5202 vs H16 vs 2504: What’s the Difference
When it comes to automotive light bulbs, the naming conventions can get confusing. 5202, H16, and 2504 are commonly used as fog light bulb in vehicles.
This article will clarify the distinctions between these three common bulb types to help you purchase the correct replacement bulb for your vehicle.

5202 vs. H16
The 5202 and H16 bulbs are often confused with each other, but they are completely different. The H16 bulb has a traditional right-angled style connector base with a large rubber o-ring and three evenly spaced metal tabs to lock it in place. This makes it part of the H8/H9/H11 bulb family.
The confusion stems from some manufacturers incorrectly labeling the 5202 bulb as H16.
The 5202 has a tab-lock style base that is incompatible with vehicles requiring an H16 bulb.
However, in recent years, some manufacturers have made a new version of the H16 bulb that uses a T-shape design. This newer T-shape H16 is equivalent to bulb numbers 5202, 2504, PSX24W, PS24W, 5201, and 9009. It is not interchangeable with the original L-shape H16 bulbs but can be interchangeable with 5202 bulbs.

5202 vs. 2504
The 5202 and 2504 bulbs are both tab-lock style, but have slightly different tab alignments on the base. If you need to use a PSX24W bulb as a 5202 replacement or vice versa, you may be able to modify the tabs to make them fit.
This is not recommended though, as it can affect the bulb's performance. It's best to purchase the exact replacement bulb specified for your vehicle.
To summarize, H16 belongs to the H8/H9/H11 family, while 5202 has a tab-lock base. A new T-shape H16 version is compatible with 5202, 2504, PSX24W, PS24W, 5201, 9009, unlike the original L-shape. Comparatively, 5202 and 2504 have different tab alignments. Always use the bulb specified for your vehicle to ensure optimal performance.

A Closer Look at These Fog Light Bulbs
About 5202 Bulb
The 5202 bulb, also known as PS24W, features a single filament and a PG20-3 base type. This bulb is designed for a stock power draw of 24W at 12 volts. It's commonly used in fog lights for many vehicles, emitting a bright and clear light that can significantly improve visibility in foggy conditions.
About H16 Bulb
The H16 bulb is different from the 5202 bulb. Notably, it has an L-shaped design and a PGJ19-3 base type. Like the 5202, it also utilizes a single filament. However, this bulb has a slightly lower stock power draw at 19W. The H16 bulb can be cross-referenced with H11, H8, and H9 bulbs, meaning these bulbs can be used interchangeably in many cases.
About 2504 Bulb
The 2504 bulb, also known as PSX24W, has a few distinct characteristics. It utilizes a PG20-7 base type and has a stock power draw of 24W, similar to the 5202 bulb. The 2504 bulb is often used in fog lights and daytime running lights in a wide variety of vehicles.
Which Fog Light Bulb Do I Need?
It's crucial to understand the specific requirements of your vehicle. You can find this information in your vehicle's manual, which will list the type of bulb used for the fog lights.
For more information on how to find out the right fog light bulb size, this guide will help.
If you have found out the bulb size you need and consider upgrading to LED, check the options below:
For 5202 bulb:
For H16 bulb:
For 2504 bulb:
Ensuring the correct bulb size is crucial when replacing car bulbs. If you're seeking information about 5202 vs H16 vs 2504 fog light bulbs, we hope this guide has provided the assistance you need. When it comes to LED bulb upgrades for your vehicle, look no further than SEALIGHT. Visit SEALIGHT automotive lighting store today to discover the ideal fit for your car.
Read More:
- 9005 vs. HB3 Headlight Bulb: Are They the Same?
- T10 vs. 194 vs. 168 bulbs: Everything You Need to Know
- 3057 vs. 3157 Bulbs: Are They Interchangeable?
- 5202 vs H16 vs 2504: What’s the Difference
- 9004 vs. 9007: What's the Difference? Can You Swap Them?
- 9006 vs 9012 Bulbs: Understand the Differences and Similarities
Leave a comment