Headlights - dodgy connections
- David Aiketgate
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- David
- mgf mk2 freestyle mpi 16" wheels, in Anthracite.
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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!
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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Angel to Devil in 0.2 seconds...[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
David Aiketgate;17095 wrote: Oi, stop using foul language or I'll give you one!
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- David Aiketgate
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- mgf mk2 freestyle mpi 16" wheels, in Anthracite.
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Replied by David Aiketgate on topic Headlights - dodgy connections
Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16347You can see how the plastic shroud has melted due to the loose connector causing an electric arc.
David
:shrug:
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I don't have a problem at the moment, but I'll be keeping this in mind.
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Any of this can cause corrosion, oxide layer and arcing, which in themselves will cause a resistance and heat.
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- David Aiketgate
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- David
- mgf mk2 freestyle mpi 16" wheels, in Anthracite.
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Replied by David Aiketgate on topic Headlights - dodgy connections
Posted 14 years 1 month ago #16372Do what I did - replace the connectors with decent spade connectors. It won't guarantee no problems, but the originals are pretty poor quality.:yesnod:Tigger;16369 wrote: Thanks for the warning - anyone know of any way to prevent it from happening?
David
:shrug:
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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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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
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- bryan young
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