Lots to unpack here. For the paint I have no idea. It looks like an XLT and I thought the XLT was unpainted plastic trim. So someone here will correct me if I'm wrong, but I suspect the trim was painted due to fading. The local auto body supply house can scan your paint and mix a very close match at no additional cost above the paint. So that's an idea.
For the tick I'd look for an exhaust manifold leak and if no issue is found listen for a rocker arm. A dowel pushed against the suspect area and against your ear can help you pin point noises. Or a $5 mechanics stethoscope which is my preference.
U1900-60 is a communication bus error and bus errors can be caused by faulty modules or faulty wiring. Based on this I suggest there is a good chance that this error is caused by the IWE solenoid failure, and slim chance the EVAP system fault.
P0453 is the fuel tank pressure sensor.
HX24 DTC P0453: CHECK FOR HIGH FTP SENSOR VOLTAGE
Note:The FTP sensor voltage with no pressure/vacuum on the fuel tank is between 2.4 and 2.8 volts.
- Key ON, engine OFF.
- Access the PCM and monitor the FTP V PID.
Is the voltage greater than 4.5 V?
Yes
- Key in OFF position.
- GO to HX25
.
No
- The fault that produced the DTC P0453 is intermittent.
- GO to Z1
See: Computers and Control Systems > Diagnostic Trouble Code Tests and Associated Procedures > Z: Intermittent - Pinpoint Test
.
HX25 CHECK THE FTP CIRCUIT FOR A SHORT TO VOLTAGE
- FTP Sensor connector disconnected.
- Key ON, engine OFF.
- Measure the voltage between:
Is the voltage greater than 10.5 V?
Yes
- Key in OFF position.
- GO to HX26
.
- Key in OFF position.
C1979 is related to to the Integrated Wheel Ends(IWE) solenoid. It controls vacuum to the 4wd hubs which are disengaged with vacuum pressure. A faulty IWE solenoid is not that uncommon. Though it could be the fault is in the wiring. If the IWE solenoid isn't working you'll be turning the front axles all the time.
