Headlights - dodgy connections

Headlights - dodgy connections was created by David Aiketgate

Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16325
As it's coming up to MOT time, I 've been checking the car over and mostly it seems OK.

The bottom damper bushes that I 'improved' are still as good as new. Woohoo!:yesnod:

The exhaust is new-Daytona with quad pipes. Again woohoo!:woohoo:

Tyres are OK.:)

Brakes are good- All new discs and calipers recently.:yesnod:

All bushes and ball joints seem good, suspension nipples greased.:whistle:

Wipers are working, blades are good.:bye:

Lights.
Sidelights are fine indicators are fine, but there has been a recurring problem with the headlights. Sometimes all 4 bulbs are fine, sometimes only 1 dip works, sometimes only 1 main works. Annoying!:mad:

So, when I checked, the problem is the poor quality of the electrical connectors to each bulb. Remove the plastic cover and tap or wiggle the connection and oh! it's working again.:shake:

Now I've tried various times to crimp the connectors so they're a bit better but, after a while I start to lose the odd headlamp again.

I finally got round to snipping off the original plug connectors and replaced them with some decent spade connectors.
When I examined the old connectors I could see that two out of the four displayed evidence of arcing and the plastic shroud had melted. Arcing across the poor connection causes a lot of heat and can damage the bulb as well as the connectors, and even cause a fire.:devil:

So if you have intermittent headlamp problems, this could be the cause.Take a close look at those connectors!
I'll put up a photo of one of the damaged connectors tomorrow.

David
:shrug:

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Replied by teri on topic Headlights - dodgy connections

Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16327
Thanks for the info mate... Might save someone alot of heartache..

Angel to Devil in 0.2 seconds...[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

David Aiketgate;17095 wrote: Oi, stop using foul language or I'll give you one!

by teri

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Replied by David Aiketgate on topic Headlights - dodgy connections

Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16347
OK, here are a couple of pictures comparing a damaged connector with a good one.


You can see how the plastic shroud has melted due to the loose connector causing an electric arc.

David
:shrug:

Last Edit:13 years 10 months ago by David Aiketgate
Last edit: 13 years 10 months ago by David Aiketgate.

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Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16352
Thanks for the info :)

I don't have a problem at the moment, but I'll be keeping this in mind.
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Replied by cjj on topic Headlights - dodgy connections

Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16363
Connectors are always a weak point in any electrical circuit, especially if they are exposed to outside conditions and vibration.

Any of this can cause corrosion, oxide layer and arcing, which in themselves will cause a resistance and heat.
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Replied by a Guest on topic Headlights - dodgy connections

Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16369
Thanks for the warning - anyone know of any way to prevent it from happening?
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Replied by David Aiketgate on topic Headlights - dodgy connections

Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16372

Tigger;16369 wrote: Thanks for the warning - anyone know of any way to prevent it from happening?

Do what I did - replace the connectors with decent spade connectors. It won't guarantee no problems, but the originals are pretty poor quality.:yesnod:

David
:shrug:

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Replied by mgfmad on topic Headlights - dodgy connections

Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16392
Good post - well worth checking:)

MG TF LE500 27 of 500

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Replied by cjj on topic Headlights - dodgy connections

Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16394

Tigger;16369 wrote: Thanks for the warning - anyone know of any way to prevent it from happening?


You can make sure the connectors are clean and fit well, apply a contact grease to prevent corrosion. Also, don't use lamps other than the recommended type and wattage.
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Replied by cjj on topic Headlights - dodgy connections

Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16395

David Aiketgate;16372 wrote: Do what I did - replace the connectors with decent spade connectors. It won't guarantee no problems, but the originals are pretty poor quality.:yesnod:


Probably better to use the correct connectors. http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=headlamp+connectors&_sacat=See-All-Categories
by cjj

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Replied by bryan young on topic Headlights - dodgy connections

Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16396
I had a simmilar problem with the power connections for temprature monitoring systems on refrigerated vehicles, because the connections were under the bonnett they corroded quickly ~ i put a smear of silicone grease or conductive grease on the blades and the problem was solved. hope this helps.

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