Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) - Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Sable, 2008 Ford Taurus X, and 2008 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Locator

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit combination of letters and numbers. The VIN is stamped on a metal tab riveted to the instrument panel top, upper left of the dash. The VIN is also found on the vehicle certification (VC) label. If the VIN plate requires replacement, authorized dealers must contact their respective regional office.

Fig 2: Identifying VIN

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Item	Description
1	World manufacturer identifier (WMI)
2	Restraint-type code
3	Vehicle line, series, body type code
4	Engine type code
5	Computer-generated check digit
6	Model year code
7	Assembly plant code
8	Production sequence number

Fig 3: World Manufacturer Identifier

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The first 3 VIN positions are the world manufacturer code.

1FA - Ford Motor Company, USA, passenger car
1ME - Mercury, USA, passenger car

Fig 4: Restraint Type

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The fourth VIN position is the vehicle restraint-type code.

H - Active safety belts - all positions, driver and front passenger air bags with driver and front passenger side impact protection

Fig 5: Vehicle Line, Series and Body Type

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Positions 5 through 7 indicate vehicle line, series and body type.

M40 - Mercury Sable, front wheel drive (FWD), Luxury
M41 - Mercury Sable, all wheel drive (AWD), Luxury
M42 - Mercury Sable, FWD, Premier
M43 - Mercury Sable, AWD, Premier
P24 - Ford Taurus, FWD, SEL
P25 - Ford Taurus, FWD, Limited
P27 - Ford Taurus, AWD, SEL
P28 - Ford Taurus, AWD, Limited

Fig 6: Engine Type

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The eighth VIN position is the engine displacement and number of cylinders.

W - 3.5L, DOHC, 4 valve, V6

Fig 7: Check Digit

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The ninth VIN position is a government-assigned, computer-generated check digit.

Fig 8: Model Year

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The tenth VIN position is the model year code.

8 - 2008

Fig 9: Assembly Plant

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The eleventh VIN position is the assembly plant code.

G - Chicago (Chicago, Illinois)

Fig 10: Production Sequence Number

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

The last 6 VIN positions are a numeric code for the vehicle build sequence. This is also the vehicle serial and warranty number. The serial number can also be found on the engine block, transmission and frame.

100001-599999 - Ford
600001-999999 - Mercury