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Fitment Guaranteed for 1998 Volvo V90

What Size Bulbs Does a 1998 Volvo V90 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 1998 Volvo V90 Have?

The 1998 Volvo V90 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 V90 has been available from 1997 to 1998, and the 1998 model falls in the late-generation years.

Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 1998 Volvo V90?

To upgrade the 1998 Volvo V90 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 881 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.

How to Replace Bulbs on a 1998 Volvo V90

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 881 LED fog light socket.

Full Upgrade Bundle

Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once

Low Beam: 9006 LEDHigh Beam: 2721Fog Light: 881 LEDBrake Light: 2721Side Marker: 1157NA LEDTurn Signal Front: 1157NATurn Signal Rear: 12496 LEDDome Light: 6411License Plate: 3893Map Light: 2825Parking Light: 1157NAReverse Light: 1156Trunk Light: 6411
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How Long Do 1998 Volvo V90 Headlight Bulbs Last?

Standard halogen headlights on the 1998 Volvo V90 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 28 years old, the original bulbs on your V90 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 1998 Volvo V90?

The 9006 low beam bulb on the 1998 Volvo V90 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.

1998 Volvo V90 Headlight FAQ

The 1998 Volvo V90 uses a 9006 LED bulb for the low beam headlights. We recommend upgrading to LED for better visibility.

The high beam bulb size for the 1998 Volvo V90 is 2721.

The 1998 Volvo V90 uses a dual bulb headlight system. This means you have separate bulbs for high and low beams.

Yes, the 1998 Volvo V90 comes with standard halogen bulbs from the factory, but they can be upgraded to LED. You will need a 9006 LED LED conversion kit for the low beams.

Yes, the 1998 Volvo V90 takes a 881 LED bulb for the fog light position.

Turn off the vehicle and open the hood. Locate the headlight assembly from behind, remove the dust cover or retaining clip, disconnect the wiring harness, twist the old 9006 LED bulb counter-clockwise to remove it, then insert the new bulb and reassemble. The whole process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes per side depending on accessibility.

LED bulbs used off-road or in auxiliary lights are legal everywhere. For on-road headlight use, legality varies by state. Many states allow LED retrofits as long as the beam pattern meets DOT standards. For the best legal compliance, choose a DOT-approved 9006 LED LED kit that is designed as a direct replacement and produces a proper cutoff pattern without excessive glare.

A pair of halogen 9006 LED bulbs costs $15 to $40, while LED conversion kits run $25 to $60 per pair. If you have a shop do the work, expect an additional $20 to $50 in labor per bulb. Replacing them yourself at home saves the labor cost and usually takes under 30 minutes.

Halogen bulbs produce a warm yellow light (around 3200K), last 500 to 1000 hours, and draw more power. LED bulbs emit a brighter white light (5000-6000K), last 25,000+ hours, and use less energy. LED upgrades for the 9006 LED position are available as direct plug-and-play replacements.

Did Volvo V90 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?

The Volvo V90 has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 1997 to 1998. The low beam has used a 9006 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 V90 year in this range, they will fit your 1998 model.

Other V90 Years

Other Vehicles That Use 9006 LED Bulbs

These vehicles from other makes also use a 9006 LED low beam bulb: