MY VIN # IS WRONG!!
F150online
Founder
Founder
Joined: Nov 1996
Posts: 3,008
Likes: 0
From: Roswell, GA USA
I'll make it prettier as it gets more defined (i.e. - we know all of the information is correct).
Marv1, does that mean that the 17 character VIN starting with this combination of letters/numbers only applies to 1997 or newer F150's. In other words, what signifies to Carfax, for instance, that this VIN belongs to an F150?
Dustoff, Cold Fusion, no way possible I could have done that in VB. I will not watch out for cyying Microsoft developers.
Dustoff, I tried to look through the used inventory at fordpreowned.com since every vehicle includes a VIN. I couldn't discern any real patterns...
If anyone out there knows for sure, let me know. This is fun!
Steve
Marv1, does that mean that the 17 character VIN starting with this combination of letters/numbers only applies to 1997 or newer F150's. In other words, what signifies to Carfax, for instance, that this VIN belongs to an F150?
Dustoff, Cold Fusion, no way possible I could have done that in VB. I will not watch out for cyying Microsoft developers.
Dustoff, I tried to look through the used inventory at fordpreowned.com since every vehicle includes a VIN. I couldn't discern any real patterns...
If anyone out there knows for sure, let me know. This is fun!
Steve
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 680
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Iowa, '00 F-150 Harley-Davidson
Raoul, the listing is missing a bunch of stuff and I hope Steve, you and others can come up with it. I was comparing my VIN to the listing and it is missing the 5.4L engine and a whole lot more. (Yep, I know it was for an Explorer.)
I'll bet the experts here on this site can figure it all out, though.
Don from IA
------------------
2000 F150 Harley-Davidson: Superchip, K&N FIPK
Hard Tonneau, Hidden Hitch, 2-Meter Rig (KG0UK)
'99 FLHRCI, '95 XLH
I'll bet the experts here on this site can figure it all out, though.
Don from IA
------------------
2000 F150 Harley-Davidson: Superchip, K&N FIPK
Hard Tonneau, Hidden Hitch, 2-Meter Rig (KG0UK)
'99 FLHRCI, '95 XLH
F150online
Founder
Founder
Joined: Nov 1996
Posts: 3,008
Likes: 0
From: Roswell, GA USA
There are a few inconsistencies on that Explorer listing. This has to be documented somewhere ... I'd like to build a decoder for this site's target audience, 1997 & newer full size Ford trucks, primarily F150's, of course! 
Any Ford Techs listening out there...
Steve
Any Ford Techs listening out there...
Steve
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 2
From: OK
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Raoul:
5th digit = Model Line:
R=Ranger
U=Bronco II and Elplorer.
6th and 7th = chassis and body type
10 = 4x2 regular cab pickup
11 = 4x4 regular cab pickup
14 = 4x2 supercab pickup
14 = 4x4 supercab pickup
12 = 4x2 standard Bronco II
14 = 4x4 standard Bronco II
22 = 4x2 standard 2door Explorer
24 = 4x4 standard 2door Explorer
32 = standard 4x2 4 door Explorer
34 = standard 4x4 4door Explorer.
</font>
5th digit = Model Line:
R=Ranger
U=Bronco II and Elplorer.
6th and 7th = chassis and body type
10 = 4x2 regular cab pickup
11 = 4x4 regular cab pickup
14 = 4x2 supercab pickup
14 = 4x4 supercab pickup
12 = 4x2 standard Bronco II
14 = 4x4 standard Bronco II
22 = 4x2 standard 2door Explorer
24 = 4x4 standard 2door Explorer
32 = standard 4x2 4 door Explorer
34 = standard 4x4 4door Explorer.
</font>
"U" is actually "utility"- also includes Expeditions and probably Excursions.
"17" = 4x2 Expedition
"18" = 4x4 Expedition
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton, Md. USA
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Dennis:
In that case, I'd definitely think about getting your money back. Contact somebody who knows about these things to see if you can protect yourself since this is something that you should have noticed when you first bought the truck.
</font>
In that case, I'd definitely think about getting your money back. Contact somebody who knows about these things to see if you can protect yourself since this is something that you should have noticed when you first bought the truck.
