Finding your Cadillac's paint code is essential for touch-up work, collision repairs, or custom projects. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly where to locate the OEM paint code sticker on your Cadillac, regardless of the model or year.
Primary Paint Code Locations on Cadillac Vehicles
Cadillac places paint code information in several standardized locations across their vehicle lineup. The most common location is on a service parts identification sticker, which contains various vehicle information including the paint code.
Driver Side Door Jamb
The most reliable location for finding your Cadillac paint code is on the driver's side door jamb. Open the driver's door and look for a white or silver sticker on the door frame or the edge of the door itself. This sticker typically measures about 4 inches by 6 inches and contains multiple rows of codes and numbers.
On this sticker, look for labels such as "Paint", "PNT", or "EXT PNT". The paint code will be a combination of letters and numbers, such as "WA8555" for Black Raven or "GBA" for Summit White.
Glove Compartment
Many Cadillac models from 2000 onwards also have a duplicate sticker inside the glove compartment. This serves as a backup location in case the door jamb sticker becomes damaged or illegible. Check both the top and sides of the glove compartment interior for this information label.
Model-Specific Paint Code Locations
Cadillac Escalade (1999-2023)
For Escalade models, the paint code is consistently located on the driver's side door jamb. On newer Escalades (2015 and later), you may also find a secondary sticker on the passenger side door jamb. The code format typically follows GM's standard alphanumeric system.
Cadillac CTS and CT Series
CTS models from 2003-2019 and the newer CT4, CT5, and CT6 vehicles follow the same door jamb placement. However, some CTS-V models may have an additional sticker under the hood near the firewall on the passenger side.
Cadillac ATS and Sedan Models
The ATS (2013-2019) and other sedan models maintain the standard door jamb location. Some ATS models also feature the paint code on a sticker located on the underside of the trunk lid.
Alternative Paint Code Locations
Under the Hood
If you cannot locate the sticker on the door jamb, check under the hood. Look for a service sticker on the radiator support, strut tower, or firewall. This location is less common on newer Cadillacs but may be found on older models from the 1990s and early 2000s.
Trunk Area
Some Cadillac models have paint code information in the trunk area. Check the trunk lid, spare tire well, or rear deck area for any service stickers that might contain paint code information.
Understanding Cadillac Paint Codes
Cadillac uses General Motors' paint code system, which can vary in format. Common formats include:
- Three-letter codes (example: GBA, GAN, GLU)
- Alphanumeric codes with "WA" prefix (example: WA8555, WA9260)
- Four-digit numeric codes (less common on newer models)
When searching through a paint code database, ensure you're using the exact code format as it appears on your vehicle's sticker.
Tips for Locating Your Paint Code
Use a flashlight or your phone's flashlight feature when examining door jambs, as these areas can be poorly lit. Clean the sticker area gently with a damp cloth if dirt or grime is obscuring the text.
If the original sticker is missing or illegible, contact your Cadillac dealer with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). They can often look up the original paint code in their system.
Take a photo of the entire sticker once you locate it, as this information may be useful for future reference or when ordering parts.
Remember that some Cadillac vehicles may have multiple paint codes if they feature two-tone paint schemes or accent colors. Make sure to identify which code corresponds to the specific area you need to repair or match.