Find Your Pontiac's Color Code

A color code is the unique ID for your car's specific paint. Color codes are the only way to guarantee a perfect match - names are unreliable.

Where to find your Pontiac Color Code

Pontiac color codes can be found on a Color ID Tag, which is typically a small, rectangular sticker or metal plate packed with technical vehicle data. It often features a silver, black, or white background with dense alphanumeric text and barcodes.

In addition to the Color Code, the Color ID Tag contains a lot of other information - like the VIN, wheelbase, and interior trim. See the diagram below to determine which of these codes corresponds to your exterior paint.

What a Pontiac color code ID tag looks like

How to find your Pontiac color code

Identifying your Color Code

Pontiac placed paint code labels in many spots across years, so they can be hard to locate. Common locations include the glove box or the spare tire well; beyond that, placement can be anywhere. Codes appear like 51/WA316N, often shown as BC/CC 51 or BC/CC 316N, and may include U or L for two tone (U316N, L316N). Example names tied to codes include Slate Gray Metallic Clearcoat, Gold Mist Metallic Clearcoat, Gold Clearcoat, Inca Metallic Clearcoat.

Where to Look for your Pontiac's Color Code

Inside the Glove Box

It may be on the back, sides, or door to the compartment.
Inside the Spare Tire Area

Codes here are often on a paper sticker which can fall off or become damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions About Color Codes

Where is the paint code on my Pontiac?

Most paint codes are found on the driver’s door jamb. Other common locations include under the hood, inside the trunk near the spare tire, or less commonly the glove box. You can use our make and year-specific diagrams to confirm the exact location for your vehicle.

Can I use my Pontiac's VIN to find the paint color code?

No. The VIN does not contain your paint color code. It only helps identify formula variations after the correct color code is known. You must locate the paint code on the vehicle itself for accurate matching.

What does a Pontiac paint code look like?

Paint codes are short combinations of letters and numbers, typically 2–6 characters long. Formats vary by manufacturer, but the code will always be clearly labeled on the vehicle’s identification plate or sticker.

Are Pontiac paint codes in the same place on every vehicle?

No. Some manufacturers use consistent locations, while others vary by model and year. Always check the diagrams for your exact vehicle year and make.

Why are some Pontiac paint codes harder to find than others?

Some manufacturers place paint codes in hidden or unusual locations, such as under trunk carpeting or among many other numbers. This is common with brands like Audi, Porsche, and Mercedes.

How do I find interior Pontiac paint color codes?

Interior colors are not factory-coded on vehicles. To identify an interior color, you’ll need to match it using physical color chips or a body shop reference book. Once identified, we can make the paint for you.

What if I still can’t find my Pontiac paint code?

Double-check all locations shown in the diagrams, including less obvious areas. On classic or rare vehicles, you may need to contact the manufacturer directly. If you’re still unsure, contact us and we’ll help guide you.

More About Pontiac Color Codes

Pontiac did not make it easy to find the color code. Through the years, they have tried so many different locations, it often makes it impossible to ever find it. Plus, their paint code format is confusing. GM (parent company of Pontiac) make so many makes and models, you would think they would have standardized the location of the color plate. No such luck. Usually when someone has trouble finding a Pontiac paint code, I have them look in the glove box or the spare tire well. If this doesn't work, then you start looking everywhere for it. The typical color code format is: 51/WA316N and this is usually preceded by BC/CC. So the above color would be BC/CC 51 or BC/CC 316N. You will notice our listings all have a WA in them because this is how they are listed in our color information. Also, there are really two codes in each color code to make it even more confusing. There can be eighteen different code 51's so then you have to use the 316N to identify the color. Also, these codes can be preceded by a U or L which correspond to Upper and Lower color. See below under two tone for more information. Again, I ask...who was in charge of this?? which corresponds to Slate Gray Metallic Clearcoat. Two Tone Combination Pontiac has many two tone combinations for some cars. Two tones are two different colors on your car. If your car has two colors, you will see the two tone color code. Using the above example, the code could be listed as: BC/CC U316N or BC/CC L316N The U stands for Upper Color and the L stands for the Lower Color. Again, just a confusing way to present color information. Same Color Code, Different Name Pontiac, like all manufacturers, uses the exact same color across many models and then will have a different color name for each model. It's the same paint! This is why the color code is so important to order the correct paint. For example, 316N above we call Gold Mist Metallic Clearcoat. It could also be called Gold Clearcoat, Inca Metallic Clearcoat, etc. depending on what the marketing department decided to call it.

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