Instrument illumination bulb replacement

[91cabernetcaravan]

Okay, folks:
I've got a half day project prepped to replace instrument cluster bulbs. I've been reading the service manual and I went to (cough) auto zone (cough) and purchased a set of #194 bulbs.
But there is one thing that is bugging me. Some bulbs are listed as "PC194" and some as just "194".
Anyone here know that's about? If I have the wrong bulbs, then I'll need to return them and find the proper ones, but I' kinda like to know for sure before I start tearing open the dash.
Any help here would be appreciated.

Neil in Tujunga

[RIP]

I would bet there's no difference. If you don't get your answer here there's always the parts department at your dealership.

[TrueLyFE]

There is no difference. Your instrumentation takes 194s, which you purchased. PC194 == 194.

[earlyrizr]

actually there is a slight difference ,the pc194 has a plastic socket attached that is twisted into the cluster,and the regular 194 does not

[91cabernetcaravan]

Oooookay...
To give two elements of this project a bit more clarity... I'm replacing the bulbs that simply illuminate the instrument cluster, of which there are five. I'm fairly certain that three of them are burned out.
Let me also offer up the brand of bulbs I purchased: They are #194 from a company called Lighting Technologies Instrument/Indicator; 2 bulbs per package rated 12 volts. Company is based in Illinois but the bulbs are made in China.
Let's see if I can attach an image here....



No metal base on these bulbs -- the usual push and twist types.

I'm popping the cluster Friday morning. Hopefully no surprises. Thanks for the assist guys. I'll give a blow-by-blow when I've finished.

Neil in Tujunga

[TrueLyFE]

194s should be a wedge type... your picture isn't very clear, are these wedges?

[91cabernetcaravan]

Not sure what a "wedge" is in the auto parlance. These bulbs are all glass with a shaped bottom that allows the wire nodes to connect.
It's NOT like a typical light bulb with the metal sleeve that I'd have expected.
Of course, foolish me, I always expect these things to be simple...

[91cabernetcaravan]

Here's a better answer:
It looks like this variety:
http://www.donsbulbs.com/cgi-bin/r/b.pl/194.html
as opposed to this variety
http://www.donsbulbs.com/cgi-bin/r/b.pl/pc194.html
So, is the non "pc" version the "wedge" version? The question of the moment.
Neil in Tujunga
91 Caravan with 220K miles and still chugging along

[TrueLyFE]

Yeah, sorry, I guess I was wrong - there is a variety called PC194 which has a different base. I haven't seen any 194 with a different base...

I haven't torn apart my instrument cluster yet (I will once the van runs, for the same reason - one bulb is out and it is butting me), but according to Sylvania's lookup, this car uses normal 194s. I know my Camaro uses normal wedge-type 194.

[91cabernetcaravan]

Ok. Here is a pic of the real PC194. I purchased four of these from Glendale Dodge at $1.37 each, which I think is very reasonable.

So I have my bulbs and my tool kit all ready to go. I'm going to do the deed tomorrow (Saturday morning) instead of today. (Had to do some work today damn it).
Neil in Tujunga

[91cabernetcaravan]

Behold the great illuminator!
I'm feeling somewhat smug at replacing my own burned out lamps on the instrument cluster of a 91 caravan. Took me, a non mechanically oriented fellow, about 90 minutes to do the job. First time virgin as it were.
I got the bulbs for $1.37 each at the local Dodge Parts Dealer. Two minor hitches -- for those of you planning a similar operation -- be careful about losing track of the connectors especially to the cluster bezel (the controls for wipers and lights). Had to do a little pushing and twisting to replace that bezel. Otherwise, it went fairly smoothly.
Now, I treat myself to a beer and lunch.