Buick GS 455 Dome Light Bulb Size

The Buick GS 455 dome light requires bulb size 211-2 or 194 depending on the specific configuration. Data for the bulb sizes covers the range from 1970 to 1972.

The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.

Bulb Size by Year Range

Years	Bulb Size
1972	211-2
1971	194
1970	211-2

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, SV8.5 base. 12V, 12W.	211-2
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 3.78W.	194

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The 211-2 is a festoon-type bulb with an SV8.5 base, measuring 41mm in length, and operates at 12 volts with a 12-watt output. It follows the ANSI standard applicable in the US and Canada.
The 194 is a miniature wedge bulb in the T10 form factor, rated at 12 volts and 3.78 watts, also conforming to the ANSI standard for the US and Canada.
The wattage difference between the two bulb types is substantial. The 211-2 draws 12 watts while the 194 draws 3.78 watts, meaning the two are not electrically interchangeable despite both being 12-volt bulbs.
The SV8.5 base on the 211-2 is a festoon-style contact base, which is physically distinct from the wedge-style base on the 194. These base types are mechanically incompatible with each other.
The Buick GS 455 used the 211-2 for the 1970 and 1972 model years, while the 1971 model year used the 194 instead.
The 1971 model year represents a departure from the bulb type used in the surrounding years, as the dome light specification shifted to the lower-wattage 194 wedge bulb for that year only.