Knowing your vehicle’s paint code can be important for various reasons. The paint code identifies the exact color used on your car and is required any time you need a paint match for body work repairs or customization. Unfortunately, the paint code sticker that is typically located inside the driver’s door jamb or trunk lid may be missing or damaged on used cars. So how do you find the paint code if there are no stickers? There are still several ways to identify your paint color without the sticker.
Check Other Locations on the Vehicle
Even if the paint code sticker in the door jamb is missing, manufacturers often place the paint code in other locations as a backup. Check these other spots on your specific make and model:
– Glove box or center console – Paint codes are sometimes located on a sticker inside the glove box or center console.
– Under the hood – Many brands list the paint code on a sticker somewhere in the engine bay, such as on the radiator support, inner fender walls, or underside of the hood.
– Trunk lid – If the paint code sticker is missing from the driver’s door jamb, check the trunk lid or rear passenger door jamb.
– Spare tire well – Some manufacturers place the paint code sticker on the underside of the spare tire well.
– Rear hatch – For SUVs, minivans and hatchbacks, you may find the paint code on a sticker inside the rear hatch.
Checking all of these locations thoroughly increases your chances of finding the paint code on the vehicle somewhere.
Use the VIN Number
If you can’t find the paint code physically on the vehicle, you can use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to determine the paint color. The VIN contains codes that identify the year, make, model, trim level, and paint color option originally equipped on your car.
Here’s how to find your paint color using the VIN:
1. Locate the 17-digit VIN. It is usually visible through the corner of the windshield on the driver’s side. You can also find it on the vehicle title and registration.
2. Enter the full VIN into an online VIN decoder website or app. Many free decoders can be found with a quick online search.
3. The VIN decoder results will include details about your car’s paint color code, name, and possible other shades available for that model year.
4. Verify that the identified color matches what is currently on your vehicle visually. Some VIN results provide paint color sample images for comparison.
Using the VIN to determine the factory paint code only works if the original color has not been changed. It provides a great starting point to identify an unknown paint color.
Consult the Manufacturer
If you can’t locate the paint code physically on your car or through the VIN, reaching out to the vehicle manufacturer is another option. Most automakers have customer service numbers you can call with your VIN to inquire about the original paint color. They may be able to provide the code if it is available in their databases.
Here are some tips for contacting the manufacturer:
– Have your full 17-digit VIN readily available. The customer service agent will need this to look up your car.
– Note the make, model, year, and approximate build date if possible. This further helps identify your vehicle.
– Be prepared to describe details like the current color, metallic or matte finish, and interior colors. This assists them in making sure they find the right paint code.
– Request that they email or mail you an official document listing the paint color codes for documentation.
Reaching out to the automaker directly is one of the most definitive ways to identify an unknown OEM paint color. With the VIN they can pinpoint the exact code used when your car was built.
Use Color Matching Tools
Matching an existing paint color visually is another option for determining the paint code. There are a few creative ways to achieve an accurate match:
– Digital color matching apps – Apps like SpectraFlair use your smartphone camera to scan any object and provide a matched paint color with codes.
– Chip matching tools – These systems have hundreds of paint chip samples for cross-referencing against your car’s color by eye.
– Paint color books – Obtain a paint color guide for your car’s make and model year. Compare the color chips to your paint to identify the code.
– Color Match Crayons – Wax crayons designed to match factory paint colors based on make/model can be marked directly onto your car for a match.
– Body shop paint scanner – Professional body shops have specialized paint color readers to scan a car and provide paint codes.
Though not as precise as other methods, paint color matching can successfully determine an approximate paint code in many cases with some trial and error.
Check Secondary Locations
In addition to the primary paint code locations, you can often find the code listed in other secondary places as a reference:
– Car manuals – The paint color name, number, or combination may be documented in the owner’s and repair manuals.
– Warranty cards – Some warranty or pre-delivery inspection paperwork includes paint info.
– Maintenance records – Paint codes are sometimes listed on repair orders if the panel was refinished.
– Insurance documents – If any panels were repainted due to an insurance claim, the paperwork may state the paint colors used.
– Body panels – Paint codes can be stamped or printed directly onto covered body panels during manufacturing.
Though finding the code in these secondary sources requires some digging, it provides additional ways to get the right paint code for your car without stickers.
Conclusion
Determining your vehicle’s paint color code without factory paint code stickers is absolutely possible in most cases. Thoroughly checking alternative locations on the vehicle itself yields results for many. Using the VIN with online decoders or through the automaker can reliably pinpoint the OEM color in most situations. Visually color matching to samples and checking secondary sources provides additional options to ensure you find the right code. With persistence and creativity, you can track down your car’s paint information even without stickers. Knowing the exact paint code allows you to get a perfect color match for future repairs.
