The effects of phosphate coating have been studied on physical properties and corrosion resistance of painted aluminum alloy sheet for automobile body. The physical properties (surface roughness, paint adhesion, impact resistance and pencil hardness) and corrosion resistance(cyclic corrosion and filiform corrosion) were investigated. Phosphate coatings enhanced the physical properties of painted Al alloy sheet, especially paint adhesion after the 240hours water immersion test. Phosphate coating also markedly improved the resistance for cyclic corrosion and filiform corrosion of painted cold rolled steel and Zn-Ni plated steel sheet as well as painted Al alloy sheet. The corrosion resistance of painted Al sheets was varied with the concentration of free fluoride ion and metal additives like Ni and Mn in the phosphating bath. A maximum corrosion resistance was obtained at about 300ppm of fluoride ion and additives of Ni and Mn obviously increased the corrosion resistance of painted specimens.