The Mazda Protege brake light utilizes 7443, 3496, and 1157 bulb sizes depending on the specific production period for the vehicle. Available data covers the full range from 1990 through 2003.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The Mazda Protege brake light specifications cover model years 1990 through 2003, with three distinct bulb types used across that span: the 1157, 3496, and 7443.
The 1157 is a dual-filament bulb with a BAY15d bayonet base, rated at 12V with a 21W/5W filament configuration. It is an ANSI standard type used in the United States and Canada.
The 3496 shares the same BAY15d bayonet base as the 1157 and is classified as a variant of that type. It is also a dual-filament, 12V bulb under the same ANSI standard.
The 7443 is a dual-filament wedge bulb in the T20 form factor, rated at 12V with a 21W/5W output, and likewise meets ANSI standards for the US and Canadian markets.
The Mazda Protege (1990-1993) uses the 1157 for the brake light position, while the 1994-1998 model years use the 3496, and the 1999-2003 model years use the 7443.
Although the 1157 and 3496 share the BAY15d bayonet base, the 3496 is a distinct variant and the two are not confirmed as interchangeable within these specifications.
The 7443 wedge base and the BAY15d bayonet base used by the 1157 and 3496 are physically incompatible mounting types, making cross-substitution between those groups impossible without modification.
For the Center High Mount Stop Light, the Mazda Protege uses the 921 for model years 1992-1998 and the 1156 for model years 1999-2003.
The 921 is a single-filament wedge bulb in the T15 form factor, rated at 12V and 16W. The 1156 is a single-filament bulb with a BA15s bayonet base, rated at 12V and 21W.
The 921 and 1156 differ in both base type and wattage, with the 1156 drawing 21W against the 921's 16W, which indicates the two are not interchangeable in the Center High Mount Stop Light position.