[Beyond_Ill]

I had a "right low beam malfunction" warning pop up a couple days ago that suddenly went away after a few minutes of driving. This evening the same message appeared again so I decided to take a look at the problem. Instead of finding a bad bulb, I unfortunately found that the connector for the low beam bulb had been halfway melted while the remaining side was basically disintegrating in my hands. Is this a connector that I can replace or is it time for an entirely new headlight?

[Billfitz]

The connectors are generic.

[Beyond_Ill]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

The connectors are generic.

So I could splice this in and be good to go?

[Billfitz]

If your bulbs are H7 yes, but I'd be concerned how the connectors got hot enough to melt them. I'd get ceramic connectors in any event, they're more resistant to heat than plastic.

[Beyond_Ill]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

If your bulbs are H7 yes, but I'd be concerned how the connectors got hot enough to melt them. I'd get ceramic connectors in any event, they're more resistant to heat than plastic.

Really appreciate your help, just ordered a pair of ceramic connectors. I'll do some investigation into what could've potentially caused the melting, that right side low beam rarely, if ever, lasted a whole year. It was a constant cycle of replacing it

[fe7565]

Check what amperage is it pulling vs the other side. Maybe a short or intermittent short.

[scubajim]

Are you running OEM bulbs? Meaning not one of the higher output bulbs like a Sylvania Ultra silverstar, etc.

[Beyond_Ill]

Originally Posted by fe7565

Check what amperage is it pulling vs the other side. Maybe a short or intermittent short.

Everything was good when I checked it besides the connector and the connector wire. There was a slight tear on the underside of the wire, I'm assuming it happened as a result of the melting. The original right side connector never really felt secure and with these unaddressed Houston potholes, I'm sure it wiggled out just enough to make poor contact. Everything is back together, I spliced in a ceramic connector with new wires and it's been smooth sailing so far.

Originally Posted by scubajim

Are you running OEM bulbs? Meaning not one of the higher output bulbs like a Sylvania Ultra silverstar, etc.

Yep, haven't used anything besides OEM bulbs.

[Billfitz]

55 watts is 55 watts, there are no magic bulbs. If you want it brighter LED is the way to do it, and they draw much less current as well.

[fe7565]

Coincidently I just had my brake light fail. It gave me some intermittent warnings before it finally decided to make it permanent.

This is what I found. Fixed and works now. But I plan to replace them with LEDs.

[Billfitz]

That's actually electroplating transfer of lead from the bulb base to the copper of the socket, a sure sign of the combination of too much current and a poor connection, which is enhanced by moisture. When I replace a bulb or reconnect a socket I spritz it with WD40.