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

If you're planning to repaint your truck, it's critical to find the colour code to ensure an exact match. The location of a vehicle's colour code varies by manufacturer, but it is typically found on a label inside the driver's side door frame or jamb. For instance, for a BMW, the code is usually found underneath the hood by the strut towers, while for a Chrysler, the code is in the format of PS2 QS2, where the colour code is S2. In the case of a Ford, the paint code is always on the driver's door jamb, with the code located above Exterior Paint Code. It's important to note that the code shown below Exterior Paint Code is usually not the correct paint code.

Check the driver's side door jamb

Checking the driver's side door jamb is one of the most common ways to find the paint code for your truck. Most vehicle manufacturers follow this practice, making it easy for truck owners to locate the paint code. The paint code is usually part of a VIN sticker or decal that is affixed to the b-pillar on the driver's side doorjamb.

The exact location of the paint code on the decal or sticker can vary depending on the manufacturer. For example, Honda codes typically start with the letters NH or the letters R, G, or B and can be found at the bottom centre of the decal. Hyundai and Kia paint codes, on the other hand, are usually located in the top right corner of the decal, and they are two digits long. Toyota paint codes can be found near the bottom left corner of the decal, following "C/TR":.

In addition to the paint code, the VIN sticker or decal may also include other important information such as the interior trim code and the vehicle's identification number. This information can be helpful when ordering automotive leather dye or other interior accessories that need to match the original specifications.

It's important to note that while checking the driver's side door jamb is a common practice, some manufacturers may place the paint code in other locations. For example, Porsche often includes the paint code in the owner's manual or in the spare tire well. Additionally, some vehicles may have the paint code located near the passenger side firewall or under the hood. So, if you're unable to locate the paint code in the driver's side door jamb, it's worth checking these other locations as well.

Look for the label inside the door frame

The vehicle colour code is essential to guarantee the accuracy of your paint colour. While the location of a vehicle's colour code varies by manufacturer, it is typically found on a label inside the driver's side door frame or jamb. This is usually the case for Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Porsche, Saab, and Scion vehicles.

For Ford trucks, the paint code is always on the driver's door jamb, often with the colour code above where it says "Exterior Paint Code". The code shown below "Exterior Paint Code" is usually not the correct paint code. Look for a two-character code. You may also see “CC Met” on the colour plate, which stands for "Clearcoat Metallic" and is not part of the colour code. The paint code will be labelled as "EXT PNT" followed by two characters. Older vehicles may have more than two characters.

Acura and Honda trucks often have a factory code that makes a difference in the colour. An easy-to-spot colour identification plate can be found on the driver's door jamb.

Porsche, Saab, and Scion trucks usually have the paint code on the driver's door jamb.

Hyundai trucks also typically have the paint code on the driver's door jamb.

If you cannot find the paint code on the door jamb, it may be located elsewhere on the truck. For instance, Porsche vehicles sometimes have the paint code located around the spare tire.

Inspect the trunk carpet in the spare tire compartment

If you own a Volkswagen or Audi A4, you should inspect the trunk carpet in the spare tire compartment to find your paint code. Volkswagen typically puts its paint code locations inside the trunks of its vehicles. The code may be beneath the trunk mat, inside the rear compartment, or on the wheel well of the spare tire. It could be on a paper tag, loose, or folded over.

For Audi A4s, the paint code is usually hidden underneath the trunk carpet in the spare tire compartment on the right side. It will also be on a paper tag, which may be loose or folded over.

Other manufacturers may also place the paint code on or around the spare tire. It is always worth checking the trunk carpet and the spare tire compartment for a paint code, as it could be hidden or placed in an unusual location.

The paint code will be a combination of letters and numbers and is critical to ensuring an exact colour match.

Check under the hood

Checking under the hood is a great way to find your truck's paint code. Many manufacturers place the paint code underneath the hood. For instance, BMW, Audi, and Volvo usually place the paint code under the hood, often by the strut towers or towards either side. Similarly, for Jaguar, Kia, and Land Rover trucks, you can find the paint code under the hood of older models.

To locate the paint code under the hood, look for a sticker, decal, or plate with a combination of letters and numbers. The paint code is typically located on the bottom left corner of the tag. It may be a two- or three-digit code, and it could be located on a plate with several other three-digit codes.

In some cases, the paint code may be located on the radiator support under the hood. For example, Nissan paint codes can often be found near the passenger side firewall or the hinge area under the hood.

It's important to note that not all trucks will have their paint codes located under the hood. Some manufacturers place the paint code in other areas, such as the driver's side door jamb, the trunk, or the spare tire well. However, checking under the hood is a good starting point, especially for certain makes and models.

If you cannot locate the paint code under the hood or elsewhere on your truck, you may need to visit a body shop or paint shop. They can help you identify the paint code or even colour-match your current paint to create a custom mix.

Consult the manufacturer's website

The location of a vehicle's colour code varies by manufacturer. The manufacturer's website is a good place to start your search for the code. You can also refer to the owner's manual, which usually tells you where the colour code placards are located.

For instance, Ford vehicles have their paint code located on the door jamb label. The exterior paint code is labelled as EXT PNT followed by two characters. Older vehicles may have more than two characters.

Acura and Honda vehicles usually have an easy-to-spot colour ID plate right on the driver's door jamb. Audi vehicles typically have their paint code hidden around the spare tyre on a paper tag, which can often be loose or folded over. BMW vehicles usually have their paint code located underneath the hood by the strut towers.

Chrysler, AMC, Dodge, Jeep, and Plymouth vehicles have colour codes in the format of PS2 QS2, where the colour code is S2, and the letter before it is a year code. You may also see 'PNT' before the colour code, but this is not part of the code.

If you cannot find the paint code, you can use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to search for your car's paint code through other platforms. You can call your dealer and ask for the paint code, or search for it online.

Frequently asked questions