The Ford Probe brake light requires 3497, 3496, and 1157 bulb sizes depending on the specific version of the vehicle. Available data covers the range from 1989 to 1997.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The Ford Probe uses three distinct bulb types across its brake light positions: the 3497, 3496, 1157, and 921, all of which conform to ANSI standards applicable in the United States and Canada.
The 921 is a T15 wedge-base bulb rated at 12V and 16W, and it serves as the Center High Mount Stop Light bulb across all Ford Probe model years from 1989-1997.
The 3497 is a single-filament bulb with a BA15s bayonet base, rated at 12V and 21W, and it functions as a variant of the 1156. The Ford Probe uses this bulb for the brake lights from 1993-1997.
The BA15s base of the 3497 is a single-contact bayonet fitting, which is physically distinct from the dual-contact BAY15d base found on the 3496 and 1157. These base types are not interchangeable despite their similar appearance.
The 3496 is a dual-filament bulb with a BAY15d bayonet base rated at 12V, and it is specified for the Ford Probe brake lights from 1990-1992.
The 1157 is also a dual-filament bulb with a BAY15d bayonet base, rated at 12V with a filament output of 21W and 5W respectively. It is specified for the 1989 Ford Probe brake light position.
Although the 3496 and 1157 share the same BAY15d base type, they are listed as separate part numbers under ANSI standards, and substitution between them warrants verification of wattage compatibility for the specific socket.
The shift from a dual-filament bulb type (3496) to a single-filament type (3497) between the 1992 and 1993 Ford Probe reflects a change in the brake light circuit design across those model years.