Chevrolet Cavalier Back Up Light Bulb Size

The Chevrolet Cavalier back up light utilizes bulb sizes 3057, 3157, 2458, 1156, and P21W depending on the specific version. Data for the components covers the range from 1982 to 2005.

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
2003-2005	3057
2000-2002	3157
1982-1994	1156

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Dual-filament wedge bulb (T25). 12V, 27W/7W.	3057
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Dual-filament wedge bulb (T25). 12V, 27W/7W.	3157
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. 12V, 21W.	1156

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Chevrolet Cavalier back up light specifications cover model years 1982-2005, with three distinct bulb types used across that span: the 1156, 3157, and 3057.
The 1156 bulb is a single-filament type with a BA15s bayonet base, rated at 12V and 21W. The BA15s base features a single contact pin offset to one side, which physically prevents incorrect installation of incompatible bulb bases.
The 1156 is specified for the Cavalier across model years 1982-1994, making it the longest-running fitment in these specifications.
The 3157 and 3057 are both dual-filament T25 wedge bulbs rated at 12V with a 27W/7W filament configuration. Both conform to ANSI standards applicable in the US and Canada.
Despite sharing the same voltage rating, wattage output, and T25 wedge form factor, the 3057 and 3157 are distinct part numbers and are not confirmed as interchangeable within these specifications.
The Chevrolet Cavalier (2000-2002) uses the 3157, while the 2003-2005 model years use the 3057. The physical similarity between these two bulbs makes cross-year substitution a fitment risk without verification.
The dual-filament design of the 3057 and 3157 means each bulb contains two separate filaments within a single envelope, though in a back up light application only one filament circuit is typically engaged.
The transition from the 1156 bayonet-base bulb to the T25 wedge-base 3157 represents a base type change, meaning sockets from the 1982-1994 generation are not compatible with bulbs specified for the 2000-2005 generation.