I know this has been covered like 1000 times, but I wanted to ask before I do the job. I had a backlight go out. The replacement bulb is listed as an 882. I also read that 194's were better due to reduced heat output.

Should I go with the 194's?

Now I'm confused. I read that 194s were the bulb to use, then I read that 194s will only work in an 89. Mine is an 87. Should I try to find 882s or will 194s work? Does anyone know for sure?

They are not directly interchangeable.

The 882s vs 194 require a different socket. 882s are sold with a new socket, 194s aren't. I think I found some at Ecklers though for those who are converting.

Use whatever is in your car now, and I think that's 194s, so you only need the bulb. What source told you 882? I wouldn't necessarily trust the manual.

You can change it by just removing the dash bezels, and popping those metal covers out, then use a piece of rubber hose to pull the bulbs loose.

To convert to a different bulb you have to disassemble the cluster.

882s are brighter but also hotter and tend to cook the dash gels over time, but it takes forever. I assume (and maybe started the rumor) that GM switched to lower wattage bulbs in there in ~86 for this reason. All the bulbs really seem too powerful in my 85, the console bulb will start melting the plastic housing if I leave it open too long, and the door lights have plastic melted around them.

Autozone shows a 194 with the folded edge, (versus the 2 wires sticking out).

Yeah, all 194s are like that. 882s have the two prongs.

I put 194s in my '86. I got the sockets where i got the
lamps. I don't think its quite as bright as it was, but
it is plenty bright. Advance Auto had them both. benny

Why not use LEDs? Lots of places online sell them now, they'll be super-bright, be temperature-cool, and last forever, for around $10. I switched out all the interior incandescents in my BMWs and truck a few months ago and love them. A quick Google search shows drop-in replacements for these bulbs.

Tom / zxcasd

I don't think LEDs would light up the dash panels well. The plastic diffusers in there rely on light coming out the sides of the bulb. With LEDs, the light is pretty much focused out of the top of the bulb.

Maybe there's some other LEDs I'm not aware of.

Also the LEDs don't dim. Not sure how that'd play with the light sensor on the dash, or when you try to switch the lights on at night.