Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup License Plate Bulb Size

The Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup license plate light requires a 3893 bulb size for proper installation and function within the rear housing assembly. Data for the specified lighting component covers the 1980 to 1983 production period.

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
1980-1983	3893

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Dual-filament bulb with BAY15d bayonet base, specialty application. 12V.	3893

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Additional Notes

The Volkswagen Rabbit Pickup uses the 3893 bulb for its license plate lighting across the 1980-1983 model years.
The 3893 is an ANSI-standardized bulb, meaning its specifications are defined by the American National Standards Institute and are consistent across manufacturers in the United States and Canada.
This bulb operates on a 12-volt electrical system, which is standard for automotive applications of this era.
The 3893 features a dual-filament design, meaning it contains two separate filaments within a single bulb envelope, each serving a distinct function.
It uses a BAY15d bayonet base, a two-pin offset base type where the two pins are positioned at different heights to ensure the bulb can only be seated in one orientation, preventing incorrect installation.
The 3893 is classified as a specialty application bulb, indicating it is intended for specific uses rather than general-purpose lighting roles such as headlamps or turn signals.
The BAY15d base type is not interchangeable with single-pin bayonet bases such as the BA15s, and substituting an incompatible base type would result in a fitment failure regardless of voltage compatibility.