If you’ve ever wanted to restore, customize, or modify the interior of your vehicle, knowing your interior paint color code can make the process much easier. The paint code allows you to precisely match the original factory color used on various interior plastic and vinyl components. Finding this code is usually straightforward, though the exact location can vary by make and model. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to find the interior paint code for most vehicles.
Check the Door Jamb
The most common place to find the interior paint code is on the door jamb sticker. Open the driver’s side door and look for a sticker or metal plate affixed to the exposed vertical surface along the door opening. This sticker contains important information about your vehicle, including:
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- Model type
- Exterior paint code
- Interior trim codes
- Production date
Look closely for a code labeled something like “Int Color” or “Interior Color.” It will likely be a two-digit code. For example, 19, EA, XL. Make sure not to confuse interior color codes with upholstery or fabric codes, which are typically listed separately.
Check Under the Hood
Can’t find the interior color code on the door jamb? Many vehicles also have a label under the hood that contains the same VIN sticker information. Pop the hood and look along the front edges or on inner fenders for a sticker. Again, look for the interior color code labeled “Int Color” or similar.
Find the Glovebox Sticker
Some vehicles may additionally have a sticker inside the glovebox with interior paint codes and other information. Open the glovebox and look on the inside of the door or along the sides. It should contain the same code as the door jamb sticker. The glovebox is a handy backup location if the main stickers are missing or damaged.
Check Owner’s Manuals and Paperwork
If you don’t have factory stickers, all is not lost. Many owner’s manuals contain a page listing all the relevant exterior and interior color codes used when the vehicle was manufactured. This code will be the same across all models of that year, make, and model vehicle. So if you’ve lost your stickers, grab the owner’s manual or warranty paperwork that came with your vehicle when new.
Contact the Vehicle Manufacturer
Still unable to find the interior color code for your vehicle? As a last resort, you can contact the vehicle’s manufacturer and provide your VIN. They will then be able to look up the correct interior paint code that matches your vehicle, along with any other relevant production details.
Here are the customer service numbers for some major automakers:
- Toyota – (800) 331-4331
- Honda – (800) 999-1009
- Ford – (800) 392-3673
- GM – (800) 222-1020
- Chrysler – (800) 247-9753
Using Interior Paint Codes
Once you’ve found the interior color code, what can you do with it? Here are some of the most common uses:
- Order touch-up paint – Matched to your interior code, you can precisely touch up any interior scratches or blemishes.
- Find color matches – The code helps you match new replacement parts like dash kits and interior trim.
- Restore original color – Useful when recovering seats or repainting components.
- Confirm paint variants – Some years had multiple interior colors which can be confirmed with the code.
Paint code databases from suppliers like BASF, PPG, Dupont, Sherwin-Williams, and RM can be searched to match the exact original interior paint color for your vehicle. The code helps eliminate guesswork and makes the color-matching process much faster and more accurate.
Interior Paint Code by Vehicle Make
While the door jamb sticker is the most common place across vehicle makes and models, here are some nuances on finding codes for specific car brands:
Toyota
– Code location: Driver’s door jamb sticker
– Code label: “Int Color” followed by a 2-digit code
Honda
– Code location: Driver’s door jamb sticker
– Code label: “Interior” or “Int Color” followed by a 2-letter code
Ford
– Code location: Driver’s door jamb sticker
– Code label: “Int Color” followed by a 2-digit code
GM (Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick)
– Code location: Service parts identification sticker, usually in glovebox or door jamb
– Code label: “Interior Color” followed by a 2-digit code
Chrysler (Dodge, Jeep, Ram)
– Code location: Driver’s door jamb sticker
– Code label: “Interior Color” followed by a 3-digit code
Nissan
– Code location: Driver’s door jamb sticker
– Code label: Look for a 4-digit color code
Tips for Difficult Codes
In some cases, finding the interior color code can prove tricky:
- Stickers may be missing or damaged
- Some makes don’t list it on the door jamb
- Codes may be faded, illegible, or covered in dirt
- Multiple color variants used on different interior parts
Here are some tips if you’re having difficulties tracking down the code:
- Check all possible sticker locations thoroughly – door jamb, under hood, glovebox, owner’s manual
- Clean any dirty or faded stickers with rubbing alcohol to improve legibility
- Feel for raised lettering on stickers and trace with your finger to make out
- Refer to forums or enthusiast groups related to your vehicle’s make and model
- Remove any aftermarket parts that may be covering up stickers
- Carefully remove any tinted window films that could be obscuring stickers
- Use a UV light which can help make certain paint codes fluoresce and stand out
- If multiple interior colors, identify major components like dash and doors
Taking your time and thoroughly searching the various possible sticker locations can help track down challenging paint codes.
Finding Codes for Older and Classic Cars
On older and classic vehicles, there may not be factory stickers containing the interior paint color code. Here are some tips for tracking down codes on older rides:
- Check body tags – Look for tags welded onto the firewall or body with codes
- Check stamped metal VIN tags – Early VINs were sometimes stamped on metal rivets or plates
- Contact car clubs – Fellow owners may know common interior colors for the model
- Talk to upholstery shops – They may know or have records for your interior
- Check online classic car forums – Resources can list common colors for makes/models
- Remove small interior piece – Colors may be stamped under or on the backside
- Carefully sand down an inconspicuous area – To try and reveal original layer if repainted
While challenging, in many cases the factory interior paint color can be identified on older vehicles without labels by using the above research methods.
Conclusion
Finding your exact interior paint color code is important for restoration work or customization. While door jamb stickers are the most common location, also check under the hood, in the glovebox, owner’s manuals, and contact the manufacturer if needed. Use a systematic approach to locate challenging codes on older, custom, or modified vehicles. Matching your factory interior color precisely makes projects look professional, uniform, and improves resale value.
| Vehicle Make | Code Location | Code Label |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Driver’s door jamb | “Int Color” + 2 digits |
| Honda | Driver’s door jamb | “Interior” or “Int Color” + 2 letters |
| Ford | Driver’s door jamb | “Int Color” + 2 digits |
| GM | Glovebox or door jamb | “Interior Color” + 2 digits |
| Chrysler | Driver’s door jamb | “Interior Color” + 3 digits |
| Nissan | Driver’s door jamb | 4-digit color code |
