Transmission and Drivetrain: Service Precautions

NOTE: In the event of collision damage not requiring part replacement or drivetrain service, the persons making the repairs should take care not to damage or remove the labels, unless such action is reasonably necessary in performing the repair.

^ The U.S. Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act of 1984 requires identification of certain high theft vehicles to reduce the National Auto Theft Rate. This federal law requires Ford Motor Company to affix the vehicle identification number (VIN) on specific parts. These "body parts" are the bumpers, fenders, hood, doors, quarter panels, and luggage compartment door. The other affected components are engines and transaxles. In addition, the service replacement parts must also be identified as "service" parts.
^ Production and service parts are identified by white identification labels with a FORD logo on them. The production label is 2-3/16 inches long and 5/8 inch wide. Information on this label includes the VIN number. The service label is 2-3/4 inches long and 5/8 inch wide. Information on this label includes a capital letter R and the designation Department of Transportation (D.O.T.), in gray lettering.
^ The areas selected for the location of the production and service labels are unlikely to be affected during normal servicing and non-collision repairs.