How to find Ford paint code?
The quickest answer is to read the exterior color code from the factory label on your Ford, usually a small 2–3 character alphanumeric code located on the driver’s door jamb. If that label isn’t accessible or intact, you can use other labels or your VIN to look up the code through official sources or trusted paint suppliers.
Where to look for the paint code
Ford typically places the exterior paint code on the vehicle’s door jamb or nearby labels. Depending on the model year and region, you may find the code on several commonly used tags. Start with the door jamb sticker, then check other labels if needed.
- Driver’s side door jamb sticker or B-pillar label, near the latch or hinge area
- Engine bay or firewall label, sometimes hidden under components or under an insulation panel
- Trunk lid label or spare tire well label on some hatchbacks and SUVs
- Glove box label or a second sticker inside the door edge on certain models
The exterior color code is usually clearly labeled as “EXTERIOR COLOR,” “PAINT CODE,” or “COLOR” and is a short alphanumeric string. If you can’t locate the label or it’s faded, try locating the VIN and checking official sources or contacting a dealer for assistance.
How to use the paint code to identify or order paint
Once you have the code, you can map it to the official Ford color name or use it to order a precise match from paint suppliers or a Ford dealer. The process typically involves cross-referencing the code with Ford’s color charts and then selecting the exact finish (solid, metallic, or tri-coat) for your vehicle.
- Consult Ford’s official color charts or a local Ford dealer to confirm the exact color name and finish associated with the code
- Search reputable automotive paint suppliers (such as Automotivetouchup or PaintScratch) by the code, model year, and trim to ensure an exact match
- If you’re unsure about a close match, bring the code and your VIN to a dealer or body shop to verify the correct formulation (especially for metallic or tri-coat finishes)
- Be aware that regional variations can exist; the same code might map to different names in different markets or years
With the code in hand, you can order touch-up paint, have a shop mix a spot-color match, or verify the color name when browsing parts catalogs.
Tips for tricky cases
If the label is damaged, missing, or the car has a repaint that altered the original code, use the VIN to obtain a build sheet from Ford or a dealership. A professional body shop can often read the original paint formula from service records or the vehicle’s production data and confirm the closest factory-matched color.
Remember that interior trim colors and exterior color codes are separate, and some models use tri-coat or metallic finishes that require a specific formulation beyond the base color code.
Summary
To find a Ford paint code, start with the driver’s door jamb label (the most reliable source), then check other labels if needed. The code is a short alphanumeric string (usually 2–3 characters) that identifies the exterior color. Use the code to confirm the exact color name with Ford’s official resources or a dealer, and cross-reference with reputable paint suppliers to order an accurate touch-up paint or to have a shop mix the color. If labels are missing or the car has been repainted, use the VIN to obtain build data from a dealer or trusted sources to determine the closest factory match.
