How to find paint code on Chevy Sonic?

Locating the exact paint code for a Chevy Sonic is essential for color-matching touch-ups and repairs. In most Sonics, the code lives on a small label near the driver's door area and is a short alphanumeric string that identifies the color. Here’s how to locate it and how to use it effectively.

Where the paint code is typically found

The most common place is the driver’s door jamb, but some model years place the code on a different card or sticker in the vehicle. The following spots cover the majority of Sonics on the road today.

• Driver's door jamb sticker (on the B-pillar or door edge): look for a field labeled Paint, PNT Code, or Color with a 2–3 character code.


• Glove box lid or inside the glove box: some vehicles carry the label there.


• Trunk area near the latch or spare tire cover: a label may be placed in the cargo area on certain trims.


• Under the hood on a radiator support plate or similar area: a small plate might carry the color code on some vehicles.

Because locations can vary by year and market, always verify across labels on the car or with the dealer if you’re unsure.

What to do if the label is missing or unreadable

If you cannot locate the code on the typical labels, contact a Chevrolet dealer or use your VIN to pull the color information from GM's records. This process may be necessary for vehicles with repainted panels or unusual trims.

How to read and use the paint code

The paint code on a Chevy Sonic is usually a short alphanumeric string of 2–3 characters. This code maps to a specific color option in GM's catalog and may differ for metallics or specialty finishes. Use it to order touch-up paint, or to request a precise match when painting panels.

To help you order correctly, keep in mind:

• Include the exact code, model year, and trim when requesting paint from a dealer or supplier.


• Specify whether you need solid color, metallic, or pearl finish, as some codes cover base colors only while others differentiate metallics.


• Clarify the type of product you need (touch-up pen, spray can, or larger quantities) and the finish (gloss, satin, etc.).

When in doubt, the dealer can verify the color by cross-referencing the code with GM’s color catalog using your VIN.

Alternative steps to confirm the color

If you’re unable to locate the label or want an extra check, try these dealer-backed approaches:

• Provide your VIN to the dealer’s parts or service department to retrieve the official paint code from GM’s database.


• Compare the sample color name from the window sticker or owner's manual to a swatch at a paint supplier.


• Take clear photos of the car’s exterior in daylight and ask the dealer to match by color swatch, if you’re repainting or ordering larger quantities.

These steps help ensure you obtain an accurate match even when label details are unclear.

Summary

In most Chevy Sonics, the paint code is a 2–3 character alphanumeric code found on the driver’s door jamb label, or occasionally on a glove box, trunk, or under-hood plate. If the label is missing, a Chevrolet dealer can pull the code from the VIN or build records. Use the code to order the correct touch-up paint or arrange a precise color match with a body shop.

Where is the paint code on a 2012 Chevy Sonic?

The 2012 Chevy Sonic paint code is located on the Parts Identification sticker, which you can find inside the glove box. Open the glove box, find the sticker, and look for the code that follows "BC/CC". This code will typically start with a "U" and be followed by a series of numbers or letters, which represents the body color.
 
This video shows how to find the paint code location on a Chevy Equinox, which has a similar sticker placement: 53sDirt Road Auto RepairYouTube · Dec 22, 2021
Steps to find the paint code

1. Open the passenger side door and then open the glove box. 
2. Locate the sticker, often a white or silver paper or label, inside the glove box. This is also called the Parts Identification sticker. 
3. Look for the line that begins with "BC/CC". 
4. The paint code will be on the same line, to the right of "BC/CC". It will look something like U130X or WA130X. 
5. If your vehicle has a two-tone paint scheme, there may be a second code starting with "L" for the lower body color, according to this YouTube video. 

You can watch this video to learn how to find the paint code on a Chevy glove box: 32sERAPaintsYouTube · Feb 24, 2017

Can I use my VIN to find my 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. 

How do I find my Chevy paint code?

You can find a Chevy paint code on the "Service Parts Identification" sticker, most commonly located inside the glove box or on the driver's side door jamb. The code is usually a string of letters and numbers, often preceded by "BC/CC" (base coat/clear coat) and a "U" for the upper body color. If you can't find it on the sticker, you can also find it in the spare tire well or by calling a dealership with your VIN.
 
This video shows how to find the paint code on the service parts identification sticker inside the glove box: 27sScratchWizardYouTube · Jun 12, 2013
Steps to find your Chevy paint code

1. Check the glove box: Open the glove box and look for a sticker, often on the side or inside the lid. This sticker is usually white or silver and has a list of vehicle information, including the paint code. 
2. Find the paint code on the sticker: Look for the "BC/CC" designation, which stands for "base coat/clear coat". The paint code will be next to it, often starting with a "U" for the upper (main) body color. 
3. Inspect the driver's side door jamb: If you don't find it in the glove box, check the sticker inside the driver's side door jamb, the area of the car's body where the door latches. 
4. Look in other locations: Other possible spots include the spare tire cover or wheel well, the rear of the middle console, or under the driver's seat. 
5. Use the VIN: If you still can't find the code, call a Chevrolet dealership and give them your vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). 

You can watch this video to see how to find the paint code on the driver's side door jamb: 1mModern ColorYouTube · Nov 12, 2019
Example paint codes

• U130X: The "U" indicates the upper body color, followed by the code itself. 
• U8624: A common format you may see. 
• Two-tone paint: If your truck has two colors, you might find two codes. One will start with "U" for the upper body, and another will start with "L" for the lower body or bumper color. 

Where can I find my Chevy Sonic paint code?

Chevrolet Paint Codes
The paint code for all Chevy cars and trucks are located on the service parts identification sticker. While the sticker is moved around from year to year, it still looks like the ones below. Most labels are white paper sticker, while more moderns ones are a silver label.