How to Find Your Vehicle Paint Color Code - Universal Guide

Understanding Universal Vehicle Color Identification

All vehicles - regardless of make, model, or year - carry a color identification plate located somewhere on the vehicle. This plate contains the official paint color code used by the factory. Location varies by manufacturer, model, and production year.

Universal principles for all vehicles:

• 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 vary significantly across manufacturers and years
• Many codes are hidden (example: under trunk carpet, behind trim panels, under seats)
• Older vehicles may have faded, corroded, or missing identification plates
• Modern vehicles (1996+) have more standardized locations; classic vehicles have more varied positions

Universal Vehicle Color Code Locations - All Manufacturers

Universal Location Key - All Vehicles

1. Strut Tower - Under hood, top of suspension mounting
2. Firewall - Engine compartment rear wall
3. Inner Fender - Wheel well area, visible when hood is open
4. Radiator Support - Front of engine bay
5. Hood Underside - Inside surface of hood
6. Cowl Panel - Base of windshield, under hood
7. Driver's Door Jamb - Most common location on modern vehicles (1996+)
8. Door Hinge Pillar - B-pillar area between doors
9. Passenger Door Jamb - Inside edge when door is open
10. Trunk Lid - Inside or underside of trunk lid
11. Trunk Interior - Side panels or floor of trunk
12. Spare Tire Well - Often hidden under trunk carpet
13. Fuel Filler Door - Behind gas cap or on filler neck
14. Glove Box - Inside glove compartment or on door
15. Under Driver/Passenger Seat - Floor area beneath seats
16. Rear Storage Compartment Lid - Hatchbacks and wagons
17. Sun Visor - Behind driver or passenger sun visor
18. Instrument Panel - Dashboard area, sometimes visible through windshield
19. Floor Behind Passenger Seat - Rear floor area
20. Floor Under Passenger Seat - Front passenger floor
21. Center Console / CD Storage - Between front seats or in trunk

Manufacturer-Specific Color Plate Examples

General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Saturn)

Look for "BC/CC" followed by the paint code, or "WA" number format (example: WA8624)

Note: GM vehicles use two different code formats - traditional color codes and WA numbers. Check both format locations if needed.

Chrysler / Dodge / Plymouth / Jeep / Ram

Paint code typically listed as "PNT" or "PAINT" followed by the code

Ford / Lincoln / Mercury - CRITICAL LOCATION NOTE

Honda and Acura - Special Factory Code Requirements

Important Honda/Acura Factory Code Information:

Honda and Acura vehicles require a factory code suffix in addition to the base color code.

How to read Honda/Acura codes:

• Locate the base color code on the identification plate
• Find the factory code letter (usually in the lower right-hand corner)
• Combine them for the complete code

Example: If your tag shows color code B-89P with factory code "A" in the lower right corner, the correct code to order is B-89P-A

Common Honda/Acura factory codes:

• Older models (pre-2000): Usually A, H, or L
• Newer models (2000+): Can be A-Z or 0-9

Step-by-Step Universal Instructions

1. Find your vehicle manufacturer in the table above
2. Note ALL location numbers listed for your manufacturer
3. Gather necessary tools: Flashlight, cleaning cloth, camera/phone, possibly screwdriver for trim removal
4. Start with most common locations: Driver's door jamb (location 7) for modern vehicles, or firewall (location 2) for older vehicles
5. Check each location systematically - Don't give up after checking one or two spots
6. Clean the plate if found - Dirt, grease, or corrosion can obscure codes
7. Write down the EXACT code - Include all letters, numbers, hyphens, and suffixes
8. Take a clear photo of the identification plate for your records
9. Special manufacturer requirements:
   • Honda/Acura: Include factory code suffix
   • Ford: Read code ABOVE "Exterior Paint Colors"
   • GM: Check for both traditional codes and WA numbers
10. Verify the code matches available colors for your vehicle year and model
11. Order touch-up paint using your verified color code

Universal Tips for All Vehicles

• Modern vehicles (1996-present): Location 7 (driver's door jamb) is most common
• Classic vehicles (pre-1996): Check multiple locations - plates were less standardized
• European vehicles: Often have codes on chassis plates combined with VIN information
• Import vehicles: May include characters in different languages or formats
• Trucks and SUVs: Sometimes have plates in unusual locations like under rear seats or in bed
• Convertibles: Check inside trunk and behind seats - roof mechanism may block common locations
• Repainted vehicles: Original plate shows factory color, not current color if repainted
• Restored classics: Plate may have been removed or relocated during restoration
• High-mileage vehicles: Plates may be faded, corroded, or illegible

Year-Specific Guidance

Looking for a Specific Year?

For more detailed, year-specific instructions, see our dedicated guides:

Frequently Asked Questions - All Vehicles

Can I order by color name instead of code?

No. This applies to all vehicle years and makes. Color names are not specific enough. Multiple different shades may share similar names. Always use the exact color code from your vehicle's identification plate.

What if my color does not match the online photo?

Computer screens display colors differently based on settings, lighting, and monitor quality. If your color code matches exactly, you have the correct paint - we manufacture according to the code, not visual appearance.

What if I cannot find my color plate anywhere?

If you've checked all locations for your manufacturer:

• Try locations listed for "All Other Makes"
• Check behind removable trim panels
• Look under floor mats and carpeting
• Consult vehicle documentation or owner's manual
• Contact your vehicle manufacturer's customer service
• Visit a dealership service department for assistance
• Use professional color matching services as last resort

Do locations change between model years?

Yes. Even within the same manufacturer, plate locations can change between model years. Always check all listed locations if you don't find the plate in the first spot.

What if my vehicle has been repainted?

The factory identification plate will always show the original factory color code, not any subsequent repaints. If you want to match the current color on a repainted vehicle, you'll need professional color matching services.

Are there universal patterns by vehicle type?

Some general patterns exist:

• Sedans: Usually door jamb or trunk
• SUVs/Trucks: Door jamb, glove box, or under rear seat
• Sports Cars: Engine bay, door jamb, or trunk
• Convertibles: Trunk or behind seats (roof mechanism blocks some locations)
• Vans: Door jamb, side panel, or under driver's seat

How do I know which code format my vehicle uses?

Code formats vary by manufacturer:

• GM: WA#### (4 digits) or traditional letter-number combinations
• Ford: 1-2 characters (letters and/or numbers)
• Chrysler: 2-3 alphanumeric characters
• Honda/Acura: Base code + factory suffix (B-89P-A)
• Toyota/Lexus: 3-4 characters, often includes numbers and letters
• European brands: Various formats, often alphanumeric