Saturn SL1 License Plate Bulb Size

The Saturn SL1 license plate light requires 168 and 24 bulb sizes for the exterior illumination system. Data for the specific 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 SL1 uses two distinct bulb types for the license plate position across its production run: 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 uses a BA9s bayonet-style base and is rated at 12 volts and 2 watts, making it a lower-wattage single-filament lamp compared to the 168.
The Saturn SL1 (1996-2002) takes the 168 bulb for the license plate position, covering seven model years under that specification.
The Saturn SL1 (1991-1995) takes the 24 bulb for the license plate position, covering five model years under that specification.
The 168 and the 24 are not interchangeable. Their base types differ fundamentally: the 168 uses a wedge base while the 24 uses a BA9s bayonet base, meaning neither will physically seat in the other's socket.
The wattage difference between the two bulbs is also notable. The 168 draws 4.9 watts while the 24 draws 2 watts, reflecting a meaningful difference in power consumption and light output between the two specifications.
Both bulbs operate on a 12-volt system, consistent with standard automotive electrical architecture.