Engine Ford Vin Decoder(For All Models)

Every modern Ford vehicle comes with a 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This VIN encodes detailed information about the vehicle, including the engine type. For most Ford vehicles, the 8th character in the VIN identifies the engine installed from the factory.

This guide provides a comprehensive table of engine codes and instructions on how to decode your Ford vehicle’s engine.

Engine Ford Vin Decoder

VIN Code	Engine Type / Configuration	Displacement	Description / Notes
P	I-4 Zetec	2.0 L	Single-point fuel injection
3	I-4 DOHC	2.0 L	Standard DOHC gasoline engine
W	I-4 Turbo	2.3 L	OHC Turbo engine
T	I-4 Turbo Intercooled	2.3 L	Intercooled Turbo for performance models
N	Duratec 20 / Duratec 20E	2.0 L	DOHC engine used in multiple passenger vehicles
Z	Duratec 23	2.3 L	DOHC 16V high-performance engine
J	Duratec TI-VCT	1.6 L	DOHC 16V engine used in small vehicles
A	V-8 Modular	3.9 L	Used in Lincoln LS and other passenger cars
G	V-6 DOHC SVT	3.4 L	High-performance V6
H	V-8 Modular 4V	5.4 L	Performance Mustang Cobra R engine
L	V-6 Duratec 25	2.5 L	Passenger car V6
R	V-8 DOHC Ram Air	5.0 L	Mustang Mach 1 engine
S	V-6 / V-8	3.0–4.6 L	Duratec and modular engines
U	V-6 Vulcan	3.0 L	EFI Vulcan V6 engine
V	V-8 Modular	4.6 L	Performance engines for various trucks
X	V-8 SOHC	4.6 L	Common Mustang GT engine
Y	V-8 DOHC Supercharged	4.6–5.0 L	Cobra engine
2	V-6 EFI FFV	4.2 L	Flexible Fuel engine for passenger vehicles
4	V-6 Essex	3.8 L	EFI V6 used in multiple vehicles
5	I-4 Duratec ST	2.0 L	High-performance Focus SVT engine
6	V-6 EFI	3.9 L	Standard V6 engine
B	Cummins B5.9E Diesel	5.9 L	Heavy-duty truck diesel engine
C	Caterpillar Diesel	7.2 L	Diesel engine for commercial trucks
D	Cummins ISB Diesel	5.9–6.7 L	Heavy-duty truck engine
E	Cummins Diesel	5.9 L	Used in commercial vehicles
F	7.3L PowerStroke Diesel	7.3 L	Turbo Diesel for heavy-duty trucks
S	V-10 Gasoline	6.8 L	Ford truck V10 engine
Z	V-10 Gasoline	6.8 L	Gas-prep truck engine
0	V-8 International	6.0 L	Commercial truck engine
K	I-4 EcoBoost	2.0 L	Turbocharged EcoBoost engine
M	V-6 EcoBoost	3.5 L	Twin-turbo EcoBoost engine
Q	V-8 EcoBoost	5.0 L	Performance EcoBoost engine
F	2.7L EcoBoost	2.7 L	Twin-turbo V6 for trucks and SUVs
C	3.5L EcoBoost	3.5 L	High-output twin-turbo V6
D	3.3L Hybrid / V6	3.3 L	Hybrid and conventional V6
E	2.3L EcoBoost	2.3 L	High-performance turbocharged I-4
H	5.0L Coyote V8	5.0 L	Mustang GT engine
L	5.2L Voodoo V8	5.2 L	Flat-plane crank V8 for performance models
N	5.2L Predator V8	5.2 L	Supercharged engine for Shelby GT500

How to Decode the Engine from a Ford VIN

1. Locate the VIN:

The VIN is typically found on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver’s door jamb, or on vehicle registration documents.

2. Identify the 8th Character:

Count from the left – the 8th character represents the engine code.

3. Match the Code to the Chart:

Using the table below, match the engine code to determine the engine type, configuration, and displacement.

Why Knowing Your Engine VIN Code Matters

Ensures correct replacement parts like oil filters, spark plugs, and gaskets
Helps with diagnostics and repair procedures
Useful for performance upgrades or engine swaps
Assists in resale and valuation accuracy
Ensures compliance with emissions and inspection requirements

Example: How to Decode a Ford VIN

Suppose you have the VIN: 1FTFW1E5XJFB12345.

The 8th character is X.
Referring to the chart above, X corresponds to a V-8 SOHC 4.6L engine, commonly used in Mustang GT or similar vehicles.

If your VIN’s 8th character is F in a truck:

F corresponds to a 7.3L PowerStroke Diesel engine used in heavy-duty trucks.

Tips for Accurate VIN Decoding

Verify your VIN location and ensure all 17 characters are correctly noted.
Confirm the engine code matches the production year and model because some codes overlap across years.
For pre-1981 Ford vehicles, VINs may differ, so consult an older VIN reference guide.
Use the engine VIN code to cross-check parts and maintenance manuals for accuracy.

FAQs

Can a Ford VIN tell me the engine type?

Yes. For most Ford vehicles, the 8th character of the 17-character VIN identifies the engine installed from the factory. This character is the engine code, which you can match to a VIN decoder chart to determine the engine type, displacement, and configuration.

How do I tell which Ford engine I have?

To identify your Ford engine:

Locate your vehicle’s VIN.
Identify the 8th character in the VIN, which is the engine code.
Refer to a Ford engine VIN decoder chart to match the code to the engine type. You can also confirm by checking the engine bay for stamped engine numbers or specifications.

How do I decode a Ford VIN number?

Decoding a Ford VIN involves reading the 17-character VIN and breaking it down into its sections:

Characters 1–3: Manufacturer and country of origin
Characters 4–8: Vehicle descriptor section (including engine type in position 8)
Character 9: Check digit
Character 10: Model year
Character 11: Assembly plant
Characters 12–17: Production sequence number

Using the 8th character, you can identify the engine type using a VIN decoder chart.

What digit of the VIN is the engine code on a Ford?

The 8th digit of the VIN is the engine code for most Ford vehicles. This digit tells you the specific engine installed from the factory.

Can I look up engine type by VIN number?

Yes. By using the 8th character of the VIN or an online VIN decoder, you can look up your Ford vehicle’s engine type. This will provide details such as the engine configuration, displacement, and sometimes the fuel type.

How to identify engine by VIN number?

To identify your engine using the VIN:

Find your VIN on the dashboard, door jamb, or vehicle documents.
Take note of the 8th character, which represents the engine code.
Match this code to a Ford VIN engine chart to identify the engine’s type, size, and specifications.