2003 Domestic and Foreign Vehicle Color Code Location Guide
How to Find Your 2003 Vehicle Paint Color Code
Important: The only accurate way to order touch-up paint is to locate your vehicle's exact color code. Never rely on color names alone.
Why color codes matter: Even vehicles with seemingly simple color options require code verification. For example, a 2003 vehicle might list multiple similar shades that look identical on screen but appear very different in person. Always verify the exact code from your vehicle's identification plate.
Understanding Vehicle Color Identification
All vehicles have a color identification plate located in various positions depending on the manufacturer and model. This plate contains the official paint color code used by the factory.
Key points:
- We manufacture touch-up paint according to color codes, NOT color names
- If your vehicle color does not match the screen display but the code matches, you have the correct identification
- Color code locations can vary even within the same model year and make
- Some codes are hidden (example: under trunk carpet near spare tire)
2003 Vehicle Color Code Locations by Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | Location Number(s) |
|---|---|
| Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep | 1 |
| Fiat | 1, 3, 4 |
| Ford / Lincoln / Mercury | 1 |
| General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Saturn, Oldsmobile) | 1, 2, 4, 5, 9 |
| BMW / Mini Cooper | 6, 8 |
| Honda / Acura | 1 |
| Hyundai | 1 |
| Jaguar / Land Rover | 1, 7 |
| Kia | 1 |
| Mazda | 1, 3 |
| Mercedes-Benz / Smart | 1, 3, 7 |
| Mitsubishi | 1, 2, 3, 7 |
| Nissan / Infiniti | 1, 3 |
| Subaru | 1, 2, 6 |
| Toyota / Lexus | 1 |
| Volkswagen / Audi | 4, 5 |
| Volvo | 1, 3, 6 |
Location Key
- Driver's Door Jamb - Most common location
- Passenger Door Jamb
- Firewall - Engine compartment rear wall
- Trunk Lid - May be under carpet
- Spare Tire Wheel Well
- Strut Tower(s) - Under hood
- Underhood Radiator Support
- Driver/Passenger Side Engine Compartment
- Glove Box
Manufacturer-Specific Color Plate Examples
General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac)
Look for "BC/CC" followed by the paint code (example: WA8624)
Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep
Paint code typically listed as "PNT" or "PAINT" followed by the code
Ford / Lincoln / Mercury - IMPORTANT NOTE
Critical Ford Color Code Location:
The color code is ABOVE the words "Exterior Paint Colors", not below!
In this example, the correct color code is 19 (located above the text), NOT 54D (which appears below).
Honda and Acura - Special Instructions
Important Honda/Acura Factory Code Requirement:
Honda and Acura vehicles may require a factory code suffix in addition to the base color code.
How to read Honda/Acura codes:
- Locate the base color code (example: B-89P)
- Find the factory code letter or number on the same tag
- Combine them for the complete code
Example: If your tag shows color code B-89P with factory code "A", the correct code to order is B-89P-A
Factory codes are typically single characters: A-Z or 0-9
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Find your vehicle manufacturer in the table above
- Note the location number(s) where the color plate may be located
- Locate the color identification plate on your vehicle using the diagram
- Write down the exact color code from the plate (including any letters, numbers, or suffixes)
- For Honda/Acura: Include the factory code suffix with your base color code
- For Ford: Ensure you're reading the code ABOVE "Exterior Paint Colors"
- Order touch-up paint using your verified color code
Common Color Code Finding Tips
- Bring a flashlight - Color plates can be in dark areas
- Check multiple locations - Some manufacturers use alternate positions
- Look under covers - Trunk carpet, door sills, etc.
- Take a photo - Document the code for future reference
- Clean the plate - Dirt can obscure codes
- Compare carefully - Similar codes can differ by one character
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order by color name instead of code?
No. Color names are not specific enough. Multiple different shades may share similar names. Always use the exact color code.
What if my color does not match the online photo?
Computer screens display colors differently. If your color code matches, you have the correct paint - we manufacture according to the code, not appearance.
What if I cannot find my color plate?
Check all locations listed for your manufacturer. Some plates are hidden under carpets, trim pieces, or protective covers.
Do all 2003 vehicles have the same code locations?
No. Location can vary even within the same model year and manufacturer. Use the guide as a starting point and check all listed positions.
