What Size Bulbs Does a 1990 Nissan 300ZX 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 1990 Nissan 300ZX Have?
The 1990 Nissan 300ZX features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9003 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The 300ZX has been available from 1990 to 1996, and the 1990 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1990 Nissan 300ZX?
To upgrade the 1990 Nissan 300ZX headlights to LED, you will need a 9003 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 1990 Nissan 300ZX
The 9003 bulb uses a spring clip retainer with a three-prong base identical to H4. 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 1990 300ZX 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
1990 Nissan 300ZX Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9003 LED | Buy 9003 LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Side Marker | strong>194 | Buy strong>194 |
Turn Signal Front | 1156 | Buy 1156 |
Turn Signal Rear | 1156 | Buy 1156 |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Parking Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Reverse Light | 1156 | Buy 1156 |
Trunk Light | 158 | Buy 158 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1990 Nissan 300ZXHow Long Do 1990 Nissan 300ZX Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1990 Nissan 300ZX 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 36 years old, the original bulbs on your 300ZX 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 1990 Nissan 300ZX?
The 9003 low beam bulb on the 1990 Nissan 300ZX is cross-compatible with H4, HB2 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, 9003 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. The 9003 is a dual-filament bulb, meaning one bulb contains two separate filaments for low and high beams. This is a different design from single-filament bulbs like H11 or 9005. Make sure any LED replacement is specifically designed for dual-filament operation. 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.
1990 Nissan 300ZX Headlight FAQ
Did Nissan 300ZX Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The Nissan 300ZX has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 1990 to 1996. The low beam has used a 9003 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 300ZX year in this range, they will fit your 1990 model.
Other 300ZX Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 9003 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 9003 LED low beam bulb: