Ford Windstar Back Up Light Bulb Size

The Ford Windstar back up light utilizes bulb sizes 2356, 3156, and 2456 depending on the specific version of the component. Available information covers a range from 1995 through 2003.

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	2356
2002	3156
2001	2356
1999-2000	2456
1998	3156
1996-1997	2456
1995	2356

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Dual-filament bulb with BAY15d bayonet base. 12V.	2356
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament wedge bulb (T25). 12V, 27W.	3156
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, specialty application. 12V.	2456

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Ford Windstar backup light specifications span the 1995-2003 model years and reference three distinct bulb types: 2356, 3156, and 2456.
All three bulb types are ANSI standards recognized in both the United States and Canada, and all operate at 12 volts.
The 2456 is a festoon-style bulb intended for specialty applications. It is specified for the Ford Windstar across the 1996-2000 model years, with the exception of 1998, making it the most frequently recurring bulb type in these specifications.
The 2356 is a dual-filament bulb with a BAY15d bayonet base. It is specified for the 1995, 2001, and 2003 model years.
The 3156 is a single-filament wedge bulb in a T25 form factor, rated at 27 watts. It is specified for the 1998 and 2002 model years.
The 2356 carries a dual-filament design, which distinguishes it from the single-filament 3156. Despite both being used as backup light bulbs in the Windstar, these two types are not interchangeable due to differences in filament count and base type.
The BAY15d bayonet base of the 2356 is a twist-and-lock style mount, whereas the 3156 uses a wedge-style base that seats by friction. These differing base configurations mean the two bulbs require different socket housings.
The 2456 festoon bulb uses a cylindrical form factor with end-cap contacts rather than a bayonet or wedge base, placing it in a physically distinct category from both the 2356 and 3156.
Because the bulb type changes across consecutive model years, such as between 2001 (2356) and 2002 (3156), year-specific verification is necessary before substitution.
The 2002 model year specifies the 3156, while the 2003 model year specifies the 2356, reflecting a base-type change between those two years of the Ford Windstar.