The Arctic Cat ZL 500 uses two distinct halogen bulb types across its headlight system: the 894 for high beam and the 885 for low beam, covering the 1998-2000 and 2002 model years.
Both the 894 and 885 are ANSI-standardized bulbs recognized in the United States and Canada, meaning they conform to a defined set of electrical and physical specifications rather than being proprietary to any single manufacturer.
The 894 and 885 share the same PGJ13 base type, a pin-style base where the two contact pins are spaced 13mm apart, which is a defining factor in physical fitment to the headlight housing.
Both bulbs operate on a 12-volt electrical system, consistent with the standard low-voltage DC architecture found in most powersports vehicles.
The 894 high beam bulb is rated at 37.5 watts, while the 885 low beam bulb draws 50 watts, meaning the low beam actually consumes more power than the high beam in the Arctic Cat ZL 500.
Although the 894 and 885 share the same PGJ13 base, their wattage ratings differ significantly. Substituting one for the other risks mismatched light output and potential electrical stress on the housing or wiring circuit.
Both bulbs use a single-filament design, meaning each bulb serves only one lighting function rather than switching between two outputs internally.