Subaru Outback Stepwell Bulb Size

Additional Notes

• The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12 volts and 5 watts. The 194 is an ANSI-standard designation used in the US and Canada, also a T10 miniature wedge bulb, rated at 12 volts and 3.78 watts.
• Both bulb types share the T10 form factor and W2.1x9.5d wedge base, which means they are physically interchangeable in terms of socket fitment. However, they differ in wattage, with the 12961 drawing 5 watts and the 194 drawing 3.78 watts.
• The 12961 is the dominant stepwell bulb type across the Subaru Outback specifications, covering model years 2010-2019 and 2021, 2024.
• The 194 is specified for the Subaru Outback stepwell position in the 2022-2023 model years.
• The year 2020 is not present in the provided specifications for the Subaru Outback stepwell position.
• Because the 12961 and 194 share the same T10 wedge base, a socket designed for one will physically accept the other. The wattage difference, however, means current draw will vary depending on which bulb is installed.
• The W2.1x9.5d base designation describes a wedge-type connection with no separate metal contacts, relying instead on the bulb's wire leads pressed against the socket walls to complete the circuit.
• The shift from the 12961 to the 194 between the 2021 and 2022 model years, and back to the 12961 in 2024, indicates that the correct bulb type should be confirmed against the specific model year before installation.