The VIN plate is visible through the driver's side
lower corner of the windshield
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The VIN plate is visible through the driver's side
lower corner of the windshield |
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Breakdown of the VIN number
sequence |
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is stamped onto a metal tag mounted in the upper left-hand corner of the instrument panel, visible through the windshield from the outside of the vehicle. The VIN is also presented on various other labels and identifiers found throughout the vehicle.
The VIN is an identification code comprised of a seventeen-digit combination of numbers and letters. Each letter, number or combination represents different items, such as manufacturer, type of restraint system, line, series and body type, engine, model year and consecutive unit number.
The last six digits of the VIN indicate the assembly plant production sequence number of each individual vehicle manufactured at the factory. The last six digits are alphanumeric and begin with A00001, after A99999, the next number would be B00001.
Refer to the accompanying specifications chart and illustrations for VIN breakdown.
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The vehicle certification label is typically located on
the driver's door pillar |
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Location of various codes on the vehicle certification
label |
The vehicle certification label is affixed to the driver's side door pillar. The vehicle certification label displays various, important information regarding your particular vehicle, such as the following:
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The engine identification label is typically located on
the valve cover |
There are several ways to determine engine type supplied with the vehicle. The Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) decal mounted under the hood is perhaps the simplest way to identify the vehicle's engine. Another way is to refer to the 10th digit of the VIN along with the necessary chart to determine the meaning of that digit (engine code). In addition to those labels, there is also a specific engine identification label (or tag) attached to the engine.
The engine identification tag identifies the cubic inch displacement of the engine, the model year, the year and month in which the engine was built, where it was built and the change level number. The change level is usually the number one (1), unless there are parts on the engine that will not be completely interchangeable and will require minor modification.
The engine identification tag is typically located on one of the valve covers, usually the driver's side except on the 7.3L diesel engine. The diesel engine I.D. number is stamped on the front of the block, in front of the left cylinder head.
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Typical breakdown of a transmission identification
label |
An identification tag is located on the transmission case, typically on the left side rearward of the transmission range (TR) sensor on automatic transmissions and on the side of the case on a manual transmission. A transmission code is also located on the vehicle certification label, however it is alphanumeric code and only identifies the model of the transmission and cannot be used for parts ordering or application.
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The axle identification tag is typically attached to
one of the axle cover bolts |
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Differential identification label. Limited slip units
have a separate tag secured by a cover bolt |
The drive axle code is found stamped on a flat surface on the axle support arm or on the axle tube next to the differential housing. Also, and more easily found, is a tag secured by one of the differential housing cover bolts. The axle tag has several identifying codes on it including manufacturer, axle ratio, ring gear diameter and date of manufacture. The axle code is also listed on the certification label, however, this is a code is not the axle ratio, but a two digit code (4 X 2 only) and three digit code (4 X 4 only) with the third digit being the front axle identifying code.
A tag is affixed to the case mounting bolts, usually where the case splits. The information on the tag is needed when ordering service parts. If the tag is removed for any reason, make sure it is reinstalled.