Finding the correct paint code for your Acura is essential when you need touch-up paint, want to repaint body panels, or need to match your vehicle's color exactly. The paint code is typically found on a manufacturer's label or sticker that contains various vehicle information including the original paint color designation.
Primary Paint Code Locations on Acura Vehicles
Acura follows Honda's standard practices for paint code placement, with the most common location being the driver's side door jamb. The paint code sticker is usually white or silver and contains multiple lines of information about your vehicle's specifications.
Driver's Side Door Jamb
Open the driver's door and look at the area where the door hinges attach to the vehicle body. You'll find a rectangular sticker that includes the VIN, manufacturing date, tire pressure specifications, and importantly, the paint code. On most Acura models from 2000 onwards, look for a line that reads "COLOR" or "PAINT" followed by a combination of letters and numbers.
Alternative Door Locations
If you don't find the sticker on the driver's side, check the passenger side door jamb. Some Acura models, particularly older ones, may have the paint information located there instead. The 2010-2013 Acura MDX, for example, sometimes has paint codes on the passenger side depending on the manufacturing plant.
Model-Specific Paint Code Locations
Acura TLX and ILX (2015-Present)
These newer sedan models typically have the paint code sticker on the driver's side B-pillar, which is the vertical structure between the front and rear doors. Look for a white label with black text that includes your paint code designation such as "NH-731P" for Crystal Black Pearl or "CH-536M" for Lunar Silver Metallic.
Acura MDX and RDX (2007-Present)
SUV models generally follow the same door jamb placement, but the 2014-2020 MDX may also have paint information under the hood near the strut towers. The RDX models from 2019 onwards consistently place the paint code on the driver's side door jamb.
Older Acura Models (1990-2005)
Classic Acura vehicles like the Integra, Legend, and early TL models may have paint codes in different locations. Check the engine bay first, particularly on the firewall or near the brake master cylinder. Some 1990s Integra models have paint codes on small metal plates riveted to the inner fender wells.
Understanding Acura Paint Code Formats
Acura paint codes typically follow specific formats that help identify the exact color and finish type. Most codes consist of letters and numbers, such as:
- NH-XXX: Indicates a non-metallic color (NH-731P for Crystal Black Pearl)
- CH-XXX: Represents a metallic color (CH-536M for Lunar Silver Metallic)
- YR-XXX: Denotes special effect or pearl finishes
The letter "P" at the end typically indicates a pearl finish, while "M" suggests a metallic finish. Understanding these designations helps ensure you get the exact paint match for your vehicle.
What to Do When You Can't Find the Paint Code
Check the Glove Compartment
Some Acura models have a duplicate information sticker inside the glove compartment. This backup location is particularly useful if the door jamb sticker has been damaged or removed during body work.
Under the Hood Locations
Look near the radiator support, on the strut towers, or along the firewall. The 2004-2008 Acura TL sometimes has paint information on a small metal tag attached to the radiator support bracket.
Use Your VIN Number
If you still cannot locate the paint code sticker, your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can help. Contact an Acura dealership with your VIN, and they can look up the original paint color specification in their paint code database. This method is particularly helpful for vehicles that have had bodywork done where the original sticker might have been removed.
Tips for Reading Damaged or Faded Stickers
Weather and age can make paint code stickers difficult to read. Use a flashlight or phone light to illuminate the sticker from different angles. Sometimes taking a photo with flash can reveal faded text that's hard to see with the naked eye. If only partial information is visible, write down whatever letters and numbers you can make out, as this partial information combined with your model year can often help identify the correct color.