FYI for anyone interested. My 2002 Mercury Sable was in fact stuck to the back of the control panel just as described. By accident I discovered that one easy way to see the code easily was with a butter knife and flashlight (from my phone). Put the butter knife behind the sticker and shine the flashlight at the knife. The reflection of the number was very clear. Although you are reading it backwards it does work! Thanks for the clear and accurate info. The dealer wanted $75 to help us!!! Thanks for saving us $!