Example VIN: 1ZVLT20A1V5139800
• Manufacturer Name: Auto Alliance International, USA
• Vehicle Type: Passenger Car
• City: Wasington
• State or Province: DC
• Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1997 Ford Probe 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 1997 Ford Probe:

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 1997 Ford Probe 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 1997 Ford Probe VIN — Year Code

11th Character in the 1997 Ford Probe VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1997 Ford Probe Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Ford Probe

The final 6 characters in a 1997 Ford Probe’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

What info can a 1997 Ford Probe VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicle’s model year being the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Body Class and Doors: The VIN indicates that the vehicle is a Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback with 2 doors, offering detailed insights into the vehicle’s design and structure.
• Engine Specifications: The details mention a 2.0L In-Line 4-cylinder engine with horsepower ranging from 114 to 118, reflecting engine performance metrics.
• Fuel Type: The vehicle uses Gasoline, which informs about the fuel efficiency and compatibility.
• Safety Features: The VIN includes information about front airbags for both the driver and passenger, as well as the presence of seat belts with active belts, indicating key safety measures.
• Manufacturing Details: The VIN specifies that the vehicle was manufactured in Flat Rock, Michigan, United States by AAI, linking the vehicle to its production origin.
• Additional Features: The VIN provides information about manual seat belt type and a trim level of ‘Base’, along with the displacement and weight class information, offering a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s specifications and features.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Ford Probe