What Size Bulbs Does a 1995 Volvo 850 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 1995 Volvo 850 Have?
The 1995 Volvo 850 features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with 9006 LED low beams and 2721 high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The 850 has been available from 1993 to 1997, and the 1995 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1995 Volvo 850?
To upgrade the 1995 Volvo 850 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 1995 Volvo 850
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. 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
1995 Volvo 850 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 |
Turn Signal Front | 1157NA LED | Buy 1157NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 1156 LED | Buy 1156 LED |
Dome Light | 47830 | Buy 47830 |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Map Light | 47830 | Buy 47830 |
Parking Light | 1157NA | Buy 1157NA |
Reverse Light | 1156 | Buy 1156 |
Trunk Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 1995 Volvo 850How Long Do 1995 Volvo 850 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 1995 Volvo 850 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 31 years old, the original bulbs on your 850 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 1995 Volvo 850?
The 9006 low beam bulb on the 1995 Volvo 850 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.
1995 Volvo 850 Headlight FAQ
Did Volvo 850 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1993 to 1997, the Volvo 850 has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Brake Light positions. The 1995 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 1996. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 1995 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other 850 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: