Oldsmobile Delta 88 License Plate Bulb Size

Additional Notes

• The Oldsmobile Delta 88 uses three distinct bulb sizes across its license plate lighting specifications: the 194, 168, and 97.
• The 194 is the most frequently specified bulb across the Delta 88 lineup, covering model years 1974-1977 and 1979-1991.
• Both the 194 and 168 are T10 miniature wedge bulbs operating at 12 volts, though they are not interchangeable due to differing wattage ratings of 3.78W and 4.9W respectively.
• The 1978 Oldsmobile Delta 88 is the sole model year specified with the 168 bulb, which draws notably more power than the 194 used in surrounding years.
• The 97 bulb is specified for the Delta 88 across model years 1965-1973, making it the designated bulb for the earlier production span covered in these specifications.
• The 97 bulb operates at 12 volts and 13W, a significantly higher wattage than either the 194 or 168, and uses a BA15s bayonet base rather than a wedge-style fitting, making it physically incompatible with sockets designed for T10 wedge bulbs.
• The 97 is classified as a variant of the 1156 bulb family, sharing its single-filament design and BA15s bayonet base, though it differs in wattage from the standard 1156.
• All three bulb types in these specifications conform to ANSI standards recognized in both the United States and Canada.