nlpamg

I have a 1997 C280 Sport, and then the right fog light went out. So I bought bulbs from the dealer and tried to do it myself. I couldn't get the old fog light out, and then I took it to one shop. The Idiot at the shop pulled out the wire but was still unsuccessful in removing the bulb from the "connector". So I took it to another shop, and they removed the entire headlamp assembly, and they could not remove the bulb from the connector. They said that the fog light bulb melted into the connector, and that I need to get new connectors. I checked and they checked w/Benz to see if they sold the connectors, but unfortunately they don't. Does anyone know where I can get the connectors, or if I can put on aftermarket C36 type fog lights instead? Thanks.

*Update* Scroll Down to See the Pictures.

dwang

I'm assuming this is for a halogen lamp housing?... The only thing holding the bulb after you remove the wire should be a spring like clip, there are no other connectors. Once the clip is removed the bulb should come right out. I don't see how something like this could have "melted". Do you have pictures?


Dave

merclover

i agree, how can it melt?? it is weird....
try to send us a pic...maybe the plastic connector melted with the metal connections, but even so, it should come off..

nlpamg

I'm not talking about the spring clip. I'm talking about the plastic part. The metal melted into the plastic. Ok, I might have been vague with the "connector", but it's the part, I guess it's the socket in which you plug in the bulb.

merclover

yeah.. what i said.... but it should have been the plastic thet melted no?? on to the metal? the metal has a high heat capacity and will not melt.. so, even though the plastic melts on to the metal, they dont coallesce so they can be easily separated with pliers... the fact is you have to change the socket...period....

tpliquid

C36 wont fit

nlpamg

Here is the pic of the connector, I don't know if you can see it, but the base of the bulb is burnt in. I need that brownish looking connector/socket. If anyone can help, that would be much appreciated. Thanks.

tpliquid

best thing to do, buy new connector

nlpamg

I already tried, I can't find it ANYWHERE. I've tried 3 dealers already, and they've all told me that I can't just buy the connector, I have to buy the ENTIRE HEADLAMP assembly. All of the other independent Mercedes shops have told me the same. I don't want to spend around $600 getting new headlamps for just that ****ty connector. If anyone knows where to find the connector, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

tpliquid

damn that sux..u cna prolly buy a xenon hid kit off www.bekkers.com 1200. might as well upgrade to it now

merclover

look in scrapeyards..... there must be at least one C-class.... or maybe the older E (w201) which has conectors that fit.

nlpamg

I'm kind of weary to do that, b/c they might be in almost the same condition as mine, melted... I don't know, am I the only one? Thanks

merclover

you never know man, just take a peep in some scrapeyards, and they must be ok, i mean, these things normally dont just melt like that, so just look if they have the part, if it is in good condition, take it.

amdxp

Hi, I think I exprience the same problem with U, one side of the fog light connector melted.

Same thing, I thought it was the bulb that gone bad. Well, what I did was to bypass the original connector and get a aftermarket one. The wiring need to be changed a little bit, but somehow the accessories shop fellow knew how to do it.

As it was a foreseeable problem for both the fog light connector, I got them to modified both at one go, save the trouble. The main reason I was told was that the fog light is too hot (100W if not mistaken) as compare to the headlamp.


By the way, the aftermarket connector I got was a fully metal and very simple one. What is not so simple for me is the wiring (but I guess it is not a problem for the accessories guy).