Volkswagen Passat Map Light Bulb Size

Additional Notes

• The Volkswagen Passat map light uses the 12961 bulb across the 1995-2021 model years, making it the dominant fitment across the entire specification range.
• The 12961 is a Philips part number for a T10 miniature wedge bulb, operating at 12 volts and 5 watts, with a W2.1x9.5d base.
• The T10 designation refers to the bulb's tubular shape, and the W2.1x9.5d base is a wedge-type fitting where the glass envelope itself acts as the retaining mechanism rather than a separate metal base.
• The DE3423 is an ANSI-standard festoon bulb rated at 12 volts, with a 41mm length and end-cap contacts, meaning metal caps at each end of the bulb make the electrical connection within the housing.
• The festoon and wedge formats are physically and electrically incompatible with each other, as they require different socket types within the vehicle's interior lighting housing.
• The 2001 Volkswagen Passat is the only model year in the specifications that carries two distinct map light bulb fitments, with the 12961 wedge bulb listed for the early model and the DE3423 festoon bulb listed as a separate entry.
• The early model and standard 2001 entries indicate a mid-year production change, meaning the correct bulb size for a 2001 Passat depends on which production variant the vehicle represents.