What Size Bulbs Does a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion 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 1987 Mitsubishi Starion Have?
The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with a single 6052 LED dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beams. The Starion has been available from 1984 to 1987, and the 1987 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion?
Upgrading the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single 6052 LED dual-filament bulb for both low and high beams. You only need one pair of LED bulbs to upgrade both functions. Look for a 6052 LED LED kit that specifically supports dual-filament operation to ensure both beams work correctly. For the fog lights, a 9145 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 1987 Mitsubishi Starion
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 1987 Starion 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 9145 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
1987 Mitsubishi Starion Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 6052 LED | Buy 6052 LED |
High Beam | 6052 LED | Buy 6052 LED |
Fog Light | 9145 LED | Buy 9145 LED |
Brake Light | 74 | Buy 74 |
Side Marker | 67 LED | Buy 67 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 1156 LED | Buy 1156 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 1157 LED | Buy 1157 LED |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
License Plate | 67 | Buy 67 |
Parking Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Reverse Light | 1156 | Buy 1156 |
Trunk Light | DE3022 | Buy DE3022 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1987 Mitsubishi StarionHow Long Do 1987 Mitsubishi Starion Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion 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 39 years old, the original bulbs on your Starion 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 1987 Mitsubishi Starion?
The 6052 low beam bulb on the 1987 Mitsubishi Starion is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact 6052 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.
1987 Mitsubishi Starion Headlight FAQ
Did Mitsubishi Starion Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The Mitsubishi Starion has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 1984 to 1987. The low beam has used a 6052 LED bulb throughout, which means replacement parts and LED upgrade kits are widely available and well-tested for this model. If you find a deal on bulbs for any Starion year in this range, they will fit your 1987 model.
Other Starion Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 6052 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 6052 LED low beam bulb: