Like most everyone, I nearly tossed my breakfast when, upon learning why my tail lamps were inoperable, I found out from Roger that the harness is $400.....each!!

Upon examination, what I found was that the center electrode in every case was rusted to the point of failure. Having a Colman D-battery-powered lantern hanging around, I dismantled it and salvaged the battery contact pieces that I fashion into electrodes.

I found that with a pick, the small rubber seals on the back of the socket could be pulled-out. I squirted some silicone on the plug and wire, so that when the plug dislodged, I could slide it away from the socket and allow me to press the wire out from the socket for repair.

I used a soldering gun to remove the remnants of the rusted electrode, and then soldered the new fabricated electrode onto the wire. A tug of the wire brought it back into place and then slide the plug back into position.

Darned if it didn't work. Now, if we could source those little center electrodes, this really is an easy DIY fix.

Cheers,
Bob

 

Alan - We need you please

 

The easiest way to get such electrodes is to buy similar sockets and dismantle them. I suspect some domestic low cost bulb holders would have suffiently compatible terminal designed exactly for this usage. Just look around a bit.

The other option is to just completely replace the sockets, nissan quest sockets can work for S4+ cars, though you need some adjustment to the bayonet mounting tabs and a foam seal - but this gets you a whole new socket - either way - no need for a new loom if everything else is good...

https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...eferrerid=6055

Alan

 

This is the repair I have done a couple of times. I sourced some copper from one of our marker light harnesses, bent it to look like the others and soldered it in place. I was not smart enough to realize I could have pushed the wire out ease the job of soldering. Doh! Very nice job.

 

I have reached out to a company in Georgia that makes battery contacts from springs and flat material. The repair is remarkably easy if we have the center electrode. My sockets, otherwise, were in excellent shape, as was the harness itself.

 

The pieces we seek are beryllium-copper springs. They are all over the place in lots of things like battery holders. I suspect some strips could easily be formed into the tabs we need. Do we happen to have dimensions?

 

Does the 924/44/51/68 use this socket anywhere?

 

the orignial piece doubled back over itself and provided plenty of resiliance. My solution simply bent it over once, and while it worked, it could use more 'spring' to ensure that the bulb isn't dancing around. Speaking of a spring, that might be a better solution.

At $400 per harness and given that it is a reoccuring issue with the cars, sourcing the electrode is worth the effort to the community.

Roger, you monitoring this?

 

Hey folks I to have a bad socket on my 1989 s4 passenger side and need to repair or replace. I read several places where folks have adapted sockets from Nissan Quests (what year?) and a generic from NAPA auto parts but I do not see any part numbers so I can order. Any help here?

 

Follow the link in post 3 of this thread. Pics are gone, but the writeup is still there.

 

thanks, got kit

 

Thanks to gcthree! This technique fixed one of my dual filament sockets tonight