What Size Bulbs Does a 1996 Lexus SC400 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 1996 Lexus SC400 Have?
The 1996 Lexus SC400 features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9006 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The SC400 has been available from 1992 to 2000, and the 1996 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1996 Lexus SC400?
To upgrade the 1996 Lexus SC400 headlights to LED, you will need a 9006 LED LED kit for the low beams and a 9005 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. For the fog lights, a H3 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 1996 Lexus SC400
The 9006 bulb uses a push-and-twist L-shaped bayonet lock. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. Older model years like the 1996 SC400 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 H3 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
1996 Lexus SC400 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9006 LED | Buy 9006 LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | 921 LED | Buy 921 LED |
Side Marker | 168 LED | Buy 168 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 1157NA LED | Buy 1157NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 1156 LED | Buy 1156 LED |
Reverse Light | 1156 | Buy 1156 |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Parking Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Trunk Light | 194 | Buy 194 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1996 Lexus SC400How Long Do 1996 Lexus SC400 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1996 Lexus SC400 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 30 years old, the original bulbs on your SC400 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 1996 Lexus SC400?
The 9006 low beam bulb on the 1996 Lexus SC400 is cross-compatible with HB4 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, 9006 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. For the high beams, the 9005 is interchangeable with HB3. 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.
1996 Lexus SC400 Headlight FAQ
Did Lexus SC400 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1992 to 2000, the Lexus SC400 has seen bulb size changes in the Fog Light, Turn Signal Rear and Reverse Light positions. The 1996 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 1998. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1996 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other SC400 Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 9006 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 9006 LED low beam bulb: