The Chevrolet Prizm brake light utilizes a specific 1157 bulb size for illumination across the rear exterior lighting system. Data for the specified component covers the range from 1998 through 2002.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The Chevrolet Prizm uses the 1157 bulb for its brake lights across the full 1998-2002 model range, making it the consistent fitment for that function throughout the vehicle's production span.
The 1157 is a dual-filament bulb, meaning it serves two independent lighting functions within a single housing. In brake light applications, the higher 21W filament activates under braking, while the lower 5W filament typically handles the tail light function.
The 1157 operates on a BAY15d bayonet base, a two-pin offset base design. The offset pin placement is a deliberate anti-misorientation feature, ensuring the bulb is seated with the correct filament alignment for each circuit.
The center high mount stop light on the Prizm uses the 921 bulb, also consistent across the full 1998-2002 range.
The 921 is a single-filament wedge bulb rated at 12V and 16W. Its wedge base relies on direct contact pressure from the socket rather than a locking pin or bayonet mechanism.
The 921 is classified as a T15 bulb, a designation that refers to its tubular glass envelope size. T15 indicates a tube roughly 15 eighths of an inch wide.
Both the 1157 and 921 conform to ANSI standards applicable in the United States and Canada, indicating standardized electrical and physical specifications recognized across those markets.
The 1157 and 921 are not interchangeable. They differ in base type, filament count, wattage, and physical form, and each is specific to its designated socket on the Prizm.