What Size Bulbs Does a 1986 Jeep Wagoneer Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 1986 Jeep Wagoneer Have?
The 1986 Jeep Wagoneer features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H4703 LED low beams and H4701 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Wagoneer has been available from 1983 to 1990, and the 1986 model falls in the mid-generation years. As a Jeep vehicle, it uses a CANbus electrical system that monitors bulb status.
LED Flicker Warning
This vehicle (Jeep) is known to use a CANbus system that checks for burnt-out bulbs. Installing standard LEDs may cause them to flicker or trigger a dashboard error.
We highly recommend using a CANbus decoder or "Anti-Flicker" resistors.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1986 Jeep Wagoneer?
To upgrade the 1986 Jeep Wagoneer headlights to LED, you will need a H4703 LED LED kit for the low beams and a H4701 LED LED kit for the high beams. Start with the low beams since they are used most often and have the biggest impact on nighttime visibility. Important: Jeep vehicles use a CANbus system that detects bulb wattage. Standard LED bulbs may trigger dashboard warnings or flicker. Choose LED kits labeled "CANbus-compatible" or add inline decoder resistors to prevent these issues. For the fog lights, a LED Fog Light LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 1986 Jeep Wagoneer
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Older model years like the 1986 Wagoneer typically offer easy access to the headlight bulbs from behind the headlight assembly under the hood. Most owners can complete the swap in under 10 minutes per side. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the LED Fog Light fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
1986 Jeep Wagoneer Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H4703 LED | Buy H4703 LED |
High Beam | H4701 LED | Buy H4701 LED |
Fog Light | LED Fog Light | Buy LED Fog Light |
Brake Light | 912 LED | Buy 912 LED |
Side Marker | 194 LED | Buy 194 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 2357NA LED | Buy 2357NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 1156 LED | Buy 1156 LED |
Reverse Light | 1156 | Buy 1156 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | 906 | Buy 906 |
Parking Light | 2357NA | Buy 2357NA |
Trunk Light | 561 | Buy 561 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1986 Jeep WagoneerHow Long Do 1986 Jeep Wagoneer Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1986 Jeep Wagoneer have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 40 years old, the original bulbs on your Wagoneer are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 1986 Jeep Wagoneer?
The H4703 low beam bulb on the 1986 Jeep Wagoneer is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H4703 size. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
1986 Jeep Wagoneer Headlight FAQ
Did Jeep Wagoneer Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1983 to 1990, the Jeep Wagoneer has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Brake Light positions. The 1986 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 1985. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1986 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Wagoneer Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H4703 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H4703 LED low beam bulb: