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'01 Eclipse Headlight Wiring Problem

Just FYI for the NG :

My wife's 01 Eclipse GT started showing problems with the passenger side headlight...it was erratic, working okay, then going dim, then working right, etc etc....drove me nuts !

Researching the problem, I found there was a TSB on headlight bulb connectors. When I called the nearest dealer (2 close to me have stopped selling Mitsus...but that's another story....I'm waiting for Bhagat's humorous input on THAT one !), they said "Yes, there is a problem with the connectors". I asked how much to do the work, and I was quoted $130. I said "Yikes !". They said "1 1/2 hour labor, cause we gotta solder the new harness on." I said "Well, I'm pretty good with a soldering iron....how much is the part ?" "$9.94" they said (!!) "You have 'em in stock ?" I asked....the Parts guy said "Yeah, we have 8 of them....we use a lot of them"

So, I trooped into the Big City and bought the harness....it's just a plug with 3 wires. When I cut the old connector off, I noticed it had actually melted....anyway, being a lazy b@$#ard, I installed the new one using 3M wire splices (the blue ones you crimp on to the existing wires) rather than soldering. So far (knock on wood) it seems to have fixed the problem. You DO need to pay attention to the wire colors, though, 'cause the new connector wire colors do NOT match the existing wire colors.

HTH to anyone experiencing the same problem....

Dean...

Reply to
D Larsen
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Yep, did the same on my wife's 01. I chose to ground directly to the frame right by the light. I think the parts cost $20, including new headlight bulbs. The difference, pardon, was night and day.

Reply to
David Geesaman

LOL !

Did you tie the ground into the point close by ? Mine looked like there was a point with several wires grounded to the frame right next to the connector.

I didn't replace the bulb...I figured if the connector didn't work, that would be my next step. Did you do the driver's side, too ? The Parts Guy wanted to know if I wanted 2 of the connectors....thought about it for a while, and decided the ole "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applied

Dean...

Reply to
D Larsen

Although one was clearly not working, and the melted connector told a story, closer inspection revealed the other was also melted to the point of imminent failure. So I did both at the same time.

Dave

Reply to
David Geesaman

Since most crimp connectors dont do a very good job over time at keeping the connection, I would suggest you DO solder them AND use shrink tubing to keep out moisture. Many of these connectors fail because of corrosion or the female part of the connector doesnt fit tightly on the male.

-Speedy

Reply to
speedy

On Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:23:44 -0500, against all advice, something compelled speedy , to say:

Must . . . resist . . . straight . . . line . . .

Reply to
Steve Daniels

Thanks, Speedy....but I used the type of connector where you lay the new and old wire side-by-side, and then push a blade in that "connects" both wires. I hope that type of connector won't have the problems you describe.

....and Steve....your self-control is admirable

Dean....

Reply to
D Larsen

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