Knowing your exterior color code is essential for ordering touch-up paint or a new panel that matches your Cadillac precisely. In most Cadillacs, this code is stamped on a label on the vehicle, typically near the door opening, and it’s often labeled as the exterior color or paint code.
The color code is usually found on the driver’s side door jamb label, but it can also appear in other locations depending on model year and trim. If you can’t locate it there, other reliable places to check include the glove box, the trunk area, or under-hood labels. If you still can’t find the code, a Cadillac dealer can pull it up using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Below is a practical guide to where you’re most likely to find the color code on a Cadillac, followed by steps if you need to verify it with a dealer or online tools.
Common hiding places for the paint code
These are the most reliable spots to look for the exterior paint color code. Start with the driver’s door area, then broaden your search if needed.
- Driver’s door jamb label (the sticker on the door frame or B-pillar). Look for a field labeled EXTERIOR PAINT, PAINT CODE, COLOR, or similar.
- Glove box label. Some models place the paint code on a label inside the glove box lid or on a label inside the glove box itself.
- Trunk lid or spare tire area. A few Cadillacs store the paint code on a label in the trunk or near the spare tire.
- Under-hood or engine bay label. In rarer cases, the code appears on a tag or sticker in the engine bay near the fender or radiator support.
If you locate the label but aren’t sure which field is the paint code, look for a code that is a short alphanumeric string (often 2–3 characters) and labeled as either “COLOR,” “EXTERIOR,” or “PAINT.”
What to do if you can’t find the code
Using your VIN with a dealer
Take your VIN to a Cadillac dealership service department. They can pull the exact exterior color code from the vehicle records in their system, which is especially helpful if labels are missing or unreadable.
Online VIN lookups and official sources
Cadillac and General Motors offer VIN-based lookups through official portals and dealer networks. Use these if you don’t have access to the physical label. When using third-party sites, verify against a dealer or the official GM/Cadillac tools to ensure the code is accurate for your exact model and year.
Summary
For most Cadillacs, start by checking the driver’s door jamb label for a paint color code (EXTERIOR PAINT/PAINT CODE). If that label is missing or illegible, inspect the glove box, trunk area, or engine bay label. When in doubt, contact a Cadillac dealer or use the VIN to retrieve the color code through official GM/Cadillac services to ensure you order the correct color. Keeping the code handy will simplify paint touch-ups, panel replacements, and color-matching repairs.