Nissan 280ZX front turn signal bulbs measure 1157 in size, while rear turn signal bulbs measure 1156 in size. The replacement chart covers 1979 to 1983 model years with corresponding bulb specifications.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The Nissan 280ZX uses two distinct bulb types across its turn signal positions: the 1157 for the front and the 1156 for the rear, across all model years from 1979-1983.
The 1157 is a dual-filament bulb, meaning it carries two separate filaments within a single envelope, allowing it to serve more than one lighting function simultaneously, such as turn signaling and parking illumination.
The 1156 is a single-filament bulb, designed to perform one lighting function only, which aligns with its dedicated use in the rear turn signal position.
Both the 1157 and 1156 operate on a 12-volt electrical system, consistent with standard automotive electrical architecture of that era.
The 1157 carries a 21W/5W power rating, where the 21W filament handles the brighter turn signal function and the 5W filament handles the lower-intensity parking light function.
The 1156 carries a single 21W power rating, matching the output of the primary filament in the 1157 for consistent rear turn signal brightness.
The 1157 uses a BAY15d bayonet base, which features two offset pins at different heights to prevent incorrect installation of the dual-filament bulb.
The 1156 uses a BA15s bayonet base, which features a single pin and is not physically interchangeable with the BAY15d base used by the 1157, despite the similar appearance of the two base types.
Both bulb types conform to ANSI standards applicable in the United States and Canada, indicating standardized electrical and physical specifications across those markets.
Because the 1156 and 1157 share a similar but non-identical base design, substituting one for the other in the Nissan 280ZX is not mechanically possible without modification.