How Do I Find My Paint Code

8/17/2017

Knowing you vehicle's paint code is essential when it comes to getting the correct color match. In this article, we are going to show you where to look for your paint code along with the paint code format of your vehicle manufacturer.

Paint Code Locations

Automotive Paint codes are not always found in the same spot between the different vehicle brands so you may need to look in a few potential places. The most common places are as follows:

Driver Door Jam: This is the most common location for paint codes so check here first. Makes that may use this location: Acura, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hummer, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedez Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volvo
Under the hood: Some will place the code above the strut towers, fender edges, or frame rail, or along the engine wall or fire wall just between the engine compartment and the interior. Others will have a sticker on underside of hood or front of the radiator support. Makes that may use this location: BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jeep, Mazda, Mercedez Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Suzuki, Volvo
Inside the trunk: The sticker may be under the deck lid, inside the rear compartment, spare tire cover, or even on the wheel housing. Makes that may use this location: Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Volkswagen
In the glove box or middle console: Check inside the glove box or middle console, either on the door or inside the interior of the box, removing items if necessary. Makes that may use this location: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Hummer, Isuzu, Suzuki

Example of Mazda Drive Door Tag

Paint Code Formats

Like the location of your paint code, the format of the code varies depending on your manufacturer. Below is a list of the vehicle makes and their paint code formats:

Acura: NH-XXXX
Audi: May be 2-4 numbers long and can include letters
BMW: Three numbers
Buick: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination
Cadillac: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination
Chevrolet: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination
Chrysler: Starts with P, Q, G, or T, 3 digits with letters and numbers. May be prefaced by PNT.
Dodge: Starts with P, Q, G, or T, 3 digits with letters and numbers. May be prefaced by PNT.
Ford: Two digits with numbers and/or letters
GMC: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination
Honda: NHXXXX or YRXXXXX
Hummer: Starts with WA, BC/CC, or U, may be prefaced by a three digit number and letter combination
Hyundai: Two digits with numbers and/or letters
Infiniti: Three digits with numbers and/or letters, may be fourth digit after a space
Isuzu: Three digits with numbers
Jeep: Starts with P, Q, G, or T, 3 digits with letters and numbers. May be prefaced by PNT. Older Jeeps may be two digits long.
Kia: Two digits with numbers and/or letters
Lexus: Three digits with numbers and/or letters, usually prefaced by CTR
Lincoln: Two digits with numbers and/or letters
Mazda: Two or three digits with numbers and/or letters
Mercedez Benz: DB-XXX
Mini: Three digits with numbers and/or letters
Mitsubishi: NH-XXXX
Nissan: Three digits with numbers and/or letters
Subaru: Three digits with numbers and/or letters
Suzuki: Three digits with numbers and/or letters
Toyota: Three digits with numbers and/or letters, usually prefaced by CTR
Volkswagen: Two to four digits with numbers and/or letters

Still Can't Find Your Paint Code?

If you are still having a hard time finding your paint code, call your local dealership and speak with their parts department. They will ask for your Vin Number which will pull up your paint code in their database.

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