Hyundai Elantra License Plate Bulb Size

Additional Notes

• The 12961 is a Philips part number for a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W. The Hyundai Elantra uses this bulb for the license plate position across the 2019-2024 model years, as well as the 2013 model year.
• The 168 is an ANSI-standard T10 miniature wedge bulb rated at 12V and 4.9W. It fits the Elantra license plate position across the 2014-2018 model years, and also covers the 1999-2003 model years.
• Although the 12961 and 168 are both T10 wedge bulbs sharing the same physical form factor, they carry slightly different wattage ratings (5W versus 4.9W) and originate from different numbering systems. The 12961 follows Philips nomenclature while the 168 follows the ANSI standard used in the US and Canada.
• The DE3423 is an ANSI-standard festoon bulb with a 41mm length and end-cap contacts, rated at 12V. The Elantra uses this bulb type for the license plate position on the 2007-2008 model years. Festoon bulbs differ structurally from wedge types, as they make contact at both ends rather than through a wedge-shaped base.
• The bulb 97 is an ANSI-standard single-filament bulb with a BA15s bayonet base, rated at 12V and 13W. It is a variant of the 1156 family and fits the Elantra license plate position on the 1992-1995 model years. At 13W, it draws considerably more power than the T10 wedge types used in later model years.
• The BA15s bayonet base of the 97 bulb is mechanically incompatible with the wedge base of the T10 types (12961 and 168) and the end-cap contacts of the DE3423 festoon. These three base types are not interchangeable with one another regardless of voltage rating.
• The Elantra license plate position has used four distinct bulb types across its model year range, each with a different base design. Substituting one type for another without confirming socket compatibility would result in a non-fitting installation.