1997 Ford Aerostar Owner's Manual - Page 298

Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) You should include your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) any time you write to Ford Motor Company about your vehicle. The Vehicle Identification Number is attached to your vehicle in the following places: u on the metal tag attached to the top of the instrument panel on the driver's side - you can see the tag by looking through the windshield from outside your vehicle. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN/Serial Number) u on the Safety Compliance Certification Label -this label is attached to the left front door lock facing or the door latch post pillar. It is required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is made of special material. If someone tampers with it, it will be destroyed and/or a destruction pattern will appear. The label contains the name of the manufacturer, the month and year of manufacture, the certification statement and the Vehicle Identification Number. The label also contains Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Ratings, wheel and tire data and information codes for additional vehicle data. For further information about the Safety Compliance Certification Label and the information contained on it, refer to the Index. 300