Saturn SL License Plate Bulb Size

The Saturn SL license plate light requires bulb size 168 or 24 depending on the specific production version. Data for the lighting components covers the period from 1991 through 2002.

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
1996-2002	168
1991-1995	24

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 4.9W.	168
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA9s base. 12V, 2W.	24

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Saturn SL uses two distinct bulb types across its production years for the license plate position: the 168 and the 24, both conforming to ANSI standards recognized in the United States and Canada.
The 168 bulb is a T10 miniature wedge type rated at 12 volts and 4.9 watts. The wedge base design means the bulb is held in place by tension from the socket itself, with no separate metal base or locking mechanism.
The 24 bulb is a single-filament type fitted with a BA9s bayonet base, rated at 12 volts and 2 watts. The BA9s base uses a 9mm bayonet fitting, which is physically incompatible with the wedge socket used by the 168.
The Saturn SL (1996-2002) uses the 168 bulb for the license plate position.
The 168 draws 4.9 watts compared to the 2 watts of the 24, meaning the later socket is wired to handle a higher wattage draw.
The Saturn SL (1991-1995) uses the 24 bulb for the license plate position.
The two bulb types are not interchangeable. The T10 wedge socket and the BA9s bayonet socket are physically different, and the wattage ratings also differ between the two bulbs.
The 1996 model year represents a transition point at which the license plate bulb specification changed from the 24 to the 168, indicating a socket change in the vehicle's lighting assembly at that time.