Where is the color code on a Ford?

The color code is usually printed on the vehicle’s factory labels and is most often found on the driver’s door jamb. If it isn’t there, it may also appear in the glove box or in the engine bay labels, depending on the model year and trim.

Ford uses a paint color identifier on these labels to specify the exact shade used on your car. Locating the code is essential for touch-up paint, parts ordering, or color-matching projects. The location can vary by model and year, so this guide outlines the most common spots and what to do if you can’t find it.

Common locations to check

These are the spots most Ford owners should inspect first. Start with the driver’s door area, then move to adjacent labels if needed.

• Driver’s-side door jamb sticker (the most common location): a label on the door frame near the latch that lists exterior color as a code alongside the VIN.


• Door edge or door latch area: on some models the label is printed on the edge of the door itself.


• Glove box or glove box lid label: older or some trim levels may place the paint code here near other vehicle specifications.


• Engine bay/radiator support label: a label inside the engine compartment, often on or near the radiator support or firewall, may include the exterior color code.


• Trunk or cargo area label: in trucks or SUVs, the color code can be located on labels in the rear cargo area or on the spare tire cover.

The door jamb label remains the quickest and most reliable starting point for most Ford models. If you don’t see a color code there, check the other locations listed above.

What to do if you can't find the color code

When the color code isn’t obvious on exterior labels, try these steps to verify the exact shade.

• Inspect the glove box label again or look for a secondary label in the glove box area that may list paint details.


• Check the engine bay labels for an “Exterior Color” or “Paint” entry near the radiator support or firewall.


• Use the vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to look up the paint code in Ford’s official owner portal or through a Ford dealer’s system.


• Contact a Ford dealer with your VIN; they can pull the exact color code from Ford’s database and confirm the corresponding paint name.


• If you’re ordering touch-up paint, provide both the color code and the model year, as codes can sometimes map to multiple shades across years.

Note: The color code is typically a short alphanumeric identifier (often two characters, sometimes three). The human-readable paint name may differ, so rely on the code for accurate color matching.

Summary

For most Ford vehicles, start with the driver’s door jamb label to locate the exterior color code. If it isn’t there, check the glove box, engine bay, and cargo area labels. When in doubt, use the VIN to retrieve the color code from Ford’s official resources or contact a dealer for precise color matching. Keeping the exact code on hand ensures accurate touch-up work and correct paint ordering.

Where is the car color code located?

You can find a car's paint code on a sticker or plate located in the driver's side door jamb. Other common locations include the dashboard, glovebox, trunk, or under the hood. The code is often labeled with terms like "EXT PNT" or "BODY COLOR CODE" and can be a mix of letters and numbers.
 
This video shows how to find the paint code on a car: 1mClint HollandYouTube · Dec 10, 2020
Common locations for the paint code

• Driver's side door jamb: This is the most common location, a sticker on the door edge or B-pillar. 
• Under the hood: Look for a sticker or placard on the firewall or inside the hood itself. 
• Glovebox: Some vehicles, especially GM models, have the code in the glovebox. 
• Trunk: Check the trunk floor or the spare tire well. 
• Windshield: On some cars, the code is located near the VIN number on the bottom right of the windshield. 
• Owner's manual or visor: The code may also be printed in the owner's manual or on the back of the sun visor. 

You can watch this video to learn how to locate the paint code on different vehicles: 55sJoe Beermaster The Car MasterYouTube · Oct 12, 2018
Tips for finding and using the code

• Look for specific labels: Search for terms like "EXT PNT," "BODY COLOR CODE," or the letters "C" for color. 
• Check for exterior and interior codes: Sometimes two codes are listed on the placard, one for the exterior and one for the interior. 
• Consult the owner's manual: If you can't find the sticker, check your owner's manual for a list of vehicle specifications. 
• Contact a dealer: If you're still unable to find the code, a dealership can look it up for you using your car's VIN. 

Where can I find my Ford color code?

door jamb label
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.

What is the Ford color code?

Your Ford paint code can be found in multiple locations across your Ford vehicle, though the code can most commonly be found on the driver's side door frame. If you're struggling to find your Ford paint code: Boot – lid or floor/ spare wheel bay. On the driver's side door column.

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.