Scheme guide · 1990–1991
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury passenger-car 17-character VIN, model years 1990-1991 (Thunderbird, Cougar, Capri, Mark VII, Taurus SHO; Mustang hand-off)
What each character of a 1990–1991 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury VIN means, with the factory or regulatory source for every code.
4 sources · 58 sourced codes · decode a VIN
This scheme adds model-specific positions to the U.S. 17-character VIN (49 CFR Part 565), model year 1981 onward. Positions not listed here follow that scheme.
Character by character
| Positions | Field | How it is read |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | World manufacturer identifier | See the code table below |
| 4 | Restraint system | See the code table below |
| 5 | Make / origin | See the code table below |
| 6–7 | Line, series and body | See the code table below |
| 8 | Engine | See the code table below |
| 9 | Check digit | Check digit calculated from the other characters |
| 10 | Model year | See the code table below |
| 11 | Assembly plant | See the code table below |
| 12–17 | Production sequence | Production sequence number |
Where to find it: Not stated on the transcribed pages. 49 CFR 565.23(f): inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing from outside next to the left windshield pillar.
Model year codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
L |
1990 | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 14, position 10 |
M |
1991 | all | Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 14, position 10 |
World manufacturer identifier codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
1FA |
Ford Motor Company, USA — Ford passenger car | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 5; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 4 |
1ME |
Ford Motor Company, USA — Mercury passenger car | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 5; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 4 |
1LN |
Ford Motor Company, USA — Lincoln passenger car | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 5; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 4 |
2FA |
Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. — Ford passenger car | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 5; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 4 |
2ME |
Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. — Mercury passenger car | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 5; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 4 |
1ZV |
Mazda Motor Manufacturing (USA) Corp. — Ford passenger car | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 5; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 4 |
6MP |
Ford Motor Company of Australia, Ltd. — Mercury passenger car (imported Capri) | model year 1991 | Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 4 |
3FA |
Ford Motor Company S. A. de C. V. (Mexico) — Ford passenger car | model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 5; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 4 |
3MA |
Ford Motor Company S. A. de C. V. (Mexico) — Mercury passenger car | model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 5; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 4 |
Restraint system codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
B |
Active belts (all designated seating positions) | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 6; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 5 |
P |
Passive belts (front) / active belts (rear) | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 6; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 5 |
C |
Active belts (all designated seating positions) plus driver air bag | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 6; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 5 |
L |
Active belts (3-point belts in all outboard positions) plus driver and passenger air bags | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 6; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 5 |
Make / origin codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
P |
Ford make | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 6; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 5 |
M |
Lincoln or Mercury make | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 6; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 5 |
T |
Passenger car imported from outside North America, or non-Ford-built car marketed by Ford in North America | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 6; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 5 |
Line, series and body codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
54 |
Ford Taurus SHO 4-door sedan | make P | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 7; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 6 |
92 |
Lincoln Mark VII Blass 2-door coupe | make M; wmi 1LN | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 9; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 8 |
93 |
Lincoln Mark VII LSC 2-door coupe | make M; wmi 1LN | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 9 (nameplate "Special Edition"); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 8 |
40 |
Ford Mustang LX 5.0L 2-door sedan (decoded in full by Mustang Car Facts) | make P; model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 7 (Att. p. 3); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 6 |
41 |
Ford Mustang LX 5.0L 2-door hatchback (decoded in full by Mustang Car Facts) | make P; model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 7 (Att. p. 3); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 6 |
42 |
Ford Mustang GT 2-door hatchback (decoded in full by Mustang Car Facts) | make P; model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 7 (Att. p. 3); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 6 |
44 |
Ford Mustang LX 5.0L convertible (decoded in full by Mustang Car Facts) | make P; model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 7 (Att. p. 3); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 6 |
45 |
Ford Mustang GT convertible (decoded in full by Mustang Car Facts) | make P; model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 7 (Att. p. 3); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 6 |
60 |
Ford Thunderbird (standard) 2-door sedan | make P; model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 7 (Att. p. 3); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 6 (Att. p. 3); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes — initial transmittal and Amendments Revisions No. 1, 3, 4 and 5 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3621, -3667, -4013, -4151, -4093), 01-22-N11B-4151 PDF p. 3 (Att. p. 3, revised Oct. 1, 1990) |
