Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser License Plate Bulb Size

The Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser license plate light requires bulb sizes 194 or 97 or 1155 depending on the specific vehicle configuration. Available data covers the period from 1964 through 1975.

The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.

Bulb Size by Year Range

Years	Bulb Size
1974-1975	194
1965-1973	97
1964	1155

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 3.78W.	194
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. Variant of 1156. 12V, 13W.	97
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. Variant of 1156. 12V, 21W.	1155

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser license plate bulb specifications span the 1964-1975 model years, covering three distinct bulb types across that range.
The bulb 97 is the most frequently specified type, appearing across the 1965-1973 model years of the Vista Cruiser's license plate position.
The 97 bulb follows the ANSI standard for the US and Canada. It is a single-filament type with a BA15s bayonet base, rated at 12V and 13W, and is classified as a variant of the 1156.
The 194 bulb is specified for the 1974-1975 Vista Cruiser. It is a miniature wedge type in the T10 form factor, rated at 12V and 3.78W, and also carries ANSI standardization for the US and Canada.
The 194 draws considerably less wattage than the 97, reflecting a difference in bulb technology and socket design between the two types.
The 1964 Vista Cruiser uses the 1155 bulb, which shares the BA15s bayonet base with the 97 but is rated at a higher 21W output at 12V.
Although the 97 and 1155 share the same BA15s bayonet base and are both variants of the 1156, their wattage ratings differ significantly, at 13W and 21W respectively, which is a relevant fitment consideration.
The transition from the 1155 in 1964 to the 97 in 1965 represents a reduction in wattage for the license plate position, despite both bulbs using the same base type.
The shift to the 194 wedge-type bulb for the 1974-1975 model years reflects a socket change, as the T10 wedge base is physically incompatible with the BA15s bayonet sockets used in earlier Vista Cruiser model years.