Autocar ACL License Plate Bulb Size

The Autocar ACL license plate light uses 1157 and 198 bulb sizes for the specific lighting components. Data for the lighting specifications covers the period from 1981 through 1988.

The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.

Bulb Size by Year Range

Years	Bulb Size
1985-1988	1157
1981-1984	198

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Dual-filament bulb with BAY15d bayonet base. 12V, 21W/5W.	1157
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T5). 12V, 2W.	198

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Autocar ACL uses two distinct bulb types across its 1981-1988 model years for the license plate position: the 1157 and the 198.
The 1157 is a dual-filament bulb rated at 12V with a 21W/5W output, mounted on a BAY15d bayonet base, and conforms to the ANSI standard used in the US and Canada.
The BAY15d bayonet base features two offset pins, which physically prevent incorrect single-filament bulbs from being seated in the socket.
The 198 is a miniature wedge bulb in the T5 form factor, rated at 12V and 2W, also conforming to the ANSI standard used in the US and Canada.
The T5 designation refers to a tubular bulb body that is 5/8 of an inch wide, a common sizing convention in miniature automotive lighting.
The Autocar ACL (1985-1988) takes the 1157 bulb for the license plate position.
The 198 bulb applies to the Autocar ACL for model years 1981-1984.
The 1157 and 198 are not interchangeable, as they differ in base type, filament count, wattage, and physical form factor.
The 2W rating of the 198 reflects its role as a low-draw indicator-style bulb, while the 1157's 21W/5W dual-filament configuration is associated with combined stop and tail light functions in other applications, though here it serves the license plate position.