Where do I find the Ford Focus paint code?
Your Ford Focus paint code is the key to ordering the correct touch-up paint and matching touch-up work to your car's original color. For most Focus models, the exterior color code is a small 2–3 character alphanumeric label found on the driver’s side door jamb data plate. If you can’t locate it in that spot, you can still retrieve the code using your VIN through Ford’s official resources or by contacting a dealer.
Where the paint code is usually located
Most common source: Driver's side door jamb data plate
The primary place to look is the driver’s side door jamb data plate (the door-post sticker). On this plate you’ll typically see a field labeled Exterior Paint, Paint, PNT, Color, or a similar descriptor, followed by a short alphanumeric code.
Before you check the label, gather your Ford Focus’ year and market, since label layouts can vary by region and model year.
- Look for a small code next to a label such as Exterior Paint, Paint, PNT, or Color.
- The code is usually 2–3 characters long and may be printed in black on a light background.
- It may appear alongside other vehicle identifiers like the VIN or trim information.
In most cases, this door jamb plate is the quickest and most reliable source for the paint code.
Other possible locations on the vehicle
If the door jamb label isn’t accessible or doesn’t show a clear paint code, try these additional spots where Ford may place color information on some model years or markets.
- Engine bay or firewall area: Some models have a secondary label in the engine compartment with a paint code.
- Trunk area or spare tire cover: A label inside the trunk, near the latch or under the cargo mat, may include the paint code.
- Glove box or other interior labels: In rare cases, a small tag inside the glove box or on the inside of doors may list exterior color information.
Keep in mind that locations can vary by year and region, so if you don’t see a clear paint code in these spots, proceed to VIN-based options below.
If you can't locate the paint code, use the VIN or dealer resources
VIN-based lookups and official resources
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be used to pull the exact exterior color code through Ford’s systems or a dealer database. This is especially helpful if labels are damaged, missing, or not printed with the paint code.
- Ford Owner portal: Sign in to your Ford Owner account and use the vehicle’s VIN to access build details, including the exterior color code where available.
- Ford Parts or Ford Customer Support: Provide your VIN to a dealer’s parts department or Ford customer service to retrieve the paint code.
- Official color databases: Some markets maintain online color lookup tools that map VINs to paint codes and color names.
Using the VIN with official resources is usually reliable and helps ensure you get the exact shade for your specific car.
Alternative routes if official channels aren’t accessible
If you cannot access Ford’s portals or a dealer right away, you still have practical options to source the color code or an exact color match.
- Visit a local dealership’s parts department with your VIN; they can typically retrieve the paint code and confirm the color name for you.
- Consult an auto body shop or paint supplier—many have color-matching systems that can identify the right Ford code or provide a matched paint by color name and cross-reference.
- Search reputable third-party paint code databases or color-match tools online, then verify with a trusted source before ordering paint.
When in doubt, confirming the code through an official source reduces the risk of ordering a mis-matched shade.
How to read and use the paint code once you have it
Reading and applying the code
Once you have the 2–3 character code, you can use it to order exact exterior paint or a touch-up kit. Codes are tied to specific color formulations and may correspond to a primary color name plus a shade variation. Some markets use additional letters to indicate metallic or tri-coat finishes.
- Use the code with Ford’s official parts or touch-up paint service to ensure the correct finish (solid, metallic, or tri-coat).
- When ordering, provide the code, model year, and market to avoid mix-ups, since the same color name can have different codes in different regions.
- Match color by the code rather than just color name, especially for complex finishes or newer trims.
Verifying the actual shade with a dealer or paint supplier is a good practice, as a small mismatch can be noticeable on a full panel repair.
Summary and practical tips
The Ford Focus exterior color code is most often found on the driver’s side door jamb data plate as a small 2–3 character alphanumeric code. If that location is unavailable or unclear, use your VIN to retrieve the code through Ford’s official resources or via a local dealer. You can also check engine bay labels, trunk labels, or interior labels, though these spots vary by year and market. When in doubt, confirm the code with a dealer or trusted paint supplier to ensure an exact match for touch-ups or repainting.
Bottom line
For a quick, reliable result, start with the driver’s side door jamb data plate, then consult your VIN if the code can’t be read. Using the official Ford channels or a dealership helps guarantee you get the correct exterior paint code for your Ford Focus.
