What is the paint code 4E for Ford?
The paint code 4E does not correspond to a single, universal Ford color. Its exact hue depends on the vehicle’s model year, market, and trim. To identify the precise color for a specific car, you must reference the paint code label on the vehicle and Ford’s official color charts.
What the 4E code signifies in Ford’s catalog
The 4E designation is a paint code used by Ford to identify a specific color within its catalog. However, Ford maintains different palettes for different generations and regions; therefore, 4E may refer to different colors across various model years. An accurate match requires knowing the exact year, model, and production region of the vehicle.
To identify the exact color associated with a particular vehicle that carries the 4E code, use these verification steps:
- Check the paint code label on the vehicle. On most Ford models, this label appears in the driver’s door jamb, the glovebox door, or under the hood near the radiator support. It shows the paint code (two characters) and the paint name.
- Use the VIN to pull the build sheet or the door sticker from a Ford dealer or Ford’s official parts portal. A VIN-based lookup can reveal the exact color name mapped to 4E for that production year and market.
- Consult Ford’s color manuals or official color charts for the vehicle’s year and region. Dealers and Ford’s online catalogs typically include a color code-to-name mapping.
- Cross-check with reputable third-party color databases and automotive forums. While not as authoritative, they can help confirm the color name once you know the year and model.
- Be mindful of variations by trim or option packages. A single 4E code might map to different hues on base models versus special editions in the same year.
In practice, the most reliable method is to read the exact color name listed on the vehicle’s color label and then verify against Ford’s official color catalog for that specific year and market. The same code can map to different hues across Ford product lines.
Where the color label lives and how to verify
Finding the right color for repainting or touch-ups requires checking official documentation and trusted sources. The following locations are typically reliable for identifying the 4E color name for your vehicle:
- Vehicle build sticker (usually on the driver’s door frame or door edge).
- Owner’s manual or service booklet where paint codes are sometimes listed.
- Ford’s official parts or customer service portals, which offer color charts by year and model.
- VIN lookup tools provided by Ford or authorized dealerships.
- Dealership service departments, which can retrieve the exact color name from Ford’s internal databases.
Ultimately, the paint code 4E is not a single color universal to Ford; its hue depends on year and market. Always verify with the vehicle’s own paint label and Ford’s official color catalog for an exact match.
Summary
Ford paint codes like 4E serve as identifiers within a year- and region-specific palette. To determine the precise color, consult the car’s paint label, use VIN-based lookups, and reference Ford’s official color charts. If in doubt, a Ford dealer can confirm the exact hue for your particular vehicle.
