Headlight electrical connector/port issue

BLOOPBLEEPBLOP

MEMBER
2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
167,000 MILES

My left headlight will turn on or go out sometimes when I hit bumps. Today it went out and stayed out. Upon further investigation I discovered the grey fastener clip on the headlight electrical port was able to be squeezed or pushed slightly and the light would come back on. Is this a wiring issue or do I need a new headlight connector? Or something else?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

It sounds like the connector plug needs replaced. Often times, heat from the light will cause them to become loose. However, before replacing it, just confirm that there isn't a corrosion that just requires cleaning. Also, make sure the connector pins are not loose and pushing one of the wires out of the connector.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe

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Monday, February 4th, 2019 AT 7:29 PM

BLOOPBLEEPBLOP

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the help Joe! I looked more closely at the connector and discovered that it was slightly burnt. I cut the wires and spliced a new connector (7 bucks) on in no time, headlight is working great now!

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Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 AT 12:48 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,300 POSTS

You are very welcome, and I'm glad you got it fixed. Honestly, what is interesting about these types of connections is when they start to corrode or get loose due to age, power will arc within the connector. Any time you have an arc, it produces heat and makes things worse. Ultimately, the problem ends up with what you had. Just make sure where you spliced the wires together is properly insulated so it can't short.

Regardless, I'm glad it's working. Let us know if you have questions in the future.

Take care,
Joe

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Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 AT 6:45 PM