Does a Ford VIN tell you the color?
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) are a crucial part of any car's identity, providing a wealth of information about the vehicle's specifications, origin, and history. If you're wondering whether a Ford VIN can tell you the color of your car, this article will break it down for you.
What Information Does a VIN Contain?
A VIN is a 17-character alphanumeric code that serves as a unique identifier for a vehicle. It is standardized across the automotive industry and contains specific details about the car. Here's what a typical VIN includes:
- World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): The first three characters indicate the manufacturer and the country of origin.
- Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS): Characters 4 through 9 provide information about the vehicle's model, body style, engine type, and other features.
- Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS): Characters 10 through 17 include details such as the model year, assembly plant, and a unique serial number.
While the VIN provides a lot of information, it does not directly include the vehicle's color. However, there is a way to determine the color using the VIN indirectly.
How to Find the Color of a Ford Using the VIN
Although the VIN itself does not explicitly state the color, it can be used to access the vehicle's build sheet or factory records, which do include the original paint color. Here's how you can find this information:
- Contact a Ford Dealership: Provide the VIN to a Ford dealership, and they can look up the vehicle's build sheet in their system. This will include the original paint code and color.
- Use Online VIN Decoding Tools: Some online services and tools can decode a VIN and provide detailed information, including the paint code, if available.
- Check the Vehicle's Door Jamb: Most Ford vehicles have a sticker or plate in the driver's side door jamb that includes the paint code. You can cross-reference this code with Ford's color charts to determine the exact color.
Why Is Knowing the Paint Color Important?
Knowing your car's paint color is essential for several reasons:
- Touch-Up Repairs: If your car has scratches or chips, matching the exact color ensures seamless touch-ups.
- Resale Value: Maintaining the original color can help preserve the vehicle's resale value.
- Customization: If you're considering repainting or customizing your car, knowing the original color can serve as a reference point.
Conclusion
While a Ford VIN does not directly tell you the color of the vehicle, it serves as a gateway to accessing this information through build sheets, dealership records, or online tools. If you're ever in doubt, your local Ford dealership or a trusted auto repair shop like Kevin's Autos can help you decode your VIN and find the exact details you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check color by VIN number?
Your car's VIN gives you a lot of information about your vehicle, but it won't give you your paint code.
Where can I find Ford paint color?
door jamb label
Find your vehicle's paint code located on your vehicle's door jamb label. The exterior paint code will be labeled as EXT PNT followed by two characters.
What does the 8th digit in a Ford VIN number mean?
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How to find car color code?
Driver's door label
Along with the VIN and important information like GVWR, it often has the vehicle paint code printed on it. Look for an abbreviation like 'EXT PNT' or an identifier like 'BODY COLOR CODE', although sometimes the paint code isn't so clearly identified. It can be between two and five digits.
How do you check the paint on a Ford VIN?
Using the Vehicle Identification Number
- Find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) under the dashboard.
- Check other locations if the VIN is not under the dashboard.
- Call the Ford company to ask about your color code.
- Enter your VIN on a website.
Does the VIN number show interior color?
Be aware that some manufacturers encode color information within the VIN. If that is the case with your car, you can search an online VIN decoding site for your vehicle, plug in the VIN, and extract the interior color code.
How do I find my Ford paint color?
In Ford cars, you'll be able to find the paint codes on a metal plate or sticker located in one or more area around the bodywork: On the floor or lid of the boot. On the door jamb or frame. Under the bonnet on the suspension mount, inner wing, or front/slam panel.
How do I find out the exact color of my car?
To find out what colour your car is, you need to track down your paint code. This can usually be found on a plate or sticker inside the driver's door or glovebox. See our diagram below for the best places to check according to your make and model.
What part of the VIN number is the color code?
Does My VIN Number Include Paint Code? No, your VIN number doesn't contain your car's paint code. Instead, this is a unique vehicle identifier assigned by the manufacturer which can be used to check a car's details.
Where is the paint code on a Ford VIN plate?
Ford paint codes can be found in the door frame, boot lid or under the bonnet.
