headlight meltdown

[francisarcher]

Both front headlight connectors (the plastic bits that connects directly to the bulb) melted a few weeks ago. Have now changed them however they still get extremely hot and so I dare not use them.
I have had AVA liesure try and find the problem - however they can't crack it and are suggesting that perhaps the whole front loom may need changing (at over ?1000) - HELP -
I feel there must be a simpler answer as all electrics are working fine including all the mods of the headlights - but they are just overheating when on.
Any ideas

[white van man]

has it got standard 55/60 bulbs or has it got some weird non standard bulb that is a higher wattage and gets a lot hotter?

[francisarcher]

it has the same bulbs I've had in for 5 years. (standard ones) I think it is some sort of short circuit somewhere - or a loose connection - problm is how to track it

[white van man]

disconnect battery and see if you can find a high resistance with a multi meter which might cause the heat problem!!!

[chris-m]

Just a thought, but did they check the battery voltage? Could be a duff regulator, more volts = more heat.

[francisarcher]

Can anyone recommend a good auto electrician I could take it to in the London area?

[nick & jem]

hi i had this problem on a lexus, all you need to do is get some heavy duty headlight connectors

[Vanmanerik]

Check the earth wires, if it is corroded cleanit up.
Bad earths = high resistance = heat!

[owelly]

My local factors sell the headlamp 3 hole connectors or try AES ( http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/ ).
The trouble with mine was dirty terminals and daft 100w bulbs. I've rewired the headlights through relays (from EAS!) and put a blob of vaseline on the terminals to keep them clean. They do get a bit warm but they will do, they're on the back of a blummin hot bulb!!