Toyota Tercel front turn signal bulbs utilize 1157 or 1156 bulb sizes, while rear turn signal bulbs use PY21W or 1156 sizes depending on model configuration. The replacement chart covers 1980 through 1998 production years with corresponding bulb size specifications for each generation.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The 1156 and 1157 bulbs are both ANSI-standardized types used across the North American market, operating at 12 volts with a primary filament rated at 21 watts.
The 1157 is a dual-filament bulb fitted with a BAY15d bayonet base, carrying a secondary 5-watt filament that allows it to serve both signaling and parking light functions within a single housing.
The 1156 is a single-filament bulb fitted with a BA15s bayonet base, dedicated solely to its 21-watt output with no secondary filament.
The BAY15d base of the 1157 and the BA15s base of the 1156 are physically distinct and not interchangeable, as the offset pins on the BAY15d base differ from the single-contact alignment of the BA15s base.
The Toyota Tercel front turn signal uses the 1157 for model years 1991-1998, while the same position on 1983-1990 models uses the 1156, representing a shift between the two base types at that position.
The front turn signal on the 1980-1982 Toyota Tercel also uses the 1157, meaning the 1156 front fitment is specific to the 1983-1990 production span.
The rear turn signal on the Toyota Tercel uses the 1156 across all listed model years from 1980 through 1998, making it the only bulb position with a consistent specification throughout the entire production range covered.
Because the front and rear turn signal positions use different bulb types on 1991-1998 models, the front 1157 and rear 1156 are not substitutable for one another despite sharing the same voltage rating and primary wattage.