Unknown wiring from HEADLIGHT

[KCarter90]

Hi all,

My car just recently failed an MOT due to my headlamps not being clear and seriously corroded. I have purchased new headlamps and have been able to access the current ones to the point of removal.
However, aside from the main headlight connector, there is another wire that seemingly splits into more, my headlights are connected to this wire and because of the wires being where they are i cannot seem to be able to remove my headlights without somehow disconnecting this wire.

Please could you take a look at these photos to advise on how to remove it...



On all videos posted online explaining 'how to remove headlmaps'... not one of them features these tiny wires, only the mains connector.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
kyle.

[big-all]

could it be the return/earth wire as the lamp is /plastic/glass so non conductive

[wine~o]

make and model of car ??

[KCarter90]

big-all

Not sure, literally no clue I'm afraid.

[arco_iris]

could it be the return/earth wire as the lamp is /plastic/glass so non conductive

Sorry, no, definitely not. Nor do we need to know the car:

Firstly, you (OP) do not need to disconnect ANY of the wiring you mention, you simply remove the black plug (which has three wires going into it, and is marked "Hella") from the back of each headlamp (it will pull straight off, perhaps with a bit of a wiggle) and leave it hanging. This is the connection to the bulb.

Remove the old lamps & install the replacements (the only other thing you may encounter will be a smaller sidelamp bulb holder), swapping the bulbs themselves as you go. Do NOT touch the glass part of the bulb, hold it by the metal part. Reconnect the black plugs.

-o0o-

Secondly, you don't really need to know, the blue connector is called a Scotchlok and they are used to make a connection that breaks into a wire in order to use it to power something else. You do not need to undo it (which is a bit more complicated, but can be done). The most likely reason for them being there is that a previous owner has broken in to the wiring (where does that loose cable run to) in order to power, most likely a relay, to switch either after-market spotlights (only come on when on main beam), a/m fog-lights (only come on on dip-beam) or rarely, some other reason.

[KCarter90]

wine~o

Vauxhall Astra
2005
M1
2 Axel rigid body

[wine~o]

Think I'll leave this to arco_iris as he seems to have a better idea than I.

[big-all]

Think I'll leave this to arco_iris as he seems to have a better idea than I.

that two off us clueless then

[Razor]

To be fair it's whoever fitted the Scotchlok that's clueless

It's an IDC that has a bad habit of weakening the wire it chomps into






Ps Insulation Displacement Connecter to save you Googling

[arco_iris]

To be fair it's whoever fitted the Scotchlok that's clueless

It's an IDC that has a bad habit of weakening the wire it chomps into

Ps Insulation Displacement Connecter to save you Googling

Whilst that is entirely correct, Scotchloks are commonly used in particularly automotive applications by the less professional, but nonetheless with some experience, diy'ers among us.

[Bob225]

As above just unplug the black plug on the back of the bulb, at some point that connector has been changed and/or its had some lights added



I have lost count of the amount of Scotchloks I have pulled out of cars over the years, they have made me some pocket money tho

[arco_iris]

I have lost count of the amount of Scotchloks I have pulled out of cars over the years, they have made me some pocket money tho

Yes, scotchloks can be re-used if you work out how they operate, which is not rocket-science. IDC terminals are commonly used for thinner wires, such as telecomms, and should only be terminated using a special tool (or a stanley knife blade!).

For the unitiated reader, a scotchlok has two channels. One goes straight through end to end, the side shown in OP's pictures, and slips over the existing cable.

The other side, the channel only goes 2/3rds of the way. The connecting wire is slotted into this blank hole and then the metal "m" shaped metal bit is squashed into both cables with pliers. The flap locks over to protect the bare connection.

They can be undone by prising them apart with a small screwdriver, and re-used.

Purpose, as previously stated and no other proper use.

[Rorschach]

I know they are a quick and easy way to splice into a cable but I have never liked them, too prone to damaging both cables.

[Bob225]

Solder or crimp as above they have there place iirc telecom stopped using them 10-20 years ago for custom gel filled IDC's

Astra H headlights are fairly straight forward to swap out - the mot place will align them for you