The Chevrolet Equinox side marker utilizes 168 and 194 bulb sizes for the lighting components located on the exterior of the vehicle. Data for the specific bulb sizes covers the period from 2010 to 2019.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The 194 and 168 bulbs are the most frequently specified types across the Chevrolet Equinox side marker positions. Both are classified as ANSI-standard miniature wedge bulbs sharing the T10 form factor and a 12-volt operating voltage, which means they are physically interchangeable in terms of socket fit despite having different wattage ratings.
The 194 bulb operates at 3.78 watts, while the 168 bulb operates at 4.9 watts. Because wattage affects heat output and circuit load, substituting one for the other is not recommended even though the T10 wedge base is shared between them.
The 12961 is a Philips part number rather than an ANSI designation. It is a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12 volts and 5 watts, and it appears exclusively in the rear side marker position for the 2005-2006 model years.
The front side marker position on the Chevrolet Equinox uses the 194 bulb for the 2010-2018 model years and the 168 bulb for the 2005-2009 model years, reflecting a bulb change between the first and second generations of the vehicle.
The rear side marker position on the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox specifies the 168 bulb with the qualifier "Except Lamp Rear Tail, Led," indicating that this fitment applies only to non-LED tail lamp configurations.
For the rear side marker, the 194 bulb is specified across the 2007-2018 model years, while the 2005-2006 model years use the 12961 bulb. This means three distinct bulb types appear across the full rear side marker history of the Equinox.
The W2.1x9.5d base designation on the 12961 bulb is a standardized IEC base code describing the wedge contact width and pin spacing. This base type is common across many T10 miniature wedge bulbs, including the 194 and 168, making physical socket compatibility likely, though electrical ratings still differ.