Chevrolet Colorado License Plate Bulb Size

Additional Notes

• The Chevrolet Colorado license plate bulb specifications cover two distinct bulb types across the model's production years: the 194 and the 12961, both of which share the T10 miniature wedge form factor.
• The 194 is an ANSI-standardized bulb, meaning it conforms to a widely recognized North American classification system used across multiple manufacturers and applications. It operates at 12V and draws 3.78W.
• The 12961 is a Philips part number designation rather than an ANSI code. It specifies a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W, placing its wattage slightly higher than the 194.
• The W2.1x9.5d base designation on the 12961 describes a specific wedge base where 2.1 refers to the wire contact width in millimeters and 9.5 refers to the base length in millimeters, which defines its physical fitment characteristics.
• The Chevrolet Colorado (2004-2018) uses the 12961 bulb for the license plate position, representing the longer-running fitment across the model's history in these specifications.
• The 194 bulb applies to the 2019-2020 and 2023-2024 model years, indicating a shift in the license plate bulb specification for the Colorado's later generation.
• Although both bulbs share the T10 wedge form factor, the difference in wattage (3.78W for the 194 versus 5W for the 12961) means the two are not electrically identical, which is a relevant consideration when substituting one for the other.
• The T10 designation refers to a tubular bulb with a 10mm body width, a common sizing classification used to categorize miniature automotive bulbs by their physical envelope.