Where is the Chevy paint code located?
The paint code for Chevrolet vehicles is usually found on the driver’s door jamb information sticker, but it can also appear on other labels such as a glove box sticker or a fender/radiator tag depending on year and model. This guide helps you locate it quickly and interpret what it means.
Common locations on most Chevrolet vehicles
On many modern Chevys, start by checking the driver’s door area. If you don’t see the color code there, try other labels that GM often uses across revisions and body styles.
- Driver’s door jamb information sticker: Look for a small label on the door frame near the latch. The color code is usually labeled as "PAINT" or "COLOR" and sits near the VIN, tire size, and other production details.
- Glove box label: On older Chevrolets or certain mid-2000s models, the color code appears on the label inside the glove box along with the VIN and other specifications.
- Radiator support tag or fender tag (engine bay area): Some trucks, SUVs, and certain trims display the color code on a tag or sticker attached to the radiator support or inner fender near the engine compartment.
If you still can’t locate the code after checking these spots, consult your owner’s manual or contact a Chevrolet dealer with your VIN — they can look up the exact factory color and match it for repainting.
Model-year caveats and decoding the code
Color labels can vary by model year and body style, so the exact location or label name may differ. The code itself is a short alphanumeric string that GM uses to identify the exact paint formula. The code alone may not tell you the common color name; a dealer or GM color database can translate it into the public color name and finish. When ordering touch-up paint or a repaint, providing the code and the vehicle’s VIN helps ensure a precise match.
Tips for specific models
For specialty models such as Corvette, Camaro, or certain crew cab trucks, the label location can differ slightly. If you can’t find a door jamb label, check labels inside the trunk, under the hood, or on a tag in the engine bay. Always verify with the VIN when possible to avoid mismatches.
What to do if you can’t locate the code
If the standard labels aren’t in the expected places, use a few fallback steps. Start by checking the owner’s manual for label locations specific to your model year. You can also contact a Chevrolet dealer or GM customer service and provide your VIN; they can pull up the exact paint code and confirm the color name and finish.
Summary
In most Chevrolet vehicles, the paint code is found on the driver’s door jamb sticker, with glove box labels and engine-bay tags as backup locations depending on the model and year. When in doubt, the VIN-tied data at a dealership or GM’s online resources can provide the precise code you need to ensure an accurate color match for any repair or repaint.
Is the paint code located in the engine compartment?
Under the Hood or Engine Compartment
Another common place to find paint codes is within the engine compartment. Check the firewall, strut towers, or radiator support for a sticker or plate with the paint code.
Where can I find my Chevrolet paint code?
The Chevy paint code is most commonly found on a sticker in the driver's side door jamb, but can also be in the glove box or under the hood. You will need to look for a "BC/CC" prefix followed by a four-digit code, or a different alphanumeric string depending on the model and year.
This video shows how to find the paint code on a Chevy Silverado 1500: 16sDirt Road Auto RepairYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
Where to look
- Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common location, look for a sticker with the paint code printed on it.
- Glove box: On many models, the paint code is on a sticker inside the glove box, often at the bottom left, to the right of "BC/CC".
- Under the hood: Check the firewall, strut towers, or radiator support for a sticker or plate.
- Other locations: Some models may have the code on the spare tire cover, inside the trunk lid, or in the rear of the center console.
This video shows how to find the paint code on a Chevy Equinox: 45sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · May 19, 2019
What to look for
- The code usually starts with "BC/CC" which stands for base coat/clear coat.
- The actual paint code is a string of four numbers (or a combination of letters and numbers) that follows the prefix.
- Some stickers may use different formats or prefixes, so it's important to check the specific model's documentation if the common methods don't work.
How do I find my factory paint code?
Driver's door label
Along with the VIN and important information like GVWR, it often has the vehicle paint code printed on it.
What part of my VIN is the paint code?
A vehicle's paint code is not part of the VIN number itself, but you can use the VIN to find the correct paint code. The paint code is a unique identifier for a car's specific paint color and is typically found on a sticker or metal plate in a few common locations, such as the driver's side door jamb, under the hood, or in the owner's manual.
This video shows how to find the paint code on a vehicle, including in common locations like the door jamb: 56sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · Apr 5, 2017
Where to find the paint code on your vehicle
- Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common location for a sticker or plate with the paint code.
- Under the hood: Look for a label on the firewall, radiator support, or inner strut tower.
- Owner's manual: The code is often listed in the manual.
- Trunk area: Check the underside of the trunk lid or inside the spare tire well.
- Other locations: Depending on the make and model, it could be on the dashboard, B-pillar, or inside the glove box.
How to use your VIN to find the paint code
This video explains how to use your VIN to find the paint code on a vehicle: 57sSimple Mechanic AdviceYouTube · Oct 13, 2024
- Call your dealership: Provide the VIN to a dealership's parts department, and they can look up the exact paint code for you.
- Use online VIN decoders: Some online tools can decode your VIN to find the paint code, though this information is often proprietary and might require a direct lookup or dealer assistance for accuracy.
