The Honda Prelude tail light utilizes unique bulb sizes 12961, 3496, and 2057 depending on the specific version of the vehicle. Available data covers the range from 1979 through 2001 for the specified lighting components.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The Honda Prelude outer tail light uses three distinct bulb types across its production span, with the 2057 fitted to 1979-1991 models, the 3496 fitted to 1992-1996 models, and the 7443 fitted to 1997-2001 models.
The 2057 is an ANSI-standard dual-filament bulb operating at 12V with a 26.9W/5W output and a BAY15d bayonet base, classifying it as a brighter variant of the common 1157 bulb type.
The 3496 also uses a BAY15d bayonet base and is likewise an ANSI-standard dual-filament bulb rated at 12V, making it a variant of the 1157 rather than a direct replacement for the 2057 despite the shared base type.
The 7443 is an ANSI-standard dual-filament wedge bulb of the T20 form factor, rated at 12V with a 21W/5W output, and it does not share a base type with the 2057 or 3496.
The dual-filament design of the 7443, 3496, and 2057 indicates that the outer tail light position serves a combined function, typically handling both running light and brake or turn signal duties from a single socket.
The Honda Prelude (1997-2001) outer tail light also takes a 12961 bulb alongside the 7443, meaning that model generation uses two separate bulbs within the outer tail light assembly.
The 12961 is a Philips part number rather than an ANSI standard designation, referring to a miniature T10 wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W.
The inner tail light position on the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude uses the 168, an ANSI-standard miniature T10 wedge bulb rated at 12V and 4.9W.
Both the 168 and the 12961 occupy the T10 wedge form factor and operate at nearly identical wattages, but the 168 carries an ANSI designation while the 12961 is identified by a manufacturer part number, and the two are not listed as interchangeable within these specifications.
The inner tail light position has no listed bulb for model years prior to 1997, as that sub-part specification covers only the 1997-2001 range.