Where would I find the “17 digit” string of numbers that is my VIN number on a 1995 Ford Taurus?
On the driver side dash I found a 16 digit number that was a combination of numbers and letters… Maybe I should count those digits agian? (I swear there were only 16)
Hmmm… I wish I had the search feature but thanks in advance!
You should probably count again. It should be 17 digits.
A) You miscounted. 
B) The VIN is also imprinted on the decal/plate located on the driver’s side door frame, right under the lock post.
If you have an automatic transmission, you can often find it on the bell housing of the transmission. They often are on the left side of the engine too.
Also, aside from the obvious, there are many other places it is engraved on the frame and body to aid in stolen car/parts retrieval/identification. Most of the locations are known only to those in the criminal auto theft investigation field.
Sometimes it’s engraved on the windows and on imports some have it stamped on the firewall.
Left side meaning the driver’s side or left side meaning the left side as you’re looking at the engine (i.e., the passenger’s side)?
The 17 digit VIN number is stamped on a plate visable from the outside of the left side of the windshield. (In the US the driver’s side).
Usually it is on the top of the dash, sometimes it may be on the A pillar (windshield pillar), but in either location it will be visible stand next to the left side of the car at the windshield.
It will also be found on the FMVSS which is located on the B pillar (pillar behind the front door) It may be on the front or rear side of this pillar.
On many cars, due to high theft, federal regulations require stickers on fenders, and doors as a deterent to chop shops.
You registration will also have this number, and probably your auto insurance ID card.
Engraved windows is not factory on any car I have ever seen, it is a service sold by the car dealer.
I have also never seen a bellhousing with the VIN on it in over 30 years in the car business. After all what would happen when the trans dies, and an exchange unit is installed?
European cars may also have a stamping under the hood near the firewall, that appears to be the custom in Europe, so an import may have it there also, this is not for sure.
There will be at least one more “hidden” location where the VIN is stamped to aid in stolen car identification. I could tell you where that is for some cars, but then I would have to kill you.
Left side of a car, boat, plane is the on the left when you face the same direction as it (couldn’t tell you about those crazy ambidextrous train engines though). Pretty much has to be that way when you think about it. When you turn left, your left turn signal turns on on the left side of the car, no?
Left = driver’s side in the U.S.
Thanks everyone.
I did count wrong. :dubious:
I verfied it on decal/plate located on the driver’s side door frame, right under the lock post.