bad headlight plug??

[hannibal]

THis relates to a 99 Ford Escort. I know it doesnt belong here but I was hoping you guys could help me out...

My headlight went out on me so I just threw another bulb in. The plug looked kinda funny but it was my first time seeing it and I didnt think anything of it. WEll the new headlight went out the next night, so today I took a closer look. I compared the plug to the other headlight plug and this one is obviously melted. I plan to replace the plug by cutting and splicing into the wiring behind the headlight.

However I just noticed the paint on the bumper is cracked. I think someone backed into my front bumper causing the paint to crack as the plastic bumper flexed. I know it sounds rediculous, but could this affect my headlight wiring causing it to short out?? I'm just curious if there is something else I should check before I wire in a new plug. Is there an easy way to tell if the problem lies in the plug or further down the line??

BTW the Escort uses the 3 prong 9007 bulb. I used a multimeter to check voltage. I got a normal reading (10.5-11.5V with the car off) using the right and middle sockets (if youre looking at the socket side of the plug - it would be the left and middle prongs looking at the back of the bulb). And the plug was melted the worst aroung the middle socket (I think the middle was the ground)

Thanks for any help you can give me...

[NISTECH]

it melted as a result of the bulb that was in it it got to hot. I believe that plug is the same one they use on the quest headlights. There was actually a bulletin on it which stated to replace the plug and use an updated bulb. Try ford first for the connector with a pig tail harness if they dont have it. swing by a nissan dealer and ask if they have the head light harness for the 98 or 99 quest that goes bad. if they do compare it to yours if its the same just buy it and install it.

[hannibal]

Thanks Nistech,I'll pick up a harness/plug tomorrow and hopefully that'll take care of my problem.