The headlights of a vehicle can occasionally become damaged or worn out and the commonest issue is a melted headlight connector. This problem can be tricky to tackle, but with the right instruction and a few tools, it will be fixed in no time.
In this post, we will be discussing how to diagnose a melted headlight connector and how to safely fix it so as to prevent future headlight damage. By reading the steps outlined in this article, you can be sure that your headlights are in proper working condition thereby keeping yourself and others safe on the road.
What’s a headlight connector?
A headlight connector is one piece of equipment that many car owners are unfamiliar with even though it plays an important role in the overall functioning of the car headlight assembly and cars at large.
A headlight connector is a part of the electrical components charged with the responsibility of connecting the headlight bulb to the vehicle’s power supply. Without proper functioning of a car’s headlight connectors, headlights won’t be able to light up as supposed i.e you might experience reduced visibility during night driving.
Types of headlight connectors
Here we will be looking briefly at the different types of headlight connectors also referred to as headlight plugs.
The types of headlight connectors differ adversely and if you’re not careful, you may get one that isn’t a good match for your vehicle. There are many manufacturers out there who make different headlight connectors the same way there are numerous car models with follow come headlight connector types in their manuals. Your ability to know which headlight fits your vehicle is a good win.
Here’s a list of six headlight connector types:
- Headlamp Connectors H4
- Headlamp Connector H7
- Headlamp Connector H11
- Headlamp Connector H9
- Headlamp Connector HB3
- Headlamp Connector H15
If you are confused about which automotive connectors to pick from, speak to your mechanic for assistance.
How do you diagnose a melted headlight connector?
There are numerous causes of melted headlight connectors, from wear and tear to loss of terminal connections leading to overheating. It is essential to identify the root cause of the problem before attempting any repairs.
To diagnose a melted connector, turn the power off to the headlight. Test the connector harness by attaching the clip of the continuity tester to the hot screw terminal, the black wire lead. After that you will be able to detect if the connector is functioning well, then take a look at the probes to check for melting.
If none of the lights works, or you have issues switching modes then there’s potential damage to your connector.
How much does it cost to replace a headlight connector?
How much it cost to repair a headlight connector depends on the following factors:
- Your location
- Type of headlight connector your vehicle uses and brand
- The professional service charge
- Cost of connector gender
- Warranty
Although the value can range from $10 and $100 for individual parts purchases. Workmanship may cost you an additional $75 to $150, depending on the rates in your state.
Easy fixes for a melted headlight connector
A melted headlight connector is a common problem that can occur after long-term exposure to heat and moisture. In most cases, the use of 20 wire gauges will reduce resistance leading to overheating. In either scenario, the headlight needs to be completely replaced. Melted headlight connectors can be fixed easily. There are just a few steps you can take to try to repair it and these include:
- Remove the melted headlight connector
- Clean the melted plastic from the headlight connector
- Replace the melted headlight connector
- Secure the new headlight connector in place
- Test the new headlight connector to ensure proper function
Conclusion
Whether you’re a novice car enthusiast or a professional, this post will provide you with the necessary information you need to understand and maintain your vehicle’s headlight connector. When your car’s headlight connector becomes melted, it’s important to take the required steps to protect yourself and other drivers on the road.
Disclaimer
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