</font>
As far as getting my money back, I doubt it, purchased the truck from a private party over two years ago. You're right of course, this is something I should have checked before I bought the truck (and I did) but with just the two digit sequence being transposed I guess I just didn't catch it... guess that is a lesson to us all, huh? Check it very carefully!
To your comment about contacting "somebody who knows about these things," that's why I posted my question here! I can't imagine a better informed group of folks to ask! Thanks to everybody for all the info and advice.
Steve...
Love the VIN decoder, that would be a great service to add to the site. Good luck getting it all figured out and thanks for your efforts!
------------------
'97 F-150 4X4
4.6, automatic
3 door extended cab
short bed
Teal on Black
B&M ShiftPlus+ installed
Fog lights W/O headlights
tedoca@erols.com
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton, Md. USA
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by frog:
You might want to contact your local Police Department and talk to the vehicle theft unit. They should be able to look for the hidden VIN's and make sure you don't have a stolen vehicle or a salvaged vehicle rebuilt with stolen parts. But looking at the way the vin was stamped, I would say it was just a factory screw up. A good car thief would never make up a false vin plate like that. The worse that could happen is you get traffic stopped and the Officer sees the problem and impounds the vehicle untill it is checked out.
Good luck.</font>
You might want to contact your local Police Department and talk to the vehicle theft unit. They should be able to look for the hidden VIN's and make sure you don't have a stolen vehicle or a salvaged vehicle rebuilt with stolen parts. But looking at the way the vin was stamped, I would say it was just a factory screw up. A good car thief would never make up a false vin plate like that. The worse that could happen is you get traffic stopped and the Officer sees the problem and impounds the vehicle untill it is checked out.
Good luck.</font>
Good advice... there's a police station right around the corner from my house, think I will stop in there and see what they think. Maybe they can even enter it into their records to nip the "traffic stop impound" problem in the bud?
Good point about the car thief making up an invalid VIN plate too, probably wouldn't be a very smart thing to do. I really don't think there was any fraud here either, just a factory screw up as you suggested.
Thanks!
------------------
'97 F-150 4X4
4.6, automatic
3 door extended cab
short bed
Teal on Black
B&M ShiftPlus+ installed
Fog lights W/O headlights
tedoca@erols.com
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,205
Likes: 3
From: Along Lake Erie
I had a similar experience... when I purchased my parents' boat a little over a year ago, I noticed that on the original title, they had omitted a character in the hull ID number. When I transferred the title, I had to do a title transfer, and then a title correction. About a year went by, and I had recieved my new registrations, but no title. So, when I renewed my plates at the Sec of State, I asked them.... long story short, they registered it under my name with the correct hull ID, but were never able to transfer the title because the hull ID number was incorrect?!?! They basically registered a boat that didn't exist?!?! Wierd... just my tax dollars at work, I guess. :-)
As for the vin plate mix-up, double check the dash plate... the original rivits on most Fords are "scalloped" or "fluted"... If the rivits have been replaced, they will typically be a standard rivit... not the same. I'll take a peek at mine this weekend....
-Joe-
As for the vin plate mix-up, double check the dash plate... the original rivits on most Fords are "scalloped" or "fluted"... If the rivits have been replaced, they will typically be a standard rivit... not the same. I'll take a peek at mine this weekend....
-Joe-
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton, Md. USA
GIJoeCam...
Yep, the rivets are fluted, as you put it, they have a look similar to an asterix
( * ) and, as I stated earlier, the Ford "watermark" is present also.
Talked to a detective in the auto theft department yesterday and I have an appointment to meet with him today at one o'clock. They are going to conduct what they call a "salvage" inspection to determine if the engine code matches the transmission code matches the chassis code etc...
If everything checks out, as I am confident it will, I was told the usual course of action would involve removing the invalid VIN plate from the vehicle and replacing it with a STATE ISSUED replacement/corrected VIN plate, and, of course, a new title and registration.
I don't have to think too hard to guess who bears the cost of this but maybe, armed with proof that no fraud was committed, Ford could be convinced to step up and reimburse me.
Also called my insurance agent to let him know what was going on, just in case. He took all the information and added it to my file but other than that he was of little help.
What a can of worms I've opened up here!
------------------
'97 F-150 4X4
4.6, automatic
3 door extended cab
short bed
Teal on Black
B&M ShiftPlus+ installed
Fog lights W/O headlights
tedoca@erols.com
Yep, the rivets are fluted, as you put it, they have a look similar to an asterix
( * ) and, as I stated earlier, the Ford "watermark" is present also.
