Buick Somerset Map Light Bulb Size

The Buick Somerset map light requires bulb size 562 or 212-2 depending on the specific version of the interior lighting component. Data for the bulb sizes covers the range from 1986 to 1987.

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
1987	562
1986	212-2

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 44mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V, 12W.	562
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, SV8.5 base. 12V, 12W.	212-2

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The 1987 Buick Somerset uses a 562 bulb for the map light, while the 1986 model uses a 212-2 bulb.
Both the 562 and 212-2 are festoon-type bulbs, meaning they are cylindrical in shape and mount between two contact points at either end of a housing.
Although both bulbs share the same 12V, 12W electrical rating, they are not interchangeable due to differences in physical size and base type.
The 562 bulb measures 44mm in length and uses end-cap contacts, where the metal caps at each end of the bulb serve as the electrical connection points.
The 212-2 bulb measures 41mm in length and uses an SV8.5 base, a standardized festoon base designation indicating a specific contact configuration.
The 3mm difference in length between the two bulbs is a fitment-critical factor, as festoon bulbs must match the span of the socket housing to seat and make contact correctly.
Both bulbs conform to ANSI standards applicable in the United States and Canada, indicating they meet defined performance and dimensional specifications for those markets.