The Lexus ES300 brake light utilizes 7443 and 1157 bulb sizes depending on the specific version of the vehicle. Available data for the specified components covers the period from 1992 through 2003.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The Lexus ES300 brake lighting system uses two primary bulb types across its production span: the 7443 and the 1157. Both are dual-filament bulbs rated at 12V with a 21W/5W output, where the higher wattage filament activates under braking and the lower wattage filament serves a secondary function such as running or tail light duty.
The 7443 is a T20 wedge-base bulb, while the 1157 uses a BAY15d bayonet base. Despite sharing identical wattage ratings, these two bulbs are not interchangeable due to their fundamentally different base configurations.
The Lexus ES300 brake bulb transitioned from the 1157 to the 7443 between the 1996 and 1997 model years. The 1157 was fitted on 1992-1996 models, and the 7443 was fitted on 1997-2003 models.
The outer brake position on the ES300 also uses the 7443 for 1997-2003 models and the 1157 for 1995-1996 models. The 1996 outer brake fitment carries a production cutoff notation of "To 08/1996," indicating a mid-year specification change within that model year.
The Center High Mount Stop Light on the ES300 uses a separate bulb type from the main brake lights. For 1997-2003 models, it takes the 7440, and for 1992-1996 models, it takes the 921.
The 7440 is a single-filament T20 wedge bulb rated at 12V and 21W. Although it shares the same T20 wedge base as the 7443, it has only one filament. Substituting a 7443 in a 7440 socket, or vice versa, is not a reliable practice due to the differing filament configurations.
The 921 is a T15 wedge bulb rated at 12V and 16W. It is a single-filament type and is physically smaller than the T20 wedge bulbs used in the same vehicle's later model years, making it incompatible with T20 sockets.
All four bulb types listed in these specifications, the 7443, 1157, 7440, and 921, conform to ANSI standards applicable in both the United States and Canada.
The 7443 is the most frequently specified bulb across the ES300 brake lighting positions, appearing in both the standard brake and outer brake locations for the 1997-2003 model years.
The mid-year production change noted for the 1996 outer brake position reflects that not all 1996 ES300 units share the same outer brake bulb specification, and the correct fitment for a given vehicle depends on its production date relative to August 1996.