oldman40

Did the simple diy of changing my headlight lenses, no problem, easy peasy, right? Had the litronic ballast and ignitor replaced by mechanic about a year ago fyi with no issues.

Except that when I put them back in, lights are not working!

Tried a few times to reseat the lights, but no improvement. Seems to slide in pretty effortlessly, and locks down with just the usual slight resistance as you turn the lever down. What the heck did I do wrong?

Any help appreciated! Thanks.

quacktoduck

Are the headlights fully seated back into the fenders? Could be an internal connection under the cover.

AOW162435

The headlight harness connector inside the fender is rather loosely captured in a plastic bracket. If this connector is not aligned properly, the headlight will push it rearward rather than mating. Take a look and you'll see that it has play within its bracket.



Andreas

Kein_Ersatz

To see if you making the connection or not, could try putting a sliver of tape across the center of the headlight plug end and see if it is punctured/scuffed or not when you put it in and then pull it out. Intact tape would mean you are missing the connection.

P-daddy

Pull the wheel and fender liner to see if you have a good connection once headlight bucket is fully seated.

Foxman

Are you saying BOTH headlights aren't functioning? Is it possible that you reversed the headlights??

oldman40

Thank everyone, great suggestions! Somehow the connector isn't seating properly despite the smooth insertion of each light module. I tried pushing really hard once the headlight was fully seated, and it is working now.

Concerned that it isn't still fully mated, so I think I'll try pulling the fender/ wheel guards and take a closer look.

mike cap

I would also suggest using some plastic safe contact cleaner and soaking the connector then hit with a little compressed air. Contacts are pretty dainty.

KeninBlaine

This happened to me a few months ago. I had to remove the fender liner and help get the connector aligned from that side, and everything worked fine. I wasn't impressed with the design that would allow a misalignment in a location that is so difficult to access.

oldman40

I agree with you, major pia. I was in wonder and awe of how well designed the lens/lamp module was. not so much for the electric plug!

silvewrc2s

yup, so easy to slide in and out, not so to connect

mesprit87

Adding a little silicone grease or something similar on the connector seal will help a lot.
I ran into that problem with my beetle which is a cheap (very cheap!) Imitation of the 993 design. Lubricating it a bit, you don't need a lot, after a good clean up will definitely help.