Melted Bulb Connectors

[jt]

Hi,

I'm having some trouble with my headlights (again/still) in that the bulb connectors are somewhat melted.

One connector is ok (passenger side), the bulb's in and working, but I can't get the bulb to go all the way into the other side.

Mitsu garage say they can't get a replacement part and will need to replace the headlight (far to pricey!) - anyone know of a decent solution/workaround or somewhere I can buy the connectors?

Thanks in advance.

Jon

[Syn]

Hiya mate.i had this problem on my impreza, i dont kno y they said a new headlight thats insane,and if im right in thinking that wudnt solve the problem anyway because its the connector that goes onto the bulb yea? Anyway u can pick up a new connector in most places,i got 1from the local petrol station! U just have to cut the old one off and join the wires to the new ones that are already on the new connector.hope that helps

[colm_mcm]

where are you based, I may be able to help.

[jt]

Cheers for the replies.

I'm based in Newcastle (upon tyne, not the one in county down).

[colm_mcm]

that's a bit far!

can you post pictures of what bits are melted.

[jt]

Thought it might be!

I'll post a pic tomorrow, it's a bit dark now and the flash on my camera's not particularly good.

Cheers.

[FTOny]

I've had the exact same problem previously!
The simplest way to sort it is to snip off the connectors and stick a female spade connector to the end of each wire. Stick them on to the terminals of the bulb and hey presto!

You might need to crimp the connectors slightly to get a snug fit tho!

[CJ]

Make sure the bulbs are rated at 51W - higher output bulbs can sometimes melt the connectors.

CJ

[jt]

Didn't get chance to take pic before it got dark.

Cheers for the replies, I'll give that a try, I've got a shedload of spade connectors.

51W? That'd be why they've melted then, assumed 60W was low enough (although the bulbs that did the dirty were on the car when I bought it), a trip to ebay beckons methinks.

Thanks again.

Jon

[CJ]

51W? That'd be why they've melted then, assumed 60W was low enough (although the bulbs that did the dirty were on the car when I bought it), a trip to ebay beckons methinks.

Hang on Jon - only saw headlights in your original post now. To clarify:

Headlights: 60W
Dipped beams 51W

CJ

[FTOny]

By any chance are you using "super white" bulbs?

[jt]

My full beam lights are 100W! Best get them swapped out aswell then!

Edit: Don't think they're super-white.

[colm_mcm]

make sure your front fogs aren't 100W as well or you'll be replacing a switch too.

[miss-enzo]

make sure your front fogs aren't 100W as well or you'll be replacing a switch too.

hmm maybe thats what happened mine

[jt]

Is it easy enough to check the fog lights? What switch will need replacing if they're boned?

[colm_mcm]

the switch in the dash. As far as I know, there's no relays for the foglights as there would be on most cars, the wiring goes directly to the switch. too high wattage on the bulbs and the connectors at the back of the switch start to change colour and deform. then it's time for a new switch. Easy enough to check, just pop off the dial surround facia.

Foglights them selves are handy enough to get off, unless the securing screws are rusted or seized. be careful to use the correct size screwdriver as too small a head will round off the screwhead.

[jt]

Sorted for the lights now, at least temporarily.

Did some fudged wiring with spade connectors at the weekend, seems to be working well now.

Still need to sort the wattage out, and investigate me fog lights, then fix the automatic door catch...then something else no doubt.

Cheers to all for the help!

[FTOny]

Good stuff, I've had spade connectors on mine a good while now and I've had no problems!

Use a ratchet when you're taking out your fogs, much easier!

Best of luck and happy fault finding