How to find Ford paint color code?
The fastest way is to check the driver’s door jamb sticker for the Exterior Paint code. If that label is illegible or missing, use the vehicle’s VIN and contact a Ford dealer or reference the original window sticker to confirm the color code.
Where to Look on the Vehicle
Most Ford exterior color codes are printed on a small tag or sticker attached to the inside edge of the driver’s door, but some models place the code in alternate locations. Knowing where to look can save time when you’re ordering touch-up paint or a full repaint.
- Driver-side door jamb sticker: Look for a line labeled Exterior Paint, Paint, or a paint color code consisting of 2–3 characters.
- Radiator support or firewall labels: On some models, the code is stamped on a metal plate under the hood area or near the engine bay.
- Glove box or trunk area labels: A few older or specialty models may place the code in these areas.
- Original window sticker (Monroney label) for a new vehicle: The exterior color code is listed there along with the color name.
Note that codes are typically two to three alphanumeric characters and usually identify the base color. If the car has a metallic, pearlescent, or multi-stage finish, additional codes or finish specifications may be required for an exact match.
Using the VIN and Dealer Resources
If the door tag is unreadable or missing, the vehicle’s VIN can still guide you to the correct color code through Ford’s systems or a dealer.
- Locate the VIN: on the dashboard near the windshield, the driver’s door jamb, or the vehicle registration.
- Contact a Ford dealer’s parts or service department and request the exterior paint color code for your VIN. You may need to provide proof of ownership.
- Ask for the build sheet or color code in Ford’s system if the door tag cannot be read; dealers can pull this information from an official database.
- Cross-check the retrieved code with the door tag information or a trusted color supplier to ensure you have the exact match for your vehicle’s finish.
If you cannot access the door tag and the VIN-based lookup isn’t giving a clear result, a Ford-certified body shop can also verify the correct color by comparing your current paint to Ford color swatches and cross-referencing the VIN.
Online Resources and Color Matching
Online resources can help you confirm the paint code and source matching paint, but you should verify the code with official documentation or a dealer before ordering large quantities or applying paint.
- Ford official parts and color code lookup: Some Ford sites and dealer portals offer VIN-based color code lookups or direct access to the exterior paint code for your model and year.
- Authorized paint suppliers and automotive retailers: Reputable shops and retailers often provide Ford color codes and cross-reference with the code you provide. They can mix exact matches using the code.
- Color matching considerations: Metallic, pearlescent, and multi-stage finishes may require extra codes or steps (base color, metallic/pearl additives, and a clear coat) to achieve an exact match.
Be mindful that lighting, camera calibration, and aging of the clear coat can affect color perception. Always verify the code in person with a swatch or sample before ordering paint.
Practical Tips for Different Cases
Two-tone or special editions, regional variations, and imports can complicate color identification. If your Ford is a special edition or from a market outside the U.S., double-check that the color code applies to your exact model year and market.
Conclusion and Summary
In most cases, the Ford paint color code lives on the driver’s door jamb in a two- to three-character code labeled Exterior Paint. If the tag is unreadable, use the VIN to obtain the color code through a Ford dealer or reference the original window sticker. Online resources can help, but verification with official sources ensures an accurate match for repairs or repaint projects.
To recap: start with the door tag, verify via VIN with a dealer or window sticker, use trusted online resources for confirmation, and consider finish specifics (metallic/pearlescent) when ordering paint. A precise color code makes touch-ups seamless and repaint results consistent with the original finish.
Summary: Locate the code on the door jamb, confirm with the VIN through a Ford dealer if needed, and use trusted sources to source the paint. This approach minimizes mismatches and helps achieve a uniform Ford finish across repairs and restorations.
What part of the Ford VIN is the paint code?
The Ford paint code is not on the VIN plate itself, but on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb. To find it, open the driver's door and look for the manufacturer's label, which is often located under the barcode. The paint code will be near a heading like "EXT PNT" and is typically a two-character code (letters, numbers, or a combination).
- Locate the label: Open the driver's door and find the sticker on the door jamb.
- Find the code: Look for the heading "EXT PNT" (Exterior Paint) or similar.
- Identify the code: The two-character code that follows "EXT PNT" is your paint code. Some older vehicles may have longer codes.
- If you can't find it: Check other locations like the firewall under the hood, the owner's manual, or contact a dealership with your VIN for assistance.
Can I use my VIN to find paint code?
No, you cannot find your car's paint code by VIN alone, as the VIN is a unique vehicle identifier and does not contain the paint code. However, you can use the VIN to find the code by contacting the manufacturer or a dealership, or by looking for the paint code on a sticker in your car.
Where to find your paint code
- On a sticker inside the driver's door: Look for a sticker on the door jamb or B-pillar that contains terms like "EXT PNT" or "BODY COLOR CODE," says CarParts.com.
- On a label under the hood: Some cars have a sticker or placard with paint information in the engine bay, although it can sometimes be hard to read due to age and heat, according to AutoZone.com.
- In your owner's manual: The paint code is often listed in the service history or owner's manual for your vehicle, notes Holts Auto.
If you can't find the code on your car
- Contact the dealership: Provide the VIN to the manufacturer or an authorized dealer, and they can look up the exact factory paint color for you, says JustAnswer.
- Use online VIN decoding tools: Some online tools and websites can help you find paint codes, but you should always verify the code directly from your vehicle or a dealer for accuracy, as online tools may have inaccuracies, notes Partify.
Can I check paint code by reg?
Finding your paint code by reg is the easiest method but it's not always possible - but it's not difficult to find it in other ways. Car manufacturers generally record the original paint code of your car in the boot, under the bonnet, or inside the door jamb. The codes looks like a short list of letters and numbers.
How do I find my paint code for my Ford?
You can find a Ford paint code on the driver's side door jamb label, which is also known as the VIN sticker. Look for the "EXT PNT" label, and the two-character code (letters and/or numbers) that follows it is your paint code. If you cannot find it, a Ford dealership can provide the code using your VIN, or you can look it up using your car's registration number online.
This video shows how to find the Ford paint code on the door jamb sticker: 29sScratchWizardYouTube · Mar 27, 2013
On the vehicle
- Open the driver's side door: and locate the sticker on the door jamb or inside the door frame.
- Find the "EXT PNT" label. The paint code will be the two-character code next to it.
- Look for other locations: On some models, the code might be found under the hood (on the slam panel or inner wing) or in the trunk (on the floor or lid).
Online or with a dealership
- Use your registration number: Some online touch-up paint stores allow you to look up your paint code using your car's registration number.
- Contact a dealership: A Ford dealership can look up the paint code for you if you provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
