Free 1997 Ford Windstar VIN Decoder

How to decode a 1997 Ford Windstar VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1997 Ford Windstar VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code composed of the first three characters in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), used globally to identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, type, and country of origin. In the case of the 1997 Ford Windstar, the WMI “2FM” signifies that the vehicle was produced by Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd., located in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. This WMI indicates that the vehicle is a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), reflecting its design for versatility and functionality. Such WMIs provide not just insights into the vehicle’s pedigree but also essential information for tracking, registration, and recall purposes. Identifying the WMI is the first step in decoding the VIN and tracing the vehicle’s manufacturing details, including its place and year of production.

List of WMI Codes for a 1997 Ford Windstar

WMI: 2FM

• Model Years Covered: 1995-2003
• Example VIN: 2FMDA51U3VBD18189
• Manufacturer Name: Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd.
• Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
• City: Oakville
• State or Province: Ontario
• Country: Canada

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

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 Windstar 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 Windstar VIN — Year Code

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

Known 1997 Ford Windstar Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1997 Ford Windstar

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

Check your Ford Windstar’s VIN below:

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What info can a 1997 Ford Windstar VIN reveal?

• Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 1997, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
• Vehicle Type and Configuration: The VIN provides detailed specifications about the vehicle, indicating that the Ford Windstar is a Minivan with a hydraulic brake system, equipped with a V-Shaped 6-cylinder engine configuration by Ford, and a engine capacity of 3.0 liters or 182 cubic inches.
• Engine Power and Fuel Injection System: The VIN specifies an engine power ranging from 140 to 150 horsepower, utilizing Electronic Fuel Injection, indicating a balance between power and efficiency.
• Safety Features: Safety details revealed by the VIN include the presence of front airbags for both the driver and passenger in the first row, alongside manual seat belts, offering insights into the vehicle’s safety standards.
• Fuel Type: The VIN indicates that the vehicle primarily uses gasoline, providing clues about its fuel efficiency and environmental impact.
• Manufacturing Location: Production insights obtained from the VIN note that the vehicle was assembled in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, which may hint at specific design and quality attributes typical of the region or manufacturing plant.
• Drive Type and Capacity: It is classified as a 4x2 drive type vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating in the range of Class 1D, showcasing its utility specifications designed for optimal road performance and cargo capacity within its class.

Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1997 Ford Windstar

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