Analog and Mechanical Speedometers with Odometer Trip and Speed Issues.

American VIN format

Ford does not directly encode the platform name in the VIN, although much other information is included there. Instead, the company uses a series number to identify a vehicle type. Ford's VIN format is as follows:

Ford Offers a VIN decoding program (for vehicles 1982-Present) at: here

American restraint types

The restraint type is specified as character four of the American Ford VIN for passenger cars.

American GVWR classes

American models

The model type is specified in positions five through seven of the American Ford VIN. The first position specifies the model line or marque, the next is the series, the last is the vehicle type. The type often indicates the engine size, driven wheels, body style, and similar factors.

American engine codes

Ford encodes the engine type in character 8 of the VIN. The following table outlines the various engines encoded there:

Engine codes for passenger cars

Engine codes for light trucks

Engine codes for commercial trucks

European VIN format

European body types

European model lines

European factories

See >List of Ford factories

European models

Australian VIN format

Ford Australia have used the same basic system for chassis numbers on Australian assembled vehicles since the early 1960s.^[1] When Australia went to mandatory 17-digit VINs in 1989, the Ford chassis numbers became 17-digit VINs by the addition of 6FPAAA ahead of the original numbering system.^[2] With the exception of some L-series (Louisville) trucks fitted with other brands of engine, engine numbers match the VIN with the 6FPAAA omitted.

Australian platform origin

The platform code indicates the origin of the underlying platform on which the vehicle is built, even if the body was locally designed.

Australian production location

Ford WMIs

Ford F Series, Bronco, Econoline, & RV PSOM Instrument Cluster Dash Panel Repair

Some additional reasons for speedo needle waiver on PSOM clusters

1. Exciter ring chipped or damaged 60% of the time
2. 20% of the time is the VSS
3. 10% of the time the air gap is too wide and should be 15-20 thousandths
4. Wiring issues (pinched, open, intermittent, pins pushed out of connector making poor contact, etc.)
5. Drive line angle bad could cause waiver around 5% of the time
6. Three piece drive shafts have caused oscillations (RV’s, Heavy Duty Trucks)

Some vehicles may exhibit needle fluctuation and/or a light surge when speed control is used at highway speeds between 50-70 MPH.  If so, perform normal PSOM diags per pinpoint tests “H” & “J” in section 13-01-30 through 32 of the 1996 Body/Chassis Service Manual and Pinpoint Test “B” in section 10-03-11 of the 1996 Powertrain/Drivetrain service manual.  Any slight dents, chips, etc in either the exciter ring or VSS will create needle waiver.  You can also measure the air gap between the VSS & Exciter Ring which should be .015” to .02”.  Also, check the exciter ring run out per the same procedure listed on page 05-02A-10 & 29 of the 1996 Powertrain/Drivetrain service manual for checking ring gear back face run out.  Make sure the exciter ring is mounted correctly to the ring gear.  If run out is more that .004” then perform the differential run out check on page 05-02A-14 to find cause & repair as needed.  If all items listed above check OK then the age of the vehicle makes the cluster components necessary to correct needle fluctuation no longer available.  The speed will still be accurate but needle fluctuation will remain an operational aspect of the cluster going forward.

You can reference TSB 96-21-11 but PSOM3 level clusters for only a speedometer needle waiver concern are no longer available.  All other repair inquiries are welcome.

American VIN format

GM has traditionally encoded the platform as the fourth character of the VIN. Other content includes an engine code and manufacturing plant. GM's VIN format is as follows:

Platform codes

GM used a lettered system of automobile platform codes for three decades. These letters were used as the fourth position of the VIN. Though today's GM platforms use Greek characters, they are still encoded with Latin characters in the fourth position. Position five encodes the specific model and trim level of the vehicle.