Ford Explorer Trunk Bulb Size

The Ford Explorer trunk utilizes 578 and 211-2 bulb sizes for the interior lighting components located within the rear cargo area. Data for the specific bulb requirements spans the period from 1995 through 2010.

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
2006-2010	578
1995-2001	211-2

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V, 12W.	578
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, SV8.5 base. 12V, 12W.	211-2

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Ford Explorer trunk bulb specifications cover two distinct model year groups: 2006-2010 and 1995-2001.
Both groups use festoon-type bulbs, which are cylindrical lamps that mount between two spring-loaded end contacts rather than inserting into a socket with a base pin.
The 2006-2010 Ford Explorer uses the 578 bulb, an ANSI-standardized festoon type with a 41mm length, end-cap contacts, rated at 12V and 12W.
The 1995-2001 Ford Explorer uses the 211-2 bulb, also an ANSI-standardized festoon type with a 41mm length, but fitted with an SV8.5 base rather than plain end-cap contacts.
The SV8.5 base on the 211-2 designates a specific festoon base standard where the lamp body includes a formed metal cap, which affects socket compatibility even though the physical length matches the 578.
Despite sharing the same 41mm length, 12V rating, and 12W power draw, the 578 and 211-2 are not interchangeable due to their differing base and contact configurations.
Both bulb types conform to ANSI standards applicable in the United States and Canada, indicating standardized performance and dimensional tolerances across manufacturers.
The 12W power rating on both bulbs places them in the low-wattage category typical of interior cargo illumination, where heat output and current draw are kept minimal.