Talked to a detective in the auto theft department yesterday and I have an appointment to meet with him today at one o'clock. They are going to conduct what they call a "salvage" inspection to determine if the engine code matches the transmission code matches the chassis code etc...
If everything checks out, as I am confident it will, I was told the usual course of action would involve removing the invalid VIN plate from the vehicle and replacing it with a STATE ISSUED replacement/corrected VIN plate, and, of course, a new title and registration.
I don't have to think too hard to guess who bears the cost of this but maybe, armed with proof that no fraud was committed, Ford could be convinced to step up and reimburse me.
Also called my insurance agent to let him know what was going on, just in case. He took all the information and added it to my file but other than that he was of little help.
What a can of worms I've opened up here!
------------------
'97 F-150 4X4
4.6, automatic
3 door extended cab
short bed
Teal on Black
B&M ShiftPlus+ installed
Fog lights W/O headlights
tedoca@erols.com
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 460
Likes: 0
From: Central California
Steve:
Sorry for delay (computer died).
Here's the info on '97 and newer F-150's and how you can tell what model they are from the VIN:
MODEL VIN places 5,6 & 7
F150 reg cab Flareside F07
F150 4X4 reg cab Flareside F08
F150 reg cab Styleside F17
F150 4X4 reg cab Styleside F18
F150 SC Flareside X07
F150 4X4 SC Flareside X08
F150 SC Styleside X17
F150 4X4 SC Styleside X18
F250...replace 6th digit with a 2
F350... " " " " " " " 3
HTH, Marv
------------------
'99 F150 SC, 4x2, Oxford white, flareside, 5.4,
bodyside mouldings, Snuglid hard tonneau, airbox and fresh air mods.
Duraliner drop-in (gave up on the Penda Nascar). Gibson Supertruck. Ford 2-piece bra. Catch-All floor mats. Image tail light covers. B-Quiet sound dampener in rear of cab. **** pile rug protecting spare tire (Raoul made me enter this)
No door cracks yet at 13K!!!
[This message has been edited by Marv1 (edited 01-12-2001).]
Sorry for delay (computer died).
Here's the info on '97 and newer F-150's and how you can tell what model they are from the VIN:
MODEL VIN places 5,6 & 7
F150 reg cab Flareside F07
F150 4X4 reg cab Flareside F08
F150 reg cab Styleside F17
F150 4X4 reg cab Styleside F18
F150 SC Flareside X07
F150 4X4 SC Flareside X08
F150 SC Styleside X17
F150 4X4 SC Styleside X18
F250...replace 6th digit with a 2
F350... " " " " " " " 3
HTH, Marv
------------------
'99 F150 SC, 4x2, Oxford white, flareside, 5.4,
bodyside mouldings, Snuglid hard tonneau, airbox and fresh air mods.
Duraliner drop-in (gave up on the Penda Nascar). Gibson Supertruck. Ford 2-piece bra. Catch-All floor mats. Image tail light covers. B-Quiet sound dampener in rear of cab. **** pile rug protecting spare tire (Raoul made me enter this)
No door cracks yet at 13K!!!
[This message has been edited by Marv1 (edited 01-12-2001).]
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,233
Likes: 0
Was just giving this a little more thought. It's really hard to imagine that a wrong VIN plate number could have gotten past the factory AND the dealer. Hopefully, for your sake, somebody slipped up and it really is a misprinted VIN.
Thread Starter
|
Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton, Md. USA
Dennis...
Believe me, I've given this a lot of thought too and I can't imagine it either but, it also got past the original owner and, up until now anyway, it got past me too. The DMV missed it on my title and registration, my insurance agent missed it, everybody except the mechanic who did the State inspection missed it. I suspect that most dealers have simply become too reliant upon bar code labels, window stickers and the paperwork for reading VINs.(all of those are correct on my vehicle)
Had my truck inspected by the police auto theft detective yesterday... I was not allowed to witness the inspection for fear that would give away their "secrets."
Anyway, his inspection was "inconclusive" and now I have to go to the main office of the State DMV next Tuesday and have another inspection conducted on a lift.
