How to read Ford paint code?
Ford paint codes are small alphanumeric identifiers that tell you the exact exterior color your car left the factory with. The quickest path to the match is to locate the code on the certification label on the vehicle and then cross-reference it with Ford’s official color catalog or a trusted dealer database. This guide shows you where to look, how to read the code, and how to verify a match for painting or touch-ups.
Where to find the Ford paint code
To locate the code, start with the vehicle’s certification label on the driver’s door jamb. This label captures essential color data and is the most reliable starting point. If your model is older or from a different market, the code may appear in another location such as the trunk area, engine bay, or, on some regional variants, inside the glovebox. Keep in mind that interior trim colors have their own separate codes from exterior paint.
- Driver’s door jamb/door label, typically the most common location for exterior color codes
- Trunk lid sticker or rear hatch area label on hatchbacks/SUVs
- Engine bay or firewall sticker on some older Ford models
- In certain markets, the exterior color code may appear in the glovebox or near the VIN
Once you’ve located the code, note it exactly as printed and double-check that you’re reading the exterior color code, not an interior trim code. A misread or mixing codes can lead to an incorrect paint match.
What the paint code means and how it’s formatted
Ford’s exterior color codes come in formats that have varied by year and model. In general, you’ll encounter short alphanumeric codes that identify the exterior color, sometimes along with separate indicators for metallic versus solid finishes. The length is usually two to three characters, and the characters may be letters or numbers. Because formats have changed over decades and across markets, the precise interpretation depends on the vehicle’s year and region. Always confirm the code corresponds to the exterior color rather than any interior trim designation.
- Exterior color codes are distinct from interior trim codes
- Formats can be two- or three-character alphanumeric strings
- Year and regional market determine which catalog or cross-reference applies
Understanding the general pattern helps you avoid ordering the wrong shade. If you have a rare option or a model that used a special color, verifying the code with a dealership or official Ford catalog is especially important.
How to decode and verify Ford paint color
Having the code is just the first step. The following steps help you map the code to an actual color name and paint formula, and ensure you’re ordering the correct product.
- Confirm the year and market of your vehicle, since color catalogs differ by region and production period.
- Read the exterior color code from the certification label exactly as printed, ensuring you’re not reading an interior trim code.
- Use Ford’s official color catalog or a authorized dealer’s data portal to translate the code into the exact color name and finish (for example, solid, metallic, or pearlescent).
- If the Ford catalog isn’t readily available online, consult reputable third-party databases that cross-reference Ford codes with modern paint names and formulas (such as automotive paint suppliers or widely used cross-reference sites).
- When ordering paint, provide the color code, year, market, and finish to minimize mismatches. If possible, request a test spray or a small sample before committing to a large batch.
Following these steps reduces the chances of a mismatch, especially for rare or limited-edition colors. If you’re ever unsure, a call to a Ford dealership’s service department can confirm the exact code and recommended finish for your vehicle.
Additional tips and resources
Cross-referencing paint codes can be helped by a few practical resources and best practices. Use the Ford Owner portal or a Ford dealership’s parts database to pull the official color name and paint spec tied to your VIN. If you’re repainting or doing a touch-up, bring the code to a reputable paint supplier who can mix to Ford’s specification. For enthusiasts and repair shops, third-party color databases and community-driven references can provide useful cross-checks, but always verify with an official Ford source when possible.
Summary
To read a Ford paint code, locate the exterior color code on the vehicle’s certification label (commonly on the driver’s door jamb), identify the code correctly as exterior, and verify it against Ford’s official color catalog or a trusted dealer/database. Year and market matter, and formats have varied over time, so cross-reference is essential. When in doubt, consult a Ford dealer or authorized body shop to confirm the exact color name, finish, and correct paint formula.
What color is my Ford car paint?
Your Ford paint code can be found in multiple locations across your Ford vehicle, though the code can most commonly be found on the driver's side door frame. If you're struggling to find your Ford paint code: Boot – lid or floor/ spare wheel bay. On the driver's side door column.
What paint code is WB 156?
Ronan Aquacote Brilliant Blue Paint #WB156 Pint.
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.
How to read Ford color code?
Open the driver's. Door locate the VIN label on the driver's door jam your P code will be located underneath the barcode. The characters to the right of ext.
