Where can I find GM paint code?
GM paint codes are typically found on the vehicle’s door-jamb sticker and can be read off your VIN at a dealer. This is the quickest way to identify the exact shade used on your GM vehicle.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly where to look, how to read the code, and how to use it to order the correct shade for touch-ups, with options for DIY and dealership help across different GM brands and regions.
Where to find the GM paint code
Use these common locations in order of reliability to locate the color code on most GM models.
- Driver-side door jamb placard showing the color/paint code (the most common source).
- Inside the glove box or on the center console lid where the owner's manual is stored.
- Under-hood or radiator-support label with a small "Paint" or "Body Color" code.
- Original window sticker or build sheet (sometimes kept in the glove box or with the owner’s manual).
- VIN-based lookup by a GM dealer or certified body shop if the label is unreadable.
If you still can’t read the code, provide your VIN to a GM dealership or use a trusted online VIN decoder to pull the factory color from GM’s records, then verify with the dealer before ordering paint.
How to interpret and use the GM paint code
Once you have the code, follow these steps to get the right paint and finish.
- Recognize the format: GM paint codes are typically 2–3 alphanumeric characters; regional variants may use different prefixes (for example, certain export markets use WA-style codes).
- Use the color name: The code is paired with a factory color name on the label; use both when ordering to avoid shade mismatches.
- Pull from the VIN if needed: If the label is missing, a GM dealer can retrieve the original color by VIN.
- Order correctly: Provide the exact code plus the desired finish (solid, metallic, pearlescent) to an automotive paint supplier or GM Parts/Care. Mention if you need basecoat/clearcoat as appropriate.
- Test and compare: Compare the paint in natural light on a small, inconspicuous area before a full touch-up to ensure a close match.
These steps help ensure you source the correct shade, especially for older vehicles with multiple paint generations.
Where to look up GM paint codes online and through official channels
For convenience and verification, use official GM resources and reputable databases to cross-check your code.
- GM official parts and service portals: Enter your VIN or model details to retrieve the paint code from dealership tools and service literature.
- VIN decoders and build sheets: Some online decoders provide the factory color code alongside other options.
- GM color code databases: Reputable sites like paint databases and automotive paint suppliers list GM color codes and finishes; always verify with the dealer against your VIN.
- Regional considerations: North American codes may differ from European or Asian markets; ensure you’re using the correct regional code for your vehicle.
When in doubt, confirm the code with a GM dealer to avoid ordering the wrong shade.
Summary
In most GM vehicles, the paint code sits on the driver’s door jamb label beside the color name, and can also be confirmed via the VIN with a dealer. Always cross-check the code with the color name and region to order the exact shade, and use official GM channels or trusted databases to verify before purchasing paint.
