What Size Bulbs Does a 1989 Volvo 240 Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Hard (Tight clearances)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 1989 Volvo 240 Have?
The 1989 Volvo 240 features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with a single 9004 LED dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beams. The 240 has been available from 1988 to 1993, and the 1989 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1989 Volvo 240?
Upgrading the 1989 Volvo 240 to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single 9004 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 9004 LED LED kit that specifically supports dual-filament operation to ensure both beams work correctly. 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 1989 Volvo 240
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Volvo vehicles are known for tight engine bay clearances around the headlight assembly. You may need to remove the air intake duct, battery cover, or wheel well liner to access the bulbs. Budget 30 to 45 minutes per side for your first replacement. 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
1989 Volvo 240 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9004 LED | Buy 9004 LED |
High Beam | 9004 LED | Buy 9004 LED |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Side Marker | 7528 LED | Buy 7528 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 1157NA LED | Buy 1157NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Dome Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
License Plate | 3893 or 6418 | Buy 3893 or 6418 |
Parking Light | 1157NA | Buy 1157NA |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Trunk Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1989 Volvo 240How Long Do 1989 Volvo 240 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1989 Volvo 240 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 37 years old, the original bulbs on your 240 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 1989 Volvo 240?
The 9004 low beam bulb on the 1989 Volvo 240 is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact 9004 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.
1989 Volvo 240 Headlight FAQ
Did Volvo 240 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The Volvo 240 has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 1988 to 1993. The low beam has used a 9004 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 240 year in this range, they will fit your 1989 model.
Other 240 Years
More from Volvo
Other Vehicles That Use 9004 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 9004 LED low beam bulb: