headlight problem 124 (300te wagon)
 

I get a problem light on the dashboard and the driverside's headlight burns dim on low but ok on high beam. Replaced the bulb, but didn't change anything. The connector plugs on both sides look a little punky with hard yellowish stuff in and around the sockets. Is the connector the culpirit? Thanks

connector, ground and fuse would be my first look.



Joe

I have a `93 300E and recently had a similar problem. I changed the bulb connectors (inexpensive) and all is well now.

Hi Reno,

Did you change the connector yourself? Was it difficult?

Thanks in advance.

I had the same exact problem with molten connector plugs.
Headlights go dim. Wiggle the connector, and they brighten again, at least for a while.
These things are incredibly weak from the factory.
I should have snapped a picture.
Check the connectors on any other car and compare how much more beefy the terminals are. Very unusual for MB to have under-built components like this. My car even has stock bulbs. High-wattage bulbs would melt them for sure.

Easy fix! Autozone and NAPA both sell replacement 9004 connectors. I used the Autozone ones because they were in stock, and found they are much beefier than the MB ones.
I think they were around $4 each. I suggest soldering them on, and sealing the soldered joints with heat-shrink tubing.

This is how I did it:
1) Remove factory connector from bulb base.
2) Note the position of each wire in the factory connector by its color. I drew a little sketch.
3) Cut wires where they come out of factory connector.
4) Strip wire ends 1/2 inch.
5) Cut 1 inch strips of heat-shrink, and slide one onto each wire on the new connector (away from the soldering area).
6) Twist new connector wires onto factory wires, being careful to match them up correctly, and fold flat.
7) Solder the wire joint.
8) Slide the heat shrink tubing over the wire joint, and shrink (I use one of those fire-starter butane lighters for this step).
9) Put a small dab of grease on each terminal, just for good measure, reassemble, ...and let there be light!

Best of luck.

CSNOW, thank you so much for the detailed and quick reply.

How can one drives a MB without this Forum!!!

How are those Autozone 9004 connectors holding up? It's been over 6 years since you put them in.

"How are those Autozone 9004 connectors holding up? It's been over 6 years since you put them in."

Never had another problem with the lights, though I sold the car last year.

Good to know. When I was at Autozone last night they pointed out a pair of Heavy Duty High Temperature 9004 connectors. I got those instead and installed one of them last night. The other OEM connector looked fine so I kept the extra connector as a back up.