Volkswagen Beetle Map Light Bulb Size

The Volkswagen Beetle map light utilizes bulb sizes 12961, PC194, and DE3423 depending on the specific version of the vehicle. Available data covers the range from 1998 through 2019.

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
2012-2019	12961
2003-2010	PC194
1998-2001	DE3423

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with printed circuit board twist-lock socket, for instrument clusters. 12V, 3.78W.	PC194
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V.	DE3423

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Volkswagen Beetle map light draws from three distinct bulb types across its model years: the 12961, the PC194, and the DE3423, each representing a different physical format and socket design.
The 12961 is a Philips-designated part number for a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W. It is the specified map light bulb for the Volkswagen Beetle from 2012-2019.
The PC194 is an ANSI-standardized T10 miniature wedge bulb rated at 12V and 3.78W. Unlike a standard wedge, it uses a printed circuit board twist-lock socket, a format associated with instrument cluster applications. It is specified for the Beetle from 2003-2010.
The DE3423 is an ANSI-standardized festoon bulb with a 41mm length and end-cap contacts, rated at 12V. It is specified for the Beetle from 1998-2001.
Although both the 12961 and the PC194 share the T10 form factor, their socket interfaces differ. The PC194 uses a twist-lock printed circuit board socket, while the 12961 uses a standard wedge base, making the two bulbs non-interchangeable despite their physical similarity.
The DE3423 festoon format is physically incompatible with the wedge-style sockets used in later Beetle model years, as festoon bulbs rely on end-cap contacts rather than a wedge or twist-lock base.
The wattage difference between the 12961 (5W) and the PC194 (3.78W) reflects a meaningful gap in power draw, which is relevant when considering socket and circuit compatibility between the two generations.