Chevrolet LUV License Plate Bulb Size

The Chevrolet LUV license plate light requires bulb size 12961 or 89 depending on the specific application. Data for the light components covers the range from 1975 to 1982.

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
1981-1982	12961
1975-1980	89

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. Lower wattage variant of 1156. 12V, 13W.	89

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Chevrolet LUV uses two distinct bulb types across its license plate lighting specifications: the 12961 and the 89, each with different base types and wattage ratings.
The 1981-1982 model years use the 12961, a miniature wedge bulb with a T10 form factor and a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W.
The 12961 is a Philips part number rather than an ANSI industry-standard designation, which means sourcing equivalent replacements requires cross-referencing to confirm base and voltage compatibility.
The 1975-1980 model years use the 89, an ANSI-standardized bulb recognized across the US and Canadian markets, rated at 12V and 13W.
The 89 bulb uses a BA15s bayonet base, a single-contact fitting that locks into the socket with a twist, and carries a single filament configuration.
The 89 is a lower-wattage variant of the 1156 bulb family. While both share the BA15s bayonet base, the 1156 operates at a significantly higher wattage, making the two non-interchangeable without risk of electrical or fitment issues.
The wedge base of the 12961 and the bayonet base of the 89 are physically incompatible socket types, so the bulbs used in 1981-1982 cannot be substituted into the 1975-1980 housings, and vice versa.
The wattage difference between the two bulb types is substantial: the 89 draws 13W while the 12961 draws only 5W, reflecting a shift toward lower-power lighting in the later model years.