Ford F-150 Instrument Panel Bulb Size

The Ford F-150 instrument panel utilizes bulb sizes 194 and 161 for illumination across the various components within the dashboard assembly. Available data covers the range from 1975 to 1998 for the specific lighting requirements of the vehicle.

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

If US Type and EU Type show the same value, a direct cross-reference for this bulb is not available or the data is insufficient.

Years	US Type	EU Type	Shop
1988-1998	194	W5W	Check Price
1987	161	161	Check Price
1981-1986	194	W5W	Check Price
1980	161	161	Check Price
1975-1979	194	W5W	Check Price

Bulb Specifications

Description	Type	Shop
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 3.78W.	194	Check Price
ECE standard (Europe & worldwide). Single-filament signalling bulb with W2.1x9.5d wedge base. 12V, 5W.	W5W	Check Price
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 1W.	161	Check Price

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Ford F-150 instrument panel uses the 194 bulb across the majority of model years covered in these specifications, spanning 1975-1986 and 1988-1998, with the exception of 1987 and 1980.
Both the 194 and 161 bulbs share the same T10 miniature wedge form factor and operate on a 12V electrical system, which means they are physically interchangeable in terms of socket fitment.
Despite their physical compatibility, the 194 and 161 bulbs differ in wattage. The 194 draws 3.78W, while the 161 draws only 1W, making them electrically distinct and not functionally interchangeable without consequence.
The T10 designation refers to a tubular bulb with a width of 10 eighths of an inch, a standard sizing convention used in ANSI-classified miniature automotive bulbs.
Both bulb types carry ANSI standardization applicable to the US and Canadian markets, meaning equivalent bulbs from different manufacturers are produced to the same electrical and physical specifications.
The Ford F-150 (1987) is specified with the lower-wattage 161 bulb for the instrument panel, as is the 1980 model year, distinguishing these two years from the rest of the listed range.
The wedge base design of both the 194 and 161 bulbs means neither requires a separate metal base or bayonet pins. The glass envelope itself acts as the retention mechanism within the socket.