Volvo XC70 License Plate Bulb Size

The Volvo XC70 license plate light uses bulb sizes DE3423 and 12961 for the exterior illumination components. Available data covers the time period from 2003 through 2016 for the specified vehicle.

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
2008-2016	DE3423
2003-2007	12961

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V.	DE3423
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Volvo XC70 license plate position uses two distinct bulb types across its model years: the DE3423 festoon bulb for 2008-2016 and the 12961 miniature wedge bulb for 2003-2007.
The DE3423 is an ANSI-standardized festoon bulb, meaning it conforms to a shared North American specification used across multiple vehicle manufacturers, not a proprietary Volvo part.
Festoon bulbs make electrical contact through metal end caps at each tip rather than through a base socket, which is a fundamentally different contact method than wedge-style bulbs.
The DE3423 has a 41mm length, which is a critical fitment factor, as festoon bulbs must physically span the housing contacts to seat correctly.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W.
The W2.1x9.5d base designation describes a specific wedge base geometry, meaning the 12961 is not interchangeable with the DE3423 due to incompatible contact types and housing designs.
Both bulb types operate on a 12V electrical system, consistent with standard automotive low-voltage architecture.
The Volvo XC70 (2003-2007) requires the 12961 wedge bulb, while the 2008-2016 model years require the DE3423 festoon bulb, making cross-era substitution incompatible without housing modification.