Dash and instrument cluster: Use E74 bulbs instead of # 74

[joede]

Several posts recommend using a # 74 wedge base bulb at several different places on the dash.Please note that the # 74 bulbs will work but because they are slightly wider than the E74 (European) bulb you will have to force them a bit to get them to fit into the plastic bulb holder.

If you use a E74 they fit perfectly. The E 74 has a thinner base width than the # 74 base width.

E74 base width = 5 mm = 0.197 inches
# 74 base width. = 0.23 inches

The E74 is typically used on European and Japanese cars (like Toyota)

The # 74's have about 0.030 inch wider base than the E 74's and are typically used on American made cars.

If you want to buy some E 74 bulbs here is a good place:http://www.miniaturebulb.com/e74b.html

[Jonate]

I wish this would have been up 4 months ago... Guess I know which ones to get when they blow out!
Thanks, better late than never

[DM616]

I don't know why you are jamming anything in because when you slide in a regular #74 it fits snug, like a secured fit.

I think anything smaller will be too loose and have a weak connection.

At least with my #74s everythings been good so far.

[joede]

Tried both # 74 and #74 E.......both worked. # 74 E is a better fit. Bulb slipped in with little effort as opposed to the #74 that needed a pretty good push (did not force).

The only difference between the two is their wedge dimensions ie the part that fits into the electrical socket in the car.

Here are their dimensions:

The #74 E is 0.175 in. wide X 0.100 in. thick.

The #74 is 0.205 in. wide X 0.110 in thick

As you can see the #74E is slightly smaller.

I found that the # 74 E fits nicely, easy to install but not overly tight. The connection between the #74 E and its socket is fine, no looseness at all.

I also found the #74 difficult but not impossable to install as if it were a bit large for the socket. In my opinion, if one has a choice then the #74 E is the one to use.

Not trying to start an argument. Just trying to be helpful.

[DM616]

Although 74Es may fit better, I'm sure they don't come in all the different colors now, do they?

Probably more $$$ too.

[joede]

You are right DM 616!! I could not find an E74 bulb in any color except clear.

What i did was to get some green bulb covers and covered the clear E74 bulb with a green cover (some people call these rubber covers bulb condoms).

If anyone is interested, you can find bulb covers for E74 bulbs at McMaster Carr.

When you get to the McMaster Carr web site search using the term : "Light bulb covers" then go all the way to the bottom of the page that opens and you will see an assortment of light bulb covers to choose from.

After you have clinked on the part number of your choice, the site will open up a little window and ask what color you want, I think there are 5 different colors of covers to choose from.

I believe the part number for the bulb cover that fits both the #E74 and #74 bulbs is 16925K12. They are $6.25 for a package of 10. Way less than what you will pay at the dealer (dealer will sell you one E74 bulb with green cover for around $6.00).

Hope this was helpful.

PS Or you can just buy a colored #74. It will fit a little tighter than an E74 but it will work. Its just a matter of personal preference. Both E74 and #74 will work well.

[bolink654]

I've been switching mine over the blue LED's (DM616 knows well). I think the china made LED's I've gotten are the E74. I had some normal incandescent 74 bulbs that I ended up having to use, and in some of the sockets they were just fine, but in others they were very tight. Probably all in manufactures tolerances. Get a socket manufactured on the small end and a bulb on the big end and its tight - and vice versa.