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.

Body style codes

The Body type is specified as character six of the American GM VIN for passenger cars.

American restraint types

The restraint type is specified as character seven of the American GM VIN for passenger cars.

American engine codes

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

Engine codes for passenger cars

Mistake on the engine code M, this M code comes out on the 1995 - 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and the engine is an RPO L82 3.1 SFI engine.

VIN code T also designates a 3.1 V6, the base engine in the 1990-92 Camaro/Firebird platform, and VIN code 8 is much better known as the L98 5.7 V8 TPI, standard in the 1985-91 Corvette and optional in the 1987-92 Camaro/Firebird platform .

Missing Entry: The 2009 Corvette uses a W engine code for the 6.2L LS3 V8.

Warning: Issues with the decoding are related to year/model combinations. Such as the 4.1 V6 is not included in the list, however it was used on El Dorada and some Cadillac models. Each Year has different break down for each code, a complete list would be a subject of its own. Along with Plants and some model break downs over years.

Missing Entry: 1991 Limo with engine code 7, is not listed. According to one source the limo engine is a 5.7L.

Engine codes for light trucks

VIN Size Type Fuel
1 6.6 L V8 Diesel
2 6.6 L V8 Diesel
B 5.3 L V8 RPO-L33 Vortec 5.3L 310 Alum Blk HO
D 6.6L V8 Diesel
G 8.1L V8 (Vortec 8100)
J 6.2 L V8 Diesel, Non-Turbo
L 2.5 L L4
M 5.0 L V8
N 6.0 L V8 (GENIII LQ9)
P 5.3 L V8
K 5.7 L V8 TBI
R 5.7 L V8 Vortec
S 4.2 L L6
T 5.3 L V8 (GENIII LM7)
U 6.0 L V8 (GENIII LQ4)
V 4.8 L V8
W 4.3 L V6 CPI
X 4.3 L V6
Z 4.3 L V6 EFI

GM WMIs

07187C: Special Coverage Adjustment – Instrument Panel Cluster Gauge Needle Function - (Mar 20, 2009)

THIS BULLETIN IS BEING REVISED TO INCLUDE CERTAIN 2005 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES IN THE U.S. ADDITIONALLY, FOR U.S. 2003-2005 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES, GM WILL PROVIDE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC) ONLY, AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER FOR VERIFIED FAILURES BETWEEN 70,001 MILES (110,001 KM) AND 80,000 MILES (130,000 KM). ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS, INCLUDING LABOR TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER, WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CUSTOMER. DEALERS WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RETURN OF THE CUSTOMER'S IPC BACK TO THE ELECTRONIC SERVICE CENTER. PLEASE DISCARD ALL COPIES OF BULLETIN 07187B, ISSUED SEPTEMBER 2008.

Subject: 07187C -- SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT – INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER GAUGE NEEDLE FUNCTION

Models:

2003-2004 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT

2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT (U.S. ONLY)

2003-2004 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE

2005 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE (U.S.ONLY)

2003-2004 GMC SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL

2005 GMC SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL (U.S. ONLY)

CUSTOMERS ARE BEING INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT IF THEY BELIEVE THEIR VEHICLE HAS THIS CONDITION. THE CUSTOMER IS BEING ASKED TO PROVIDE THE VIN SO THE IPC CAN BE ORDERED IN ADVANCE OF THE SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT. THIS WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT. DEALERS ARE TO OBTAIN THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WHEN SCHEDULING A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WILL BE REQUIRED WHEN PLACING AN ORDER FOR THE IPC.

Condition

Some customers of all 2003-2004 model year and certain U.S. 2005 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles have reported that one or more of the instrument panel (IP) cluster gauges stick, flutter, or become inoperative. This may cause inaccurate readings, including the speedometer and fuel gauge.

Special Coverage Adjustment

This special coverage covers the condition described above for a period of 7 years or 70,000 miles (110,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. © 2009 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

Dealers are to replace the instrument panel cluster after the condition has been verified. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.  For verified failures between 70,001 miles (110,001 km) and 80,000 miles (130,000 km) on U.S. vehicles, dealers are to provide the customer with an instrument panel cluster (IPC) only. Any additional costs, including labor to replace the instrument panel cluster, will be the responsibility of the customer. Dealers are responsible for the return of the customer's IPC back to the Electronic

Service Center

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after September 28, 2007 for 2003-2004 model year vehicles, and March 23, 2009 for 2005 model year vehicles, are covered by this special coverage and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to September 28, 2007 for 2003-2004 model year vehicles, or March 23, 2009 for 2005 model year vehicles, must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Vehicles Involved

Involved are all 2003 and 2004 model year and certain U.S. 2005 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Sierra, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles built within the following VIN points: