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What Is a Headlight Socket?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
A headlight socket is a female connector for a headlight bulb that acts as a power supply for the bulb. It is possible to buy new and used headlight sockets, as well as visit a junkyard and collect one, a low-cost option that can be especially useful if the make and model is unusual. In the event a socket needs replacement, the driver will need to take the headlight out of the mount, remove the old socket, and install the new one.
The headlight socket consists of a female connector designed to work with bulbs, attached to a pigtail of wiring that hooks up to the car's electrical system. A number of headlight styles are available, and sockets and plugs are not universal. Drivers should be aware of this when they replace headlights or sockets, as they may end up with an incompatible part. The whole headlight assembly, including the bulb, is commonly sold as a unit.
If a driver wants to change the type of headlights used, she may need to install a different headlight socket. This requires familiarity and comfort with electrical systems, as it means removing the old wiring, installing the new one, testing it, and then fitting in the headlight. It is important to test any wiring before using it with a bulb, as the bulb could blow if the wiring is not done properly. Electrical testers are available for this purpose.
Several things can go wrong with the wiring of a headlight socket and may cause problems like flickering, dimness, or a nonfunctional bulb even when the bulb is in good condition. Drivers with malfunctioning headlights can try some troubleshooting like checking to make sure all the connections are firm and inspecting the wiring for signs of wear before they inspect the bulb. Sometimes mice or other animals nest under the hood of a car, especially if it sits idle for extended periods of time, and they can damage the electrical system in the search for nesting material.
Drivers who are not comfortable working on their own cars can hire a mechanic to handle a headlight socket repair or replacement. The job usually does not take very long, and the mechanic can also check the rest of the electrical system and align the headlights at the same time. If damage to the socket is associated with an accident or an animal problem, an insurance company may cover the costs of repair.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
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![A car owner may have to install a new headlight socket if he or she wishes to change headlights.]()
By: zest_marinaA car owner may have to install a new headlight socket if he or she wishes to change headlights. -
![A headlight socket is a female connector for a headlight bulb that acts as a power supply for the bulb.]()
By: aigarsrA headlight socket is a female connector for a headlight bulb that acts as a power supply for the bulb.
Discussion Comments
@David09 - Weather can cause problems. Sometimes in a heavy rain, if you have a crack in the headlight cover, water can seep in and cause a temporary short. That happened to me once and I was able to fix it by emptying out the water and sealing the crack.
However, as you pointed out, replacing the entire unit itself is a job best left for the professionals. One thing I would not do is to procrastinate.
It’s not uncommon to see people driving down the road with one of their lights out. I don’t know about laws nationwide, but in our state you could get a ticket if you drive with a bad light. It’s certainly cheaper to get it fixed than to pay the ticket in my opinion.
I had my passenger headlight go out on me. A friend of mine pointed it out to me and offered to check it. At first I just thought it needed a new bulb.
If you all you need is a new bulb then it’s not too bad because all you have to do is unscrew the old bulb and put a new one in. However, after inspecting the wires and stuff he discovered that the headlight bulb socket had been twisted and ruined.
I don’t know when it happened – perhaps as a result of a hail storm or something. So I needed to replace the entire unit. I wasn’t about to mess with uninstalling the headlight bulb socket, so I had my friend do it, as he was good with cars.
We went online and got the replacement part for that make and model of the car and the new unit works fine.
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