My driver's side headlight is really dim compared to the passenger side. Is this a sign of the bulb going out? Or is it something related to the wiring? I'm probably going to buy a new headlight today anyway, but If it's still dim after, what could it be? If course I'll let you know how it is after I replace it.

 

Dim headlights is almost always a wiring issue. I ran into the same problem once last summer and spent a week chasing it down. Turns out I had forgotten to reconnect the ground wire behind the headlight. Make sure that wire is not loose or corroded. It should be attached to the radiator support right above the driver's side headlights. There is one on the passenger side too.

If the passenger side lights are ok, then you need to check from the splice in the wiring harness to the bulb that is dim. There is 1 wire that runs from the headlight switch to a split, then from the split to each individual bulb. Also check the connector and the contacts on the back of the bulb for dirt and corrosion. I've been fighting that battle for a while on my driver's side hi beam. It only works when it wants to because I can't get the contacts in the plug cleaned up.

 

Thanks...I'll have to take a look at that.

 

92 RS - Have you tried brake cleaner? That stuff eats away at alot, the aerosol has quite a bit of force to it, has a small tube to get in there with, and leaves no residue behind.

Also, what about Coke? Poor a tad in the socket, wait an hour, try some more - finally rinsing with water and let dry. I seem to remember in the old days, when we had battery crud build-up issues at the battery cables, we dumped a can of coke on them and let it sit a tad. Used to also be the very mean thing to do to your enemies - a can of Coke dumped on the car would eat away at the paint.

 

Never would have thought of brake cleaner, Camaronewbie. Thanks for the idea, I'll have to give that a try. I have heard of the Coke trick, and have used it before on batteries. I just didn't want to dump Coke down inside the front of my Camaro. If the brake cleaner doesn't work, I may have to try and pull the plug out enough to soak it in a small bowl of Coke.

 

Change the light first. I had the same problem and I searched wiring issues, but was just a light!

 

I replaced the headlight today and found out that one of the wires on the connector broke off so the lamp only gets half the power. Can I pull the metal piece out of the connector and crimp a new piece on the wire and slide it back into the connector? if that makes sense to you.

 

Autozone - might have on shelf, if not they can order like 2 day wait max - you want a Dorman Conduct-tite part number 85810

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...0_194405_4155_

 

wow, thanks! I'll stop by tomorrow.

 

Forgot to ask - I assumed low beam - that's what the 85810 is for ,the 3 wire low beam. They have the 2-wire high beam as well, it's the 85809.

 

To answer your question, yes it is possible to remove the connector and replace the wire on it.

However, if a new connector is only $3 at Autozone it's just not worth it.