Chevrolet Equinox License Plate Bulb Size

The Chevrolet Equinox license plate requires 12961 and 194 bulb sizes depending on the specific version of the vehicle. Available data covers the range from 2005 through 2024 for the components mentioned.

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
2023-2024	12961
2010-2021	12961
2005-2009	194

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 3.78W.	194

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Chevrolet Equinox license plate position uses two distinct bulb types across its production span, with the 12961 fitted to 2010-2024 models and the 194 fitted to 2005-2009 models.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designation for a T10 miniature wedge bulb operating at 12V and 5W, using a W2.1x9.5d base.
The 194 is an ANSI-standardized part number recognized across the US and Canadian markets, also a T10 miniature wedge bulb rated at 12V and 3.78W.
Both the 12961 and 194 share the T10 wedge form factor, meaning the physical housing shape is the same between the two bulb types.
Despite the shared T10 form factor, the two bulbs differ in wattage: the 12961 draws 5W while the 194 draws 3.78W, a difference of approximately 1.22W per bulb.
The W2.1x9.5d base designation on the 12961 is a metric IEC base standard, where 2.1 refers to the wire contact width and 9.5 refers to the pin spacing in millimeters.
The 194 bulb's ANSI standardization means it is produced by multiple manufacturers under the same number, whereas the 12961 designation is specific to Philips.
Because the 12961 and 194 are both T10 wedge types, physical fitment into the license plate socket is mechanically compatible, though the wattage difference is a relevant electrical consideration.