Where To Find Car Paint Colour Code In Japan

Locating the car paint colour code is essential for anyone seeking to repair, repaint, or touch up their vehicle. This code, typically a combination of letters and numbers, ensures accurate colour matching and a seamless finish. In Japan, the location of this code can vary considerably depending on the car manufacturer and model. This article provides a comprehensive guide on identifying the colour code on vehicles manufactured for and sold in the Japanese market.

The importance of using the correct colour code cannot be overstated. Variations in paint shades, even those seemingly imperceptible to the naked eye, can result in a noticeable mismatch between the repaired area and the original paintwork. This is particularly true in Japan, where stringent quality control standards are prevalent in the automotive industry, making even minor colour discrepancies easily apparent. Moreover, the Japanese automotive market encompasses a wide range of manufacturers, each with their specific labeling conventions and code placement methodologies. This necessitates a detailed understanding of where to look for the colour code on different makes and models.

Several factors influence the location and format of the car paint colour code. These factors include the manufacturer, the year of manufacture, and the specific model of the vehicle. Over time, manufacturers have altered their labeling practices, meaning that the location of the code might differ significantly between older and newer vehicles. Furthermore, specific models within a manufacturer’s lineup may have unique locations for the paint code, requiring tailored search strategies. Understanding these nuances is crucial for effectively locating the colour code.

This article will cover common locations and strategies for finding the paint colour code for major Japanese car manufacturers, including Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda, Suzuki, and Subaru. It will also provide insights into deciphering the code format and resources available for further assistance.

Key Point 1: Common Locations for Paint Colour Codes

The paint colour code is typically affixed to the vehicle as a sticker or plate. The most frequent locations for this identification include the following:

Driver’s Side Door Jamb: This is often the first place to check. The door jamb, the area exposed when the driver’s side door is open, frequently houses a sticker containing vehicle information. This sticker usually includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), tire pressure specifications, and, importantly, the paint colour code. The sticker may be located on the door itself or on the door frame.

Engine Compartment: The engine bay is another likely location for the paint code. Examine the strut towers (suspension mounting points), the firewall (the barrier between the engine and the passenger compartment), and the radiator support. The code may be stamped directly onto the metal or printed on a sticker affixed to one of these components.

Under the Hood: Look for stickers or plates attached to the underside of the hood. These stickers may contain various pieces of vehicle information, including the paint colour code. Ensure the area is clean to properly view the information.

Inside the Glove Compartment: Some manufacturers place a sticker or plate inside the glove compartment, either on the door or on the interior wall. This location is relatively protected and often keeps the code legible for a longer period.

In the Trunk: Less commonly, the paint code can be found inside the trunk, often on the underside of the trunk lid or on the sidewalls. This is more likely to be the case with older vehicles.

When searching for the colour code, it is essential to carefully inspect each of these locations. The sticker or plate might be obscured by dirt, grime, or faded over time. A thorough cleaning may be necessary to reveal the code clearly. If the sticker is damaged or missing, alternate methods of identification, as discussed later, may be required.

Key Point 2: Manufacturer-Specific Code Locations and Formats

While the locations described above are common, specific manufacturers often employ unique conventions for code placement and format. The following overview provides manufacturer-specific guidance:

Toyota: Toyota typically places the paint colour code on a plate or sticker located in the driver’s side door jamb. The code is usually a three-digit number. For example, "202" represents a black paint colour. The code is generally labeled clearly as "Color" or "Paint."

Nissan: Nissan also commonly uses the driver’s side door jamb. The paint code is usually a three-character alphanumeric code. For instance, "KH3" is a common Nissan black paint code. Look for the label "Color Code" or "Paint Code."

Key Point 3: Alternative Methods for Identifying Paint Colour

In situations where the paint code sticker or plate is missing, damaged, or illegible, alternative methods can be employed to identify the correct paint colour:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Lookup: The VIN is a unique identifier for the vehicle. Online VIN decoders and dealership databases can sometimes provide the original paint colour code based on the VIN. This method is not always reliable, as the information may not be complete or accurate, but it can be a useful starting point. VIN is commonly found on the dashboard where it meets the windshield on the driver's side, embossed on a plate visible from outside the car. It can also be found on the driver's side door jamb, or on vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Dealership Inquiry: Contacting a local dealership of the vehicle's manufacturer is a reliable way to obtain the paint colour code. Provide the dealership with the VIN, and they should be able to retrieve the paint colour information from their database. This method is generally accurate, as dealerships have access to comprehensive vehicle records.

Professional Paint Matching: Automotive paint suppliers and body shops often have colour matching tools and technologies. These tools use spectrophotometers to analyze the paint on the vehicle and identify the closest matching colour code. This method is particularly useful for older vehicles where the original paint may have faded or changed over time. This method is commonly used when custom paint work is required.

Online Paint Code Databases: Several online databases specialize in providing paint colour codes for various makes and models. These databases often allow users to search by year, make, and model to find the appropriate colour code. However, the accuracy of these databases can vary, so it is essential to verify the information with other sources.

Original Vehicle Documentation: Original documents, such as the owner's manual or the original sales invoice, may contain the paint colour code. These documents are not always readily available, particularly for older vehicles, but they can be a valuable source of information.

Utilizing these alternative methods can prove invaluable when the standard paint code identification methods are unsuccessful. Combining multiple approaches can further increase the likelihood of obtaining the correct paint colour code.

The information provided in this article serves as a guide to locating and identifying car paint colour codes in the Japanese automotive market. The specific code locations and formats may vary, and it is essential to exercise diligence and employ multiple methods when necessary. By adhering to these guidelines, individuals can increase their chances of obtaining the correct paint colour code for their vehicle, ensuring a seamless and professional repair or repaint.