Halogen headlight socket melting
I have a 2002 ML 320 with standard halogen headlights and noticed this weekend that my passengers side low beam headlight had gone out. I replaced it with the recommended bulb in the manual and it came back on. I did notice as I replaced it that it appeared to have some signs of melting on the outside. Yesterday I noticed that it was out again. When I opened the hood I could smell burning plastic. I pulled out the socket and removed the bulb to find that the socket is melting around the two connection receptacles. I called the dealer here in Dallas and they told me that it was common problem, but to fix it I would need to buy the entire headlight assembly in order to get the socket.
Does anyone know of a place that I can buy just the socket?
I was also curious as to why this would just melt. It has been extremely hot here (100s), but the air temperature did not seem like it would cause this. I was wondering if anyone knew if this is a symptom of a larger problem.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom