Headlight harness problems

[Sentientbydesign]

So first and foremost I should be flamed for this... About a year before I bought my I30 my mother owned it and replaced the 7 y/o battery with a POS from K-Mart. It's run fine off of it though, it is much smaller than the original and running electronics off of it drains it very fast.

Anyway, I had a problem with my driver's side headlight going out. The bulb was fine but the harness had to be wiggled in order for it to come on. I found out that it was burned/corroded. When I went to replace it I also noticed that the battery had acid on the outside like it had a slight leak.

I replaced the harness and it's working so so, but now the passenger side is also having problems and it's very far from the battery. Could my running the headlights constantly cause this problem? It doesn't seem plausible, but I thought I'd ask.

[CHORAY911]

The condition of the battery has nothing to do with the lights not working some times. If it was the battery, they would not work at all. My guess would be that you have replaced the factory bulbs with higher wattage Xenon bulbs. If this is the case, then the higher wattage bulbs pull more current through the factory thin wire and burns the copper within the sheathing, and the resulting heat melts the factory sockets. This is a common problem for several makes and models of cars. I replaced the entire system with 10 gauge wire and have yet to have a problem. For simplicity you can go to Ebay and buy new sockets designed for high wattage bulbs.

Choray

[maxhopper]

[Sentientbydesign]

I'd like more details on replacing the wires.

I replaced the driver's side harness and it melted and so did the passenger side. I have been running my high beams constantly since the low beam filament on one side went out (yes I realize that's not right, but it works and I get significantly better visibility).

How would changing the wires to a lower gauge reduce heat? Did you also change the harness to one that would take the higher heat?

[maxhopper]

What are specs on the bulbs you have in there?

[Beancooker]

Lower gauge wire is thicker is size. It will allow a higher amount of wattage/amps to pass thru without causing meltdown. Look at your battery cables, Very thick, for more volts/amps. Stereo wire (stock) is like 18-20 gauge, less watts/amps.

[Sentientbydesign]

They are the Nokya Illuminics. I think they're the super bright whites. 45/65 watts.

So if I'm understanding this correctly. Changing the wires to a lower gauge will lower the heat created as well?

Would it be possible to use oem plugs modified with thicker wires to solve the heat problem or should I just buy the High wattage harnesses?

I have other things I need to do to the vehicle and spending $30 on harnesses doesn't make me very happy.

While I'm on the subject, does anyone know of a reputable, good priced store that sells powerslot rotors? I can get them from the local mall performance shop for $110 a piece. I was hoping for a little discount.

[Beancooker]

Power Slot Rotors, $84. each and free shipping.

http://www.autoanything.com/brakes/20A50534A1.aspx

[CHORAY911]

So if I'm understanding this correctly. Changing the wires to a lower gauge will lower the heat created as well?

Would it be possible to use oem plugs modified with thicker wires to solve the heat problem or should I just buy the High wattage harnesses?

I have other things I need to do to the vehicle and spending $30 on harnesses doesn't make me very happy.

While I'm on the subject, does anyone know of a reputable, good priced store that sells powerslot rotors? I can get them from the local mall performance shop for $110 a piece. I was hoping for a little discount.

Dude, $30 is a drop in the bucket when it comes to modifying a car. You can half *** an install all day long, but at the end of the day its still going to break. If you get the upgraded harnesses you problems are solved, other wise you will fight the problem for months, and just get madder.

[jltibbs]

at advance auto parts (AAP), they have upgraded harnesses ON THE SHELF! just make sure you solder and use heat shrink. this should take care of any problems with that. once again, AAP sells powerslot. a lot of people do not know that AAP can get lots of stuff. I got my powerslots for $70 + tax each.keep your eyes open for deals before you buy