Freightliner MB Line Instrument Panel Bulb Size

The Freightliner MB Line instrument panel utilizes bulb sizes 97 and 1893 for the internal illumination components. Data for the specific lighting requirements covers the period from 1995 through 1997.

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
1996-1997	97 (Cab Over Engine)
1995	1893 (Cab Over Engine)

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. Variant of 1156. 12V, 13W.	97
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T5). 12V, 2W.	1893

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Freightliner MB Line Cab Over Engine uses two distinct instrument panel bulb types across the 1995-1997 model years: the 97 and the 1893, both governed by ANSI standards applicable in the US and Canada.
The 97 bulb is a single-filament type mounted on a BA15s bayonet base, rated at 12V and 13W. It is classified as a variant of the 1156 bulb family, though it is not identical to the 1156 and should not be treated as a direct substitute without confirming fitment.
The BA15s designation on the 97 bulb indicates a single-contact bayonet base with a 15mm collar, which is a common base type in automotive instrument and signal lighting applications.
The 1893 is a T5 miniature wedge bulb rated at 12V and 2W. At 2W, it draws significantly less power than the 97 bulb, reflecting its role in low-intensity instrument panel illumination.
The Freightliner MB Line Cab Over Engine for the 1996-1997 model years specifies the 97 bulb for the instrument panel, while the 1995 model year specifies the 1893 bulb for the same application. These two bulb types are not interchangeable due to differences in base type, wattage, and physical form factor.