Ford Thunderbird License Plate Bulb Size

Additional Notes

• The Ford Thunderbird license plate position uses five distinct bulb types across its model history: the 168, 194, 97, 1155, 67, and 63. Each is an ANSI-standardized bulb rated for 12-volt automotive electrical systems.
• The 168 and 194 are both T10 miniature wedge bulbs sharing the same physical base format, which means they occupy the same socket type. However, their wattage differs: the 168 draws 4.9W while the 194 draws 3.78W, making them electrically distinct despite their physical similarity.
• The Ford Thunderbird (2002-2005) and the 1977-1984 model years both specify the 168 bulb for the license plate position, representing two separate periods of use for this bulb type.
• The 194 bulb is specified for the 1985-1997 model years, making it the longest continuously used bulb type across the Thunderbird license plate specifications provided.
• The 97, 1155, and 67 bulbs all share the BA15s single-contact bayonet base, meaning they are physically interchangeable at the socket level. Their wattage ratings differ substantially: 13W for the 97, 21W for the 1155, and 8W for the 67, so substitution between them would affect light output and electrical load.
• The 1155 bulb, specified for the 1963-1967 model years, carries the highest wattage of any bulb in these specifications at 21W, which is notably high for a license plate application relative to the other types listed.
• The 63 bulb, specified for the 1955 Thunderbird, uses a BA9s base rather than the BA15s base found on the 97, 1155, and 67 bulbs. The BA9s is a smaller bayonet fitting and is not interchangeable with BA15s sockets.
• At 0.63W, the 63 bulb draws significantly less power than any other bulb type in these specifications, reflecting its very low output rating relative to the single-filament BA15s variants used in surrounding model years.
• The 1968-1976 model years use the 97 bulb, which is described as a variant of the 1156. The 1156 is a widely used BA15s single-filament automotive bulb, and the 97 shares its base configuration while operating at a lower wattage of 13W compared to the standard 1156 rating of approximately 26.9W.
• Because the 168 and 194 share the T10 wedge base, a physical fit in the socket does not confirm electrical equivalence. The wattage difference between the two types means that using one in place of the other would alter the power draw at the license plate circuit.