Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Positioning of the paint code plate
940/960
1991-
The plate is positioned on the panel above the right headlight.
Paint color codes
Please refer to the respective car model spare parts catalogue for the relevant paint color codes.
Manufacturing coding
From and including the 1977 year models, the paint codes are numbered according to their introduction in production, i.e. 1st = 1st supplier, 2nd = 2nd supplier etc.
From and including the 1978 year models, the code number was changed so that each supplier received a number according to the following :
-1 = BASF (Glasurit)
-2 = Herberts
-3 = Beckers
-4 = IDAC/ICI
-5 = Sikkens (AKZO)
E.g. E.g. Blue color, code 139-2. 2nd denotes Herberts as the supplier.
Additional supplier numbers are used for test paint systems from various paint manufacturers.
This means that 1977 year colors which are found on 1978 and later cars have changed their serial number in certain cases.
All paints are available from Volvo Car Corporation Aftersales.
Extra number in the color code
The color codes were changed from December 1988.
Solvent based and water based colors are now being used on the cars. In order to identify these more easily, an extra number has been added, which denotes whether the color is solvent or water based or is of another quality.
| Fourth number | Fifth number (new) |
|---|---|
| 1 = BASF (Glasurit) | 1 = solvent based |
| 2 = Herberts (standox) | 2 = water based metallic/Pearl + Clear Varnish |
| 3 = Beckers | 3 = Water based Solid + Varnish |
| 4 = IDAC/ICI | 4 = Solvent based Solid + Varnish |
| 5 = Sikkens | 5 = Solvent based Pearl shine + Varnish* |
| 6 = not used | 6 = not used |
| 7 = not used | 7 = not used |
| 8 = IVI | 8 = not used |
| 9 = not used | 9 = not used |
* Due to the transparent nature of the Pearl coat, this concept includes a solid color which is applied under the Pearl coat.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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