Chevrolet Vega License Plate Bulb Size

The Chevrolet Vega license plate light requires specific bulb sizes 168, 194, and 97 depending on the specific application. Data for the lighting components covers the range from 1971 to 1977.

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
1977	168
1974-1976	194
1971-1973	97

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 4.9W.	168
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 3.78W.	194
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. Variant of 1156. 12V, 13W.	97

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Chevrolet Vega license plate bulb specifications span the full production run of the model, from 1971 through 1977.
Three distinct bulb types appear across these model years: the 168, 194, and 97, each with different electrical characteristics and base configurations.
The 194 bulb is the most frequently specified type, covering the 1974-1976 model years. It is a T10 miniature wedge bulb rated at 12V and 3.78W under the ANSI standard recognized in both the US and Canada.
The 97 bulb was specified for the 1971-1973 model years. Unlike the wedge-type bulbs used in later years, it uses a BA15s bayonet base and is a single-filament design rated at 12V and 13W, making it notably higher in wattage than the other two types listed.
The 97 bulb is classified as a variant of the 1156, which shares the same BA15s bayonet base but differs in wattage and other electrical ratings. These two bulbs are not directly interchangeable despite the shared base type.
The 1977 Chevrolet Vega uses the 168 bulb, a T10 miniature wedge type rated at 12V and 4.9W. Though it shares the T10 wedge form factor with the 194, its higher wattage rating distinguishes it electrically.
The 168 and 194 bulbs share the same T10 miniature wedge base, which means they are physically compatible in terms of socket fitment. However, their wattage ratings differ, at 4.9W and 3.78W respectively, which is a relevant consideration when substituting one for the other.
The shift from the BA15s bayonet-based 97 bulb to the T10 wedge-based 194 occurred between the 1973 and 1974 model years, representing a change in both base type and wattage for the license plate position.