Determining your car’s color code by VIN number is easy to do with some basic steps. The vehicle identification number (VIN) contains key details about your car, including the paint color code used by the manufacturer. Knowing your color code can help you find a precise paint match when doing body work or repairs on your car. In this article, we’ll go over how to find and interpret the color code from your VIN.
What is a VIN Number?
The VIN is a unique identifier given to each vehicle produced and contains specifications assigned by the manufacturer. It is a 17-character combination of letters and numbers formatted in a standard way. All VINs follow the same basic pattern:
| Characters 1-3: | World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) – identifies the country, manufacturer, and brand |
| Characters 4-9: | Vehicle descriptors – info like body style, engine type, model, etc. |
| Characters 10-17: | Vehicle identifier – sequentially generated portion unique to each car |
For example, a sample VIN might be 1FT8W3BT1KEA23976. The WMI here is “1FT” which decodes to Ford truck. Characters 4-9 provide attributes like engine type, tonnage, and series. The last 8 digits identify the specific vehicle.
Manufacturers include color information in positions 4-9 of the VIN, along with other build details. Let’s look closer at how to decode the color code from these digits.
Finding the Paint Color Code in a VIN
The color code is typically 2 or 3 characters long within the VIN sequence. Its position may vary slightly between makes and models but is most often found in position 7-9. Here are the basic steps to locate and interpret the color code:
1. Locate the full 17-digit VIN. It is often found in these locations:
– Driver’s side dashboard near the base of the windshield
– Driver’s side door jamb or latch area
– Front of the engine block
– Vehicle title and registration paperwork
2. Identify characters 4-9 of the VIN. This is the vehicle descriptor section containing the color code.
3. Within those digits, find the color code. It is usually, but not always, the last 2-3 characters. Examples:
– “1FT8W3B**UE**23976” – Color code is UE
– “5XYZG3A**76A**23456” – Color code is 76A
4. Refer to a VIN color code chart to decode the meaning of the code. Each manufacturer and paint supplier uses their own letter/number codes to represent colors.
5. For General Motors vehicles, the color code can be 4-5 digits long and may be split between two sets of digits.
Once you have the complete code, you can look up the exact color name. Resources like online charts, owner’s manuals, or paint shops can help interpret the code.
Using VIN Color Codes to Match Automotive Paint
The color code gleaned from a VIN is useful for finding an accurate paint match for body repairs and touch ups. Here are some examples:
– Ordering touch up paint – Having the factory color code helps get an exact duplicate in a touch up pen or paint bottle.
– Paintless dent repair – Technicians can blend new paint into existing panels knowing the original color formulation.
– Panel or section repainting – During collision work, the undamaged panels should be repainted to match the existing color.
– Full car respray – A VIN-derived color code helps body shops mix a precise match when refinishing the entire exterior.
The color name alone like “celery green metallic” isn’t enough for proper matching. Paint fades over time and manufacturers often have several similar shades. The color code gives exact chemical details like pigments and ratios to reproduce the factory finish. This helps the newly painted areas blend seamlessly with the original, aged paint.
Where Else to Find Automotive Color Information
In addition to the VIN, car color details can also be found in these locations:
1. Driver’s door jamb sticker
Along with the VIN, most vehicles have a label on the driver’s door jamb or latch pillar that lists the paint color code. This is a handy backup source if the VIN is hard to access.
2. Underhood or trunk compartment sticker
Look for a sticker in the underhood area or trunk. Auto manufacturers again include paint info here along with other codes and specifications.
3. Vehicle title or registration
The color is typically listed on registration paperwork and car titles. It may be spelled out or just a short code, but provides an additional place to reference.
4. Manufacturer’s build records
The automaker keeps detailed records on every vehicle built, including paint formulations. They can search these archives and provide color details if needed.
5. Original window sticker
Dealerships apply a window sticker displaying build details on new models, often including exterior and interior colors. The buyer gets a copy along with other purchase paperwork.
6. Paint shop color libraries
Body shops have huge databases and physical color sample books matching codes to paint formulations. They can pinpoint the exact shade if you have the factory color code.
Interpreting Your Car’s Color Code
With the code found, let’s look at how to break it down and determine the actual color name and details:
1. Check online VIN decoder resources
Many websites have databases matching codes to colors across various car makes and models. Enter your full VIN or just the color code to get the name.
2. Consult your owner’s manual
Most manuals provide a decoding chart translating the color codes to exact paint names and information. They focus just on that brand and model.
3. Contact the vehicle manufacturer
You can call the automaker with your VIN to request the color data. Their customer service team can access the original records and paint details.
4. Ask a professional paint shop
Paint supply stores and body shops have huge code databases and physical color sample books. They can pinpoint your exact factory color.
5. Check community forums and groups
Owner’s clubs online often have member-sourced decoding charts for particular brands. Post the code if you can’t determine the name.
Working through these options, the color code will lead you to the precise name and formulation needed to match the existing finish on your car.
Common Questions About VIN Color Codes
Here are some frequently asked questions about decoding paint info from VIN numbers:
What if there is no color code in my VIN?
It’s rare, but some VINs lack specific paint code characters. This may occur if multiple colors used the same build sequence. Check other spots like door jambs and title for the code. Also reference build records, window sticker, or paint shops.
Are VIN color codes the same across all countries?
No, the coding may vary across manufacturers and regions. A Ford in the US uses different codes than Ford Canada for example. Look for region-specific decoding charts.
Can I determine the interior color as well?
Yes, interior fabric and trim colors are typically coded in the VIN also. Locate the interior color code and cross-reference it just like the exterior paint.
What if I have a custom paint color?
Special order and aftermarket colors won’t be in the VIN. Check paperwork from the custom job for the paint brand, name, and formulation details instead.
How do I find the VIN when it’s hard to see?
If the dashboard VIN is obscured, look for alternate spots like the driver’s door or underhood label. You can also temporarily illuminate it with a flashlight or water.
Conclusion
Your car’s unique VIN number contains lots of useful details – if you know where to look. With some simple decoding, the color code within the VIN reveals your exact factory paint color. This helps match new paint for repairs and keeps your car looking its best. Consult online charts, owner’s records, or professionals to pair the code with the correct color name and formulation. With some diligent detective work, your VIN provides the clue to precisely identifying your automotive paint color.
