What Size Bulbs Does a 1986 Volvo 740 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 1986 Volvo 740 Have?
The 1986 Volvo 740 features an extensive lighting system with 11 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H4656 LED low beams and H4651 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The 740 has been available from 1986 to 1992, and the 1986 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1986 Volvo 740?
To upgrade the 1986 Volvo 740 headlights to LED, you will need a H4656 LED LED kit for the low beams and a H4651 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 1986 Volvo 740
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 11 Positions at Once
1986 Volvo 740 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H4656 LED | Buy H4656 LED |
High Beam | H4651 LED | Buy H4651 LED |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | Brake Light Assembly | Buy Brake Light Assembly |
Turn Signal Front | 7528 LED | Buy 7528 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Dome Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
License Plate | 3893 | Buy 3893 |
Parking Light | 7528 | Buy 7528 |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Trunk Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1986 Volvo 740How Long Do 1986 Volvo 740 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1986 Volvo 740 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 40 years old, the original bulbs on your 740 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 1986 Volvo 740?
The H4656 low beam bulb on the 1986 Volvo 740 is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H4656 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.
1986 Volvo 740 Headlight FAQ
Did Volvo 740 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1986 to 1992, the Volvo 740 has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 1986 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 1991. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1986 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other 740 Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H4656 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H4656 LED low beam bulb: