The Toyota Tercel tail light utilizes 1157 and 7443 bulb sizes according to the provided technical data for the lighting components. Information covers the specific range from 1980 through 1998 for the various configurations listed.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The 1157 bulb is the dominant fitment across the Toyota Tercel outer tail light position, appearing across model years spanning 1980-1997. It follows the ANSI standard for the US and Canadian markets and uses a BAY15d bayonet base with a dual-filament configuration rated at 12V and 21W/5W, where the higher wattage filament serves braking functions and the lower wattage filament serves running light functions.
The 7443 is a T20 wedge-style dual-filament bulb also rated at 12V and 21W/5W under the same ANSI standard. Unlike the 1157, it uses a wedge base rather than a bayonet base, making the two bulbs physically non-interchangeable despite sharing identical voltage and wattage ratings.
The Toyota Tercel transitioned from the 1157 to the 7443 for the outer tail light position during the 1998 model year. Vehicles produced from December 1997 onward require the 7443, while those produced before that date retain the 1157 fitment.
The mid-cycle base change within the 1998 model year means that two physically distinct bulbs apply to the same model year depending on production date. Confirming the vehicle's production date is necessary before selecting a replacement bulb for a 1998 Tercel.