Finding Your Ford's Paint Code: A Step-By-Step Guide

how do i find my ford paint code

If you're looking to repair some paintwork on your Ford, you'll need to find your car's paint code to ensure you get an exact colour match. The paint code can usually be found next to the compliance plate, which is often located in the engine bay, on the firewall, or inside the door jams. If you can't find it there, check the front of your owner's manual, where the colour code may be printed. Once you have the code, you can order Ford touch-up paint pens, bottles, or spray paint in your factory colour.

Characteristics Values
Where to find the paint code Next to the compliance plate; often located in the engine bay, on the firewall, or inside the door jams
Failing this, the colour code may be printed in the front of the owner's manual
Colour plate May show EX PT (Exterior Paint) and the colour code may be above or below this
The actual colour may be embossed on the plate in the middle
Two-tone combinations Ford has many two-tone combinations for some cars
The secondary colour information is sometimes missing
Same colour code, different name Ford, like all manufacturers, uses the same colour across many models but with a different name for each model

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Check the compliance plate

The paint code for your Ford vehicle can be found on the Safety Compliance Certification Label, also known as the door jamb label. This label is located on the driver's side door jamb (door latch post pillar). It contains information such as the date of manufacture, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Gross Axle Weight Rating for each axle, tire size, rim size, recommended tire inflation pressure, and exterior paint code.

The exterior paint code on the compliance plate is typically located next to the abbreviation "EXT PNT". Look to the right of this abbreviation to find your paint code. It is important to note that the code shown below "Exterior Paint Code" or "EXT PNT" may not be the correct paint code. The correct paint code is usually a two-character code, but some Ford colour codes, especially for older vehicles, may be longer and consist of a combination of letters and numbers.

If you are having trouble locating the compliance plate or understanding the paint code, you can refer to online resources or contact Ford directly. Websites like Chipex allow you to input your VIN to receive the corresponding colour code. Additionally, Ford's Customer Relationship Center can provide assistance in obtaining a Technical Data Sheet or a VIN Decode Letter for certain model years.

By checking the compliance plate and following these guidelines, you can accurately determine the paint code for your Ford vehicle. This information is valuable when purchasing touch-up paint or considering a new paint job, as it ensures you acquire the right type of paint.

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Look in the engine bay

If you're looking for your Ford paint code, one place to check is the engine bay. Pop the hood and look at the front of the engine. The paint code may be listed on a label here, typically accompanied by ''EXT PNT' followed by two characters.

You can also try finding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the engine bay, which may be listed near the front of the engine or the frame of the windshield. You can then use this number to look up the paint code online. There are various websites where you can type in your VIN, and they will provide you with the corresponding colour code. However, it's recommended to call the Ford company to double-check that the code is accurate, as these websites may not be officially affiliated with Ford.

Alternatively, you can look for the VIN by looking through the windshield from inside the car, or by checking the dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or inside the driver's side door frame. Once you have the VIN, you can use it to search for the paint code online or by calling Ford directly.

It's worth noting that Ford paint codes are typically just two digits, which can include numbers and letters. However, older vehicles may have more than two characters in their paint codes. Additionally, Ford has used the same colour across multiple models but given it different names, so it's important to use the paint code when ordering touch-up paint to ensure you get the correct colour.

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Check the firewall

The paint code for Ford vehicles can usually be found on the driver's side door jamb or door edge. However, if you are unable to locate it there, you should check the firewall.

The firewall is a wall that separates the engine compartment from the rest of the car. It is typically located at the front of the car, behind the bumper. To find the paint code on the firewall, you should:

  • Locate the firewall: Open the hood of your Ford vehicle and look for a metal wall separating the engine compartment from the rest of the car. This is the firewall.
  • Inspect the firewall for the paint code: Once you have located the firewall, carefully inspect it for a label or plaque that contains the paint code. The paint code on Ford models typically comprises two digits, including numbers and/or letters.
  • Cross-reference the paint code: Once you have found the paint code on the firewall, you can use it to look up the corresponding paint colour. You can refer to Ford's Motorcraft Chemicals and Lubricants Quick Reference Charts or use online tools by searching for terms like "car colour code library" or "auto paint code database".

It is important to note that the paint code location may vary depending on the model and year of your Ford vehicle. While newer models typically have the paint code on the driver's side door jamb, older models may have it located elsewhere, such as the firewall. Additionally, pre-1970 Ford vehicles may have different paint colours with the same name, so it is essential to verify the colour code along with the name.

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Look inside door jambs

To find the paint code for your Ford vehicle, look inside the driver's side door jamb or frame. This location is favoured because it is easily accessible and typically well-protected from the elements. When you open the driver's door, look for a label or plate with various information, including the paint code.

The manufacturer's label may be towards the bottom of the jamb, on the rear side (closer to the back of the car). The label will be rectangular and may be printed with a Ford watermark and/or a patterned background. It typically says "Manufactured (or MFD.) by Ford Motor Co. (or Company)" at the top. Modern manufacturing labels typically have a barcode printed on them, while older examples may not.

Once you've found the manufacturer's label, you can use this to locate the colour code. The colour code is found below the barcode and is usually marked by two characters, which can be either numbers or letters. The two digits are listed above or next to the words "exterior paint colours". For example, if you see the letters "PM" written above "exterior paint colours", this means the colour code is PM. Some Ford colour codes—especially for older vehicles—may be longer than two characters.

The exterior paint code will be labelled as EXT PNT followed by two characters. Note that older vehicles may have more than two characters.

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Check the owner's manual

One of the easiest ways to find your Ford paint code is to check the owner's manual. The owner's manual is a comprehensive guide to your vehicle and typically includes information on the car's paint code. This code is usually located in the section of the manual that covers the car's exterior care and maintenance.

The paint code is typically listed along with other relevant information about the car's paint, such as the name of the colour and the type of paint used. It is usually a combination of letters and numbers and may vary in length depending on the model and year of your Ford vehicle. For example, for older Ford vehicles, the paint code is typically three digits long and can be found on the vehicle compliance plate, which is often located on the driver's door sill or under the bonnet. Newer Ford models may have longer paint codes that consist of both letters and numbers.

It's important to note that the owner's manual may not always provide the paint code directly. In some cases, it may only provide instructions on how to locate the paint code on the vehicle itself. This is why it's crucial to carefully review the entire manual, paying close attention to sections related to the car's exterior care, maintenance, or repair.

If you don't have physical access to the owner's manual, you may be able to find an electronic version online. Many automotive websites offer downloadable owner's manuals for various Ford models. You can try searching for your specific Ford model along with the year of manufacture to locate an online version of the manual. Once you find the relevant manual, you can refer to the sections mentioned earlier to locate the paint code information.

In addition to the owner's manual, there are other locations where you can find the paint code on your Ford vehicle. These locations may vary depending on the model and year of your Ford. Some common places to check include the vehicle compliance plate, the strut tower under the bonnet, the firewall on the driver's side, or the door jamb on the driver's side door. By checking the owner's manual in combination with these other locations, you should be able to successfully locate the paint code for your Ford vehicle.

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Frequently asked questions

You can typically find your Ford paint code next to the compliance plate, which is often located in the engine bay, on the firewall, or inside the door jams.

If you can't find your paint code in the locations mentioned above, check if the colour code is printed in the front of your owner's manual.

If you're still having difficulty locating your Ford paint code, you can visit a Supercheap Auto store, where a team member can help you find the code and mix your paint accordingly.

Ford, like all manufacturers, uses the exact same colour across many models but with a different colour name for each model. Therefore, knowing the colour code is important to ensure you order the correct paint.

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