Ford Taurus License Plate Bulb Size

The Ford Taurus license plate light utilizes DE3423, 168, and 194 bulb sizes depending on the specific version of the vehicle. Available data for the lighting components spans from 1986 through 2018.

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
2011-2018	DE3423
2006-2010	168
1996-1999	168
1988-1992	194
1986	194

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V.	DE3423
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 4.9W.	168
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 3.78W.	194

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Ford Taurus license plate position uses three distinct bulb types across its model years: the DE3423 festoon bulb, and two miniature wedge bulbs designated 168 and 194.
All three bulb types conform to ANSI standards recognized in both the United States and Canada, and all operate on a 12-volt electrical system.
The DE3423 is a festoon-style bulb measuring 41mm in length with end-cap contacts. This contact style differs fundamentally from wedge-base bulbs and makes the DE3423 physically incompatible with sockets designed for wedge fitment.
The Ford Taurus (2011-2018) uses the DE3423 festoon bulb for the license plate position.
The 168 and 194 are both classified as T10 miniature wedge bulbs, sharing the same base type and general form factor.
Although the 168 and 194 share a T10 wedge base, they differ in wattage. The 168 is rated at 4.9W while the 194 is rated at 3.78W, meaning they are not electrically identical despite their physical similarity.
The Ford Taurus (1996-2010) uses the 168 bulb for the license plate position.
The Ford Taurus (1986-1992) uses the 194 bulb for the license plate position.
The T10 wedge base shared by the 168 and 194 types means a physical fit is possible between the two in many sockets, but the wattage difference should be considered when substituting one for the other.
The shift from the 194 to the 168 and later to the DE3423 festoon type reflects socket design changes across Taurus generations, and bulbs from one era are not assumed to be drop-in replacements for another without confirming base type compatibility.