How to find paint code on Toyota Celica?
The paint code on a Toyota Celica is usually a short alphanumeric label found on a sticker in or around the driver's door jamb. If you don’t see it there, other common locations include the glove box, trunk area, or the radiator support in the engine bay. If you still can’t locate it, your VIN can be used to verify the color with a Toyota dealer or a color database.
Where the paint code is typically located
The exact location can vary by generation and market, but Toyota generally places the color identifier in one of a few standard spots. Start with the most accessible and move outward if needed.
Below are the most common places Celica owners should check:
- Driver’s side door jamb sticker near the latch, often labeled with terms like “PNT” or “COLOR.”
- Inside the glove box or on the glove box door, especially on older models.
- In the trunk area or spare tire well, sometimes on a sticker attached to the trunk lid or carpeted panel.
- Engine bay radiator support or firewall area, visible when the hood is open.
- VIN-based verification through a Toyota dealer or official color code database if labels are missing or unreadable.
These locations cover the majority of Celica models across generations. If the label is faded, missing, or relocated, using the VIN is a reliable alternative to confirm the exact color and finish with a dealer or color-matching service.
How to read and use the paint code
The paint code is typically a 2- to 3-character alphanumeric string. It points to a specific color in Toyota’s color catalog. Once you have the code, you can order touch-up paint, request a spray can, or have a shop mix a perfect match. If your Celica uses two-tone graphics or a two-step finish, there may be more than one code to note.
What to tell the shop or paint supplier
Provide the paint code exactly as it appears on the label, any secondary color codes if present, and the vehicle’s year and model. If you’re dealing with a two-tone finish, confirm both codes and which surfaces they apply to (e.g., body vs. roof or trim areas).
Additional tips for reliability
If you’re unsure about the label’s readability, take clear photos of the sticker areas with good lighting. Compare the code against the VIN lookup from a Toyota dealer or a trusted color database. For vintage Tem Celicas, where labels may have changed over years, cross-reference the code with production year and market to avoid mismatches.
Summary
Locating a Toyota Celica’s paint code is usually a quick check of the driver’s door jamb sticker, with fallback options in the glove box, trunk, or engine bay. If the label isn’t legible or missing, use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to verify the color with a Toyota dealer or an online color database. With the code in hand, you can reliably order touch-up paint or have a shop mix a precise match for your Celica.
Where is the paint code on a Toyota Celica?
The paint code for Toyota models varies. It can be found either on the passenger side door column, driver's side door column or shut, or inside the engine compartment, depending on the model.
How do I find my Toyota paint code?
To find your Toyota paint code, open the driver's side door and locate the sticker on the door jamb or B-pillar. The code is a three-digit combination of letters and numbers that appears after "C/TR:" on the label. If you can't find it, contact your Toyota dealership and provide your VIN for assistance.
This video shows where to find the paint code on a Toyota Camry: 58sPhilly TomYouTube · Nov 6, 2021
Step-by-step guide
- Open the driver's side door.
- Find the information or identification sticker on the door jamb (the frame of the door) or the B-pillar (the pillar behind the door).
- Look for a line of text that includes "C/TR:" followed by a three-digit code. The three characters to the right of "C/TR:" are your paint code.
- Note this three-digit code, as it's the exact color for your vehicle.
You can watch this video to see a step-by-step guide on finding the paint code on a Toyota RAV4: 59sMattHumanPizzaYouTube · Sep 28, 2021
If you still can't find it
- Call a Toyota dealership: Provide your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and they can look up the correct paint code for you.
- Look for other locations: On some models, the label might be in the engine bay or under the front passenger seat carpet, though the driver's door is the most common location.
This video shows another example of finding the paint code on a Toyota RAV4: 59sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · Jan 5, 2021
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.
Can I find the 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.