62 |
Ford Thunderbird LX 2-door sedan | make P; model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 7 (Att. p. 3); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 6 (Att. p. 3) |
64 |
Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe 2-door sedan | make P; model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 7 (Att. p. 3); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 6 (Att. p. 3) |
60 |
Mercury Cougar LS 2-door sedan | make M; wmi 1ME/2ME/3MA; model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 8 (Att. p. 4); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 7 (Att. p. 4) |
62 |
Mercury Cougar XR-7 2-door sedan | make M; wmi 1ME/2ME/3MA; model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 8 (Att. p. 4); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 7 (Att. p. 4) |
01 |
Mercury Capri (base) 2-door convertible | wmi 6MP; model year 1991 | Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 7 (Att. p. 4); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes — initial transmittal and Amendments Revisions No. 1, 3, 4 and 5 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3621, -3667, -4013, -4151, -4093), 01-22-N11B-3621 PDF p. 5 (Att. p. 3), early introduction |
03 |
Mercury Capri XR2 2-door convertible | wmi 6MP; model year 1991 | Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 7 (Att. p. 4); Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes — initial transmittal and Amendments Revisions No. 1, 3, 4 and 5 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3621, -3667, -4013, -4151, -4093), 01-22-N11B-3621 PDF p. 5 (Att. p. 3), early introduction |
Engine codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
Y |
3.0L EFI SHO V-6 (182 CID), Yamaha-built, 220 hp | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 13; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 13 |
E |
5.0L EFI HO V-8 (302 CID), 225 hp — used only for Mustang and Mark VII | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 13, footnote b/; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 13, footnote b/ |
R |
3.8L EFI supercharged V-6 (232 CID), Ford, 210 hp | model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 13; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 13 |
4 |
3.8L EFI V-6 (232 CID), Ford, 140 hp | model year 1990 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 13 |
4 |
3.8L EFI V-6 (232 CID), Ford, 140-155 hp | model year 1991 | Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 13 |
F |
5.0L EFI V-8 (302 CID), Ford, 150-160 hp | model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 13; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 13 |
T |
5.0L EFI HO V-8 (302 CID), Ford, 200 hp — used only for Thunderbird and Cougar | model year 1991 | Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 13, footnote c/; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes — initial transmittal and Amendments Revisions No. 1, 3, 4 and 5 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3621, -3667, -4013, -4151, -4093), 01-22-N11B-4013 PDF p. 3 and 01-22-N11B-4151 PDF p. 5 (passenger-car group unchanged) |
A |
2.3L OHC EFI I-4 (140 CID), Ford, 86 hp | model year 1990 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 13 |
M |
2.3L OHC EFI I-4 (140 CID), Ford, 105 hp | model year 1991 | Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 13 |
6 |
1.6L EFI turbocharged I-4 (98 CID), Mazda, 132 hp | model year 1991 | Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 13 |
Z |
1.6L EFI-DOHC I-4 (98 CID), Mazda, 100 hp | model year 1991 | Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 13 |
Assembly plant codes
| Code | Meaning | Applies to | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
A |
Atlanta: Hapeville, Georgia | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15 |
F |
Dearborn: Dearborn, Michigan | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15 |
G |
Chicago: Chicago, Illinois | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15 |
X |
St. Thomas: Talbotville, Ontario | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15 |
Y |
Wixom: Wixom, Michigan | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15 |
5 |
Mazda-Flat Rock: Flat Rock, Michigan | all | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15 |
B |
Oakville: Oakville, Ontario | model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15 |
H |
Lorain: Lorain, Ohio | model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15 |
K |
Kansas City: Claycomo, Missouri | model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15 |
R |
Hermosillo: Hermosillo, Mexico | model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15 |
T |
Edison: Edison, New Jersey | model year 1990 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15 (passenger-car column; light trucks in 1991) |
W |
Wayne: Wayne, Michigan | model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15 |
6 |
Mazda-Kia: Kyung Ki-Do, Korea | model years 1990–1991 | Ford Motor Company 1990 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 1 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3718), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15 |
8 |
Broadmeadows: Campbellfield, Australia | model year 1991 | Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes, Revision No. 2 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3972), PDF p. 15; Ford Motor Company 1991 Model Year VIN Codes — initial transmittal and Amendments Revisions No. 1, 3, 4 and 5 (NHTSA MID 01-22-N11B-3621, -3667, -4013, -4151, -4093), 01-22-N11B-3621 PDF p. 8 |
Cautions for this scheme
- Decoded from Ford's own VIN code submissions to NHTSA. A decode shows what the VIN says, not what the car is; it is not authentication.
- Only the subject lines (Thunderbird, Cougar, Capri, Mark VII, Taurus SHO) and Mustang (for hand-off) are tabulated; other Ford line codes and small-car engines show as unknown code.
- Earlier years are decoded by us-17-ford-1984-1989 and later years by us-17-ford-1994-2002; 1992 and 1993 are not covered.
- The 1991 Capri is an Australian import (WMI 6MP); its line code is read against the WMI because the documents do not say which position-5 letter it carries.
Where the sources disagree
- Revision No. 1 of the 1990 package: Lincoln Continental and Town Car built March 16-27, 1990 carry restraint code L but were not fitted with passenger air bags.
Decoded in full elsewhere
- Mustang Car Facts: Mustang VINs are decoded in full by Mustang Car Facts; this pack identifies the line only.