What Size Bulbs Does a 1997 Saab 900 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 1997 Saab 900 Have?
The 1997 Saab 900 features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9003 LED low beams and 2721 high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The 900 has been available from 1983 to 1998, and the 1997 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1997 Saab 900?
To upgrade the 1997 Saab 900 headlights to LED, you will need a 9003 LED LED kit for the low beams and a 2721 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 1997 Saab 900
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 1997 900 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
1997 Saab 900 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9003 LED | Buy 9003 LED |
High Beam | 2721 | Buy 2721 |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | 2721 | Buy 2721 |
Side Marker | 7528 LED | Buy 7528 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 2825 LED | Buy 2825 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 1157NA LED | Buy 1157NA LED |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Dome Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
License Plate | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Parking Light | 2825 or 1157NA | Buy 2825 or 1157NA |
Trunk Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1997 Saab 900How Long Do 1997 Saab 900 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1997 Saab 900 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 29 years old, the original bulbs on your 900 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 1997 Saab 900?
The 9003 low beam bulb on the 1997 Saab 900 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. 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.
1997 Saab 900 Headlight FAQ
Did Saab 900 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1983 to 1998, the Saab 900 has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 1997 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 1994. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1997 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other 900 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: