The Volvo 760 brake light utilizes P21/5W, 1156, and P21W bulb sizes depending on the specific production period. Data for the mentioned components covers the span from 1983 to 1990.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The Volvo 760 brake light specifications cover model years 1983-1990 for the main brake lights, with the center high mount stop light (CHMSL) specified for 1988-1990.
Two distinct bulb types appear across the Volvo 760 brake light positions: the dual-filament P21/5W and the single-filament 1156, both operating at 12V with a 21W output on their primary filament.
The P21/5W is an ECE-standard bulb used in the Volvo 760 main brake lights from 1985-1990. Its dual-filament design allows it to serve two lighting functions simultaneously, typically combining brake and tail light operation through a single housing.
The 1156 is an ANSI-standard single-filament bulb specified for the Volvo 760 (1983-1984) main brake lights. It uses a BA15s bayonet base, which is a single-contact fitting.
The P21/5W uses a BAY15d bayonet base, which is a dual-contact offset-pin fitting. This base is physically distinct from the BA15s base used by the 1156, making the two bulbs non-interchangeable despite sharing the same 12V/21W primary wattage.
The CHMSL on the Volvo 760 (1988-1990) uses the P21W, a single-filament ECE-standard bulb with a BA15s base. Although it shares its base type with the 1156, the P21W is an ECE-rated component and the two are not designated as interchangeable within these specifications.
The P21W and P21/5W share the same ECE origin and 21W single-filament output, but differ in base type. The P21W uses BA15s while the P21/5W uses BAY15d, making them incompatible with each other's sockets.