Volvo 264 Back Up Light Bulb Size

The Volvo 264 back up light utilizes P21W and 1156 bulb sizes for the rear illumination system. Data for the specific components covers the period from 1976 through 1982.

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
1976-1982	1156

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. 12V, 21W.	1156

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The 1156 is the sole back up light bulb size listed for the Volvo 264, applied across all model years from 1976 to 1982.
The 1156 is an ANSI-standardized bulb, meaning it conforms to a defined set of electrical and physical specifications recognized across the United States and Canada.
As a single-filament bulb, the 1156 is dedicated to one lighting function, which in this application is the back up light.
The 1156 uses a BA15s bayonet base, a single-contact mount that locks into the socket with a twist rather than a threaded connection.
The bulb operates at 12 volts and draws 21 watts, consistent with standard automotive electrical systems of that era.
Because the 1156 carries only one filament, it is not interchangeable with the visually similar 1157, which carries two filaments and serves dual lighting functions.
The BA15s base designation indicates a 15mm base width with a single contact pin, a detail relevant when confirming socket compatibility during replacement.