Pontiac Trans Sport License Plate Bulb Size

The Pontiac Trans Sport license plate light requires 168 and 194 bulb sizes for the exterior illumination system. Data for the specific components covers the period from 1990 through 1998.

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
1997-1998	168
1990-1996	194

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
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 Pontiac Trans Sport license plate position uses two distinct bulb sizes across its production run: the 194 for model years 1990-1996 and the 168 for model years 1997-1998.
Both the 168 and 194 are ANSI-standardized miniature wedge bulbs sharing the same T10 form factor and a 12-volt operating voltage, which means they are physically interchangeable in terms of socket fitment.
Despite their shared socket type, the 168 and 194 differ in wattage. The 168 draws 4.9 watts, while the 194 draws 3.78 watts, making them electrically distinct and not direct substitutes for one another.
The T10 wedge base is a self-grounding design that makes contact through the bulb's metal base rather than a separate ground wire, a common trait in low-current automotive lighting applications.
The 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport represents a transition point in the license plate bulb specification, as the 194 was used through that year before the 168 replaced it in 1997.
The ANSI designation for both bulbs confirms compliance with a shared North American standardization framework covering physical and electrical parameters, which allows aftermarket sourcing from a wide range of suppliers.
The 194 bulb, used across seven consecutive model years from 1990-1996, is the more frequently specified of the two bulb types in the Trans Sport license plate application.