Where can I find the paint code on a Ford truck?
The paint code on a Ford truck is usually a small alphanumeric identifier found on the vehicle’s data sticker, most often on the driver’s door jamb. If you can’t locate it there, check the engine bay’s radiator support label or use the VIN to look up the color with Ford or a dealer.
Common places to look for the color code
The following locations are the most reliable sources for Ford exterior color codes across many model years. Start with the door area, then move to the engine bay if needed.
- Driver’s-side door jamb data sticker: This is the primary source on most Ford trucks. Look for a line labeled Exterior Paint or Paint that shows a short code (typically 2–3 characters).
- Engine bay/radiator support label: Some model years place the exterior color code on a tag mounted in the engine compartment, often near the radiator core support or inner fender.
- Glovebox or interior data tag: In a few configurations, secondary tags inside the glovebox or behind a fuse box may carry color information.
- Original window sticker or build sheet: If you have the factory paperwork, the exterior color code is listed there and can be cross-checked against the vehicle tag.
If none of these sources are accessible or legible, proceed to VIN-based lookup through Ford or a dealer to confirm the color code.
Using the VIN to confirm or find the color code
If the physical labels are missing or unreadable, your VIN can guide you to the correct paint code through official channels or trusted services. Here’s how to proceed.
- Ford official lookup: Visit Ford’s owner portal or contact Ford Customer Service with your VIN. They can provide the exterior color code and confirm the exact paint name for your year and model.
- Dealership assistance: A Ford dealer can pull up the build data for your VIN and provide the exact exterior color code, sometimes with a cross-reference to paint names and enamel options.
- Third-party VIN decoders: Reputable VIN decoding sites may list the paint color, but always cross-check with Ford’s official sources to ensure accuracy for your model year.
Using the VIN to verify the color ensures you get the correct paint match, especially if the truck has had repairs, repaints, or year-to-year color code changes.
Understanding the code and how to use it
Ford paint codes are typically short alphanumeric strings (often 2–3 characters) that map to a specific exterior color. When ordering touch-up paint, a bottle match, or a full repaint, provide the exact code and the model year to ensure the closest color match. Codes can vary by generation and can change or be renamed across years, so always confirm against the vehicle year and trim.
Tips for accuracy and practical use
- If you’re repainting, always verify the color name and code with the dealer or official Ford literature for your exact year and model.
- For older or special editions, the code may differ even if the color appears the same; double-check with the source of truth (VIN lookup or dealer data).
- When ordering touch-up or spray paint, provide the code, year, and preferred finish (e.g., solid, metallic, pearl) to maximize color fidelity.
Summary
In most Ford trucks, start with the driver’s door jamb data sticker, looking for a line labeled Exterior Paint or Paint with your color code. If that sticker isn’t legible or missing, check the engine bay’s radiator support label or glovebox/interior tags, and if needed, use the VIN to obtain the exact color code from Ford or a dealership. Always verify the code against the model year to ensure an accurate color match for touch-ups or repainting.
Where can I find Ford color codes?
Ford paint code location
On the driver's side door column. Under bonnet – suspension mount/ inner wing.
How to find paint color by VIN?
You can find a car's paint code using its VIN by contacting a dealership, using the manufacturer's website, or using online VIN lookup services that provide this information. While the VIN itself doesn't directly display the paint code, it contains the specific information about the vehicle needed to look up the exact color code.
Methods to find the paint code using VIN
You can watch this video to learn how to find the paint code by VIN: 58sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Oct 13, 2024
- Contact a dealership: A local dealership can use your VIN to look up the specific paint code in their database.
- Use the manufacturer's website: Many car manufacturers provide a VIN lookup tool on their official website, which may include the paint code.
- Use online VIN lookup services: Several online services specialize in providing vehicle information using a VIN, which can include the paint code.
- Check other locations on the car: Before or after using the VIN, you can often find the paint code on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or in the trunk area.
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.
Where is the paint code on a Ford truck?
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.
