What Size Bulbs Does a 1996 Saab 9000 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 Saab 9000 Have?
The 1996 Saab 9000 features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9006 LED low beams and 2721 high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The 9000 has been available from 1986 to 1998, and the 1996 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1996 Saab 9000?
To upgrade the 1996 Saab 9000 headlights to LED, you will need a 9006 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 1996 Saab 9000
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 9000 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 13 Positions at Once
1996 Saab 9000 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9006 LED | Buy 9006 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 | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Dome Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
License Plate | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Map Light | 6418 or 47830 | Buy 6418 or 47830 |
Parking Light | 3893 | Buy 3893 |
Trunk Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1996 Saab 9000How Long Do 1996 Saab 9000 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1996 Saab 9000 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 9000 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 Saab 9000?
The 9006 low beam bulb on the 1996 Saab 9000 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. 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 Saab 9000 Headlight FAQ
Did Saab 9000 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1986 to 1998, the Saab 9000 has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Brake Light positions. The 1996 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 1995. 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 9000 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: