Ford Explorer Instrument Panel Bulb Size

The Ford Explorer instrument panel requires bulb sizes 194 and PC194 for proper illumination of the dashboard cluster components. Data for the specified lighting components covers the range from 1991 through 2005.

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
2001-2005	PC194
1991-2000	194

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with printed circuit board twist-lock socket, for instrument clusters. 12V, 3.78W.	PC194
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 3.78W.	194

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Ford Explorer uses two instrument panel bulb sizes across its 1991-2005 model years: the 194 and the PC194, both of which are ANSI-standard miniature wedge bulbs rated at 12V and 3.78W.
Both the 194 and PC194 share the same T10 wedge form factor and identical voltage and wattage ratings, meaning their electrical characteristics are equivalent.
The PC194 is distinguished from the standard 194 by its printed circuit board twist-lock socket, which is designed specifically for instrument clusters that use a PCB-mounted socket rather than a conventional bulb holder.
The Ford Explorer (2001-2005) specifies the PC194, while the 1991-2000 model years specify the standard 194.
Although the 194 and PC194 share the same T10 wedge base and power ratings, the twist-lock socket design of the PC194 makes it non-interchangeable with sockets intended for the standard 194 in a direct plug-in application.
Both bulb types conform to ANSI standards recognized in the United States and Canada, indicating standardized physical and electrical tolerances across manufacturers.
The T10 designation refers to the bulb envelope width, expressed in eighths of an inch, placing the envelope at approximately 10/8 of an inch wide, a common sizing convention in ANSI miniature bulb classification.