Where can I find my Ford paint code?
Most Ford paint codes are found on the driver’s-side door jamb sticker, labeled as Paint Code or Exterior Color. If that sticker isn’t readable or present, check the glove box lid, the radiator support in the engine bay, or the trunk/spare-tire area. You can also confirm the exact color using the vehicle’s VIN through Ford’s official portals or by asking a dealer.
In this guide, we lay out the usual spots to check, what the color code looks like, and how to verify it if labels are worn or missing. The paint code is essential for matching touch-up paint, ordering replacement parts, or coordinating body-work with the correct shade, especially on older or limited-edition colors.
Common locations to find the paint code
Check the most reliable places first. The driver’s-side door jamb sticker is the primary source on most Ford models, and the code is typically a short alphanumeric string next to labels like Paint, Exterior Color, or Color Code. If that label isn’t legible, try other standard labels in the vehicle.
- Driver’s-side door jamb sticker (on the edge of the door or the door frame)
- Inside the glove box lid or glove box panel
- Trunk area or spare-tire well (common on hatchbacks and some sedans)
- Radiator support or engine-bay label (stamped on a metal plate or printed on a label)
- Under-hood area or fender-tag on older Ford models
Because two-tone finishes and certain specialty colors can use more than one code, you may see multiple codes on a single label or on separate labels within the references above. If the sticker is worn, faded, or missing, don’t panic—the VIN-based options below can help you confirm the exact color.
Using the VIN to confirm the paint color
If you can’t locate the paint code on physical labels, your VIN is a reliable path to the correct color through Ford’s systems or a dealership.
VIN-based color lookup options
Enter your VIN in Ford’s official owner or parts lookup portals. These tools often display the exterior color and the associated paint code for your exact model year and trim. If online access is limited, a Ford dealer can pull the color code from Ford’s databases using your VIN.
What to tell the dealer when you call
When you contact a dealer, provide the vehicle’s year, make, model, trim level, and the VIN. If you’re dealing with a two-tone or specialty finish, mention that as well, since some codes differentiate base color from accents or finishes (e.g., metallic, pearl, or matte coatings).
Tips for two-tone and specialty colors
Two-tone exterior finishes often carry more than one color code. Look for separate codes for the base color and the secondary color, or for codes that specify which surface each color applies to. If in doubt, verify with a Ford service advisor or parts specialist to ensure you order the correct hues for both areas.
What to do next
Once you’ve identified the paint code, you can order touch-up paint, buy matched spray cans, or request color-matched panels from a body shop. Always test the paint in natural light after application to confirm an accurate shade, as lighting and aging can affect perception of color.
Summary
For most Ford vehicles, the paint code lives on the driver’s-side door jamb sticker and is labeled as Paint Code or Exterior Color. If that sticker isn’t accessible, use the VIN to pull the color from Ford’s official portals or by contacting a dealer. Remember to check for two-tone finishes, which may show multiple codes. With the code in hand, you can accurately source touch-up paint and ensure color consistency across repairs.
Where can I find the paint code for my Ford?
Find your vehicle's paint code located on your vehicle's door jamb label. The exterior paint code will be labeled as EXT PNT followed by two characters. Note: Older vehicles may have more than two characters. Access the Motorcraft Chemicals and Lubricants Quick Reference Charts.
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.
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.
What if I can't find my Ford paint code?
In the event your manufacturer's label is missing, you can use your vehicle identification number to find your color code. You can either contact the Ford company or look the code up online. Your VIN is usually listed on the lower left-hand corner of the dashboard, just in front of the steering wheel.
