Hello, simple enough question, or so I would have thought.

I have an '07 Ranger. I want to replace the interior dome light bulb.

It works just fine, but it's kinda dim, and I'd like something a little brighter, like maybe an LED or equivalent.

I know from the manual that I need a 912 bulb. Ok, no problem so far.

I looked on Amazon, and there are plenty of choices, mostly in a two-pack and many are under 7 bucks, with a few even under 4 dollars for two. This is roughly similar to what a standard, incandescent 912 bulb would cost.

Here's the problem. Apparently a 912 bulb is also commonly used for backup lights, taillights, and other applications where a much brighter bulb is appropriate. (This is probably why they are so commonly sold in packs of two and not just one.)

The descriptions all mention backup light usage primarily, and I am afraid if I buy any of them it will be way too bright for an interior dome light. One (but only one) actually said it is not for use as an interior light, but the others without that warning all have roughly the same lumen count. So I am not sure what to think.

I figure what I want to do must be an incredibly common mod. So what do you suggest as a replacement? Is there a number of lumens I should be shooting for here? A specific product? I don't want to spend a lot, considering this is not something that needs to be done at all.

Any and all suggestions and commentary on this appreciated!

 

I was tired of the dull yellow glow from my interior light. Replaced with 912 led I picked up from autozone in a 2pk for$23 (sounds like i overdsent), it is bright but I find it much better. I can actually find what I'm looking for in the dark. Do it, it's worth it...

 

Thanks, I don't suppose you know the lumen count of the one you bought, do you?

I may go to Autozone or O'Reilly's and see what they sell. If it costs too much, at least I will have a better idea of what I need.

I hope it's not the case that VERY-WAY-TOO-BRIGHT 912 bulbs for backup lights are 4 bucks but the 912 bulbs that are just right for the dome light are 20-something.

That'd just figure, wouldn't it?

 

That's what I used...

 

UPDATE: The ones sold at the usual suspects stores are just like the one pictured in the previous comment. They cost in the neighborhood of $20+ for a 2-pack. I don't doubt they work just fine.

I took a chance with Amazon (it might have been ebay, actually). The point is most of those do not give real specs, and I came to the conclusion (might be right, might be wrong) that no matter what any of them say, they are likely almost all exactly the same. So I bought a two-pack with free shipping for around 5-6 bucks. Bottom line is...I love it! Works great, color is great, brightness is great. Very satisfied. And after all that hemming and hawing, I think I would have probably been just as pleased with any of the dozens and dozens of choices there were.

And now I have a spare! Two actually, if you count the original.