The gentleman from Ford Customer Service FINALY called me back yesterday (said he had been out sick), but he only reitterated what he had said on Monday... that Ford would not assume any liability because I had purchased the vehicle from a private party and that party could have tampered with the VIN plate.
I suspect that next Tuesday's inspection will prove that Ford simply mis-stamped the VIN plate and, armed with that information, Ford might be a bit more responsive. We'll see.
Believe me, I've given this a lot of thought too and I can't imagine it either but, it also got past the original owner and, up until now anyway, it got past me too. The DMV missed it on my title and registration, my insurance agent missed it, everybody except the mechanic who did the State inspection missed it. I suspect that most dealers have simply become too reliant upon bar code labels, window stickers and the paperwork for reading VINs.(all of those are correct on my vehicle)
Had my truck inspected by the police auto theft detective yesterday... I was not allowed to witness the inspection for fear that would give away their "secrets."
Anyway, his inspection was "inconclusive" and now I have to go to the main office of the State DMV next Tuesday and have another inspection conducted on a lift.
The gentleman from Ford Customer Service FINALY called me back yesterday (said he had been out sick), but he only reitterated what he had said on Monday... that Ford would not assume any liability because I had purchased the vehicle from a private party and that party could have tampered with the VIN plate.
I suspect that next Tuesday's inspection will prove that Ford simply mis-stamped the VIN plate and, armed with that information, Ford might be a bit more responsive. We'll see.
Member
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Oshawa, Ontario,
Never mind the VIN decoder, Tedoca needs a decoder for the police officer's comment that his inspection was "inconclusive". Now that would start making me paranoid that something isn't quite right.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 2,233
Likes: 0
Man, I sure hope this doesn't turn out the way it does when you accept a counterfeit bill. The last guy on the pole eats it unless the police can catch the person who passed it. For most businesses, it ends up being a write-off.
I know that everyone here wishes you luck in this. We all owe you thanks for opening our eyes to this kind of problem. It's something we all should be aware of when we buy a vehicle.
[This message has been edited by Dennis (edited 01-13-2001).]
I know that everyone here wishes you luck in this. We all owe you thanks for opening our eyes to this kind of problem. It's something we all should be aware of when we buy a vehicle.
[This message has been edited by Dennis (edited 01-13-2001).]
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 3
From: Houston, by way of every major city in America.
I had a wrong V.I.N. on my insurance card once,the officer was so nice he even wrote me a ticket for having no insurance.
What a prince!LOL Get it fixed,or correct
your ins. card,or you could have the same hassle,,,,98
------------------
98 F-150 4.6 Litre XLT2wd Ext. cab
Yokahama AVS/ST's
prarie tan/tan int.
K/N gen.II fipk
custom dual exh/gibson rectangle tips/rear exiting.
color matched snuglid
Superchip!!!
Westin nerfs blk .powdercoat
Clear front corners
Stillen Quad light air dam, sweet!!
Euro taillights
Cobra 75WXST cb w/weather alert
[b]Kenwood cd w/Radio Shack speakers,don't laugh it sounds pretty good
Viper alarm
On the way/wheels,tires, etc..etc.......
the monochromatic boogie is done,cool!.
Come see my new pictures@ www.my-f150.com
officialtomwaits.com
reverendhortonheat.com
WOW,what a cool site!
FENDER GUITARS ROCK!!!
Had to take the picture out,it was way too out of date
,,,,98
What a prince!LOL Get it fixed,or correct
your ins. card,or you could have the same hassle,,,,
98------------------
98 F-150 4.6 Litre XLT2wd Ext. cab
Yokahama AVS/ST's
prarie tan/tan int.
K/N gen.II fipk
custom dual exh/gibson rectangle tips/rear exiting.
color matched snuglid
Superchip!!!
Westin nerfs blk .powdercoat
Clear front corners
Stillen Quad light air dam, sweet!!
Euro taillights
Cobra 75WXST cb w/weather alert
[b]Kenwood cd w/Radio Shack speakers,don't laugh it sounds pretty good
Viper alarm
On the way/wheels,tires, etc..etc.......
the monochromatic boogie is done,cool!.
Come see my new pictures@ www.my-f150.com
officialtomwaits.com
reverendhortonheat.com
WOW,what a cool site!
FENDER GUITARS ROCK!!!
Had to take the picture out,it was way too out of date
,,,,98