6418 38mm Festoon LED Bulbs | Interior, Dome & License Plate LED Upgrades
The 6418 bulb is a 38mm festoon-style interior automotive bulb (C10W format) widely used in dome lights, glove box lights, map lights, footwell illumination, and license-plate lighting across many European and Japanese vehicles. It installs via bullet-shaped metal end caps that seat into spring-loaded festoon clip sockets, making exact 38mm length compatibility critical for electrical contact and retention.
- SMD chip types: 2835 / 5050
- Chip count: Typically 3–6 for a 38mm festoon
- Voltage: 12V DC automotive
- Power draw: Approximately 1–2W
This Underground Lighting collection contains 6418 LED replacement bulbs, upgrading the original approximately 5W incandescent festoon to a solid-state LED lighting system operating on the standard 12V DC automotive electrical circuit. LED festoon bulbs use surface-mount diode (SMD) chips such as 2835 or 5050 packages, delivering higher brightness while drawing only approximately 1–2W and producing minimal heat compared with filament bulbs.
The collection includes the core product:
6418 38mm 3-SMD CANbus Error-Free Festoon LED Bulbs
Compact 38mm LED festoon bulbs with integrated CANbus load circuitry to help prevent bulb-out warnings in license-plate or door-monitored lighting circuits. Designed for precise 38mm housings and interior applications requiring stable output and low heat.
Typical LED output for 6418 festoon bulbs ranges from approximately 80–220 lumens, depending on chip density and optical spread. Lower-output LEDs are recommended for map or glove-box lighting, while higher-output LEDs improve dome or footwell visibility.
Functional Applications & Housing Compatibility
Dome / Cabin Light
Ceiling-mounted interior lighting requiring a wide beam spread. Underground Lighting LED upgrades increase cabin brightness and longevity.
Glove Box Light
Small enclosed compartment lighting. LED festoon bulbs improve reach and clarity with lower heat buildup.
License Plate Light
Exterior rear plate illumination requiring white LED output, approximately 5000–6000K, for regulatory compliance. CANbus festoon LEDs help prevent dashboard bulb-out warnings.
Footwell / Courtesy Light
Under-dash or door-mounted lighting enhances entry visibility and interior styling.
Map / Reading Light
Directed overhead light for the driver or passenger. Diffused or lower-lumen LED output reduces glare in clear lenses.
All 6418 bulbs are installed using clip-in festoon mounting. Compress one end into the spring clip and seat the opposite end cap. Because festoon LEDs can be polarity-sensitive, rotate the bulb 180 degrees if it does not illuminate, unless using non-polarity circuitry.
Exact Size & Cross-Fit Clarification
Festoon bulbs are length-specific and not interchangeable:
- 6418: 38mm
- 6413: 36mm
- 6411 / 578: 42mm
- 212-2: 44mm
Even a 2mm variation can cause loose contact or non-fitment in festoon housings.
LED Technology & Color Options
Available LED color temperatures:
- Warm white, approximately 3000K: Comfort or classic interior tone
- Neutral white, approximately 5000K: Balanced OEM look
- Cool white, approximately 6000K: Modern, crisp illumination
Exterior license plate use requires white only.
Explore our comprehensive lighting catalog, featuring HIDs, LEDs, and Forward Lighting solutions built for maximum brightness and durability.
From Headlight and Fog Light Bulbs to Reverse Lights and Brake/Tail Lights, we have every major lighting category covered.
Customize your vehicle with LED Strobes, LED Rolls, Rock Lights, Underground Lights, and Auxiliary lighting setups.
Complete your upgrade with HID Bulbs, Ballasts, Conversion Kits, and all essential lighting accessories.
Check compatibility with the Bulb Finder and upgrade your ride today.