headlight connections

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

Moderators: Doone, westonwarrior

Post Reply
alectroll

headlight connections

Post by alectroll » Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:07 pm

Here we go again! i have a slight problem with my headlight connections, ie i have to have a bit of a fiddle with them ( no smutty remarks please!!) before one of them will come on correctly. Just had a look at the connectors and its pretty obvious that the connectors are on the way out, its the one's that go from the cable loom and slide onto the lamp filament. can anyone find a picture/part number anywhere for them, had a look myself but couldn't find the number.

Thanks to all in advance, Alec.
User avatar
apole
Supreme Being
Posts: 1231
Joined: Fri Sep 14, 2007 4:36 pm
Location: Berks

Re: headlight connections

Post by apole » Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:12 am

Hi there,

Are you talking about the connectors that plug into the bulb at the back of the headlight?

If they cannot be cleaned up then halfords sell new connector blocks to replace them.

Andy
alectroll

Re: headlight connections

Post by alectroll » Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:16 am

Thats the ones, will go and have a look in halfrauds tonight then.
Many thanks.
bigdaddycain
Supreme Being
Posts: 10637
Joined: Fri May 13, 2005 11:58 am
Location: Ince Lancs

Re: headlight connections

Post by bigdaddycain » Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:17 am

As a temporary measure,blob a spot of solder on each of the 3 prongs on the bulb, that should increase surface tension enough to ensure a decent contact... I take it your left hand headlamp is only half the brightness of the other lamp? Like a bad earth? I used to have this very occasionally when i had mark1 headlights fitted, it hasn't been a problem since fitting new shape lights curiously... :-k
ビッグダディケイン RIP Big Bank Hank (Imp the Dimp) 1957-2014
User avatar
apole
Supreme Being
Posts: 1231
Joined: Fri Sep 14, 2007 4:36 pm
Location: Berks

Re: headlight connections

Post by apole » Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:43 am

No worries, can you not clean yours up a bit then?

Make sure you get the right ones, can't remember if they are H4 or H7 but the difference is obvious !!

Also I'd test the connectors too, could just be the supply to them is duff and not the connector itself.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Andy
bigdaddycain
Supreme Being
Posts: 10637
Joined: Fri May 13, 2005 11:58 am
Location: Ince Lancs

Re: headlight connections

Post by bigdaddycain » Thu Sep 17, 2009 12:06 pm

I taped a small piece of emery paper over a small flat headed screwdriver to clean up inside the slat connections, i think the problem with mine was the slats had opened up too much to get a good grip on the prongs of the bulb...A small blob of solder on each prong took care of the "sloppy gap" in the slats of the connectors.
ビッグダディケイン RIP Big Bank Hank (Imp the Dimp) 1957-2014
alectroll

Re: headlight connections

Post by alectroll » Thu Sep 17, 2009 3:24 pm

The main problem is that the block has been melted in the past so they need replacing, off to the connector shop tonight hopefully and see if they can provide replacements. Although the staff in our local shop seem to be pre trained to ask ''fries with that sir?''!!!
User avatar
dave_aber
Supreme Being
Posts: 2884
Joined: Tue May 12, 2009 4:33 pm
Location: Elgin, Scotland

Re: headlight connections

Post by dave_aber » Thu Sep 17, 2009 4:31 pm

Alec,

You could always cut the connector block off (having noted which wire goes to which terminal on the bulb, of course) and crimp on 3 new female spade crimps.

If you then get a spare bulb, plug the wires in, make a gaffer tape shutter around the whole assembly - you can then pour in potting compound of your choice (flexane works well). I'm sure that if you find a well stocked aircraft servicing establishment somewhere nearby you can find the right stuff. :wink:

Or you could just buy one of these : http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/H4-HEADLAMP-HEADL ... dZViewItem
Image...Image
There are 10 types of people in this world.
Those that understand binary, and those that don't.
alectroll

Re: headlight connections

Post by alectroll » Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:25 pm

Just tried to get onto evilbay, painfully slow tonight for some reason! Or maybe its just my crappy pc, anyway got booted before i managed to get those connectors. You reckon they stock them in Partco at all?
OH, and i reckon i know the aircraft servicing establishment you're on about dave! But not so sure about it being highly stocked!!!!!!
User avatar
dave_aber
Supreme Being
Posts: 2884
Joined: Tue May 12, 2009 4:33 pm
Location: Elgin, Scotland

Re: headlight connections

Post by dave_aber » Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:45 pm

You might be right - I think I tool most of their stock when I left in 1995.

Partco should have the same connectors though.
Image...Image
There are 10 types of people in this world.
Those that understand binary, and those that don't.
Post Reply

Return to “Techie Stuff”