Find my bulb

[CoastalJuan]

Anyone have any idea what kind of bulb fits the overhead cabin light in my 1998 215 Explorer? I don't think I've ever seen a socket quite like this. The guy at West marine was baffled.

Any ideas?

[Capt. Bob]

Not surprised.

12v halogen?
https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/5829/SOCK-L32T.html?utm_source=SmartFeedGoogleBase&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_term=SOCK-L32T&utm_content=Halogen+Sockets+with+Leads&utm_campaign=SmartFeedGoogleBaseShopping&gclid=CJLE2vXJsssCFYo2gQodr2oMTg

Maybe something like this????
https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/5050/Q-G412V102132.html?utm_source=SmartFeedGoogleBase&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_term=Q-G412V102132&utm_content=12+Volt+-+G4+Base+-+Halogen&utm_campaign=SmartFeedGoogleBaseShopping&gclid=CM6K5_rRs8sCFdgJgQodKlACfg

Good luck.

[CoastalJuan]

See, that's why you get paid the big bucks.

Thanks for your help.
CJ

[CoastalJuan]

Not surprised.

12v halogen?
https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/5829/SOCK-L32T.html?utm_source=SmartFeedGoogleBase&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_term=SOCK-L32T&utm_content=Halogen+Sockets+with+Leads&utm_campaign=SmartFeedGoogleBaseShopping&gclid=CJLE2vXJsssCFYo2gQodr2oMTg

Maybe something like this????
https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/5050/Q-G412V102132.html?utm_source=SmartFeedGoogleBase&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_term=Q-G412V102132&utm_content=12+Volt+-+G4+Base+-+Halogen&utm_campaign=SmartFeedGoogleBaseShopping&gclid=CM6K5_rRs8sCFdgJgQodKlACfg

Good luck.

Mornin' captain. Ok, so, I finally got around to picking up a bulb...then waited another two months to actually try to install it, so here we are. Does anyone on here have an outlet like mine? The outlet works, the bulb works, and lights up when I insert into the two narrow openings on the socket. The problem is that it feels like I'm just hitting a flat surface on the inside.

In other words, I can touch the pins to the back and get the light to come on, but I can't keep the bulb in place. Before I go forcing, bending, or breaking anything, am I missing something?

And yes, I realize that this is the cliche "how many idiots does it take to screw in a lightbulb" thread.

[RickK]

And yes, I realize that this is the cliche "how many idiots does it take to screw in a lightbulb" thread.

That's funny 

[Capt. Bob]

CJ,
Is there any chance there's something in the socket?
How about a pic of the bulb.

[wingtime]

I put a led conversion kit in my 98 Explorer cabin light. It looks very similar to your light. I forget if the socket was the same or not. You can see it about halfway thru thus video

[Capt. Bob]

CJ,

Interesting thread so...

Looking at the pic of your socket in the first post I believe I've learned something about halogen sockets.

Three sets of "holes" at 2 each. The bottom hole on the left (and on the top right in your pic) are tabs that are slightly bent to secure the ceramic socket to the metal bracket in back. Is this correct?

The elongated holes in the middle may allow for several different base pin widths to be used as replacements. Then again, it may require a specific size to engage the pins. From what I've found, install is nothing more than what you are doing with gentle pressure on the lamp until it engages the socket. That stated, it may be that you have to push just a little more to engage fully. Then again, it may require a specific size to properly engage.

What size bulb did you end up with?
Is there any play in the side to side of the pins in the socket? Maybe "wiggling" while pressing in?