Headlight switch connector
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 534
Likes: 17
Headlight switch connector
Inquiring to find out if the headlight switch, connector P20 Series Headlight switch connector is the correct connector for a 66 Corvette. I have a defective connector that will not lock the headlight wire (blue) in place inside the connector. When the connector is placed on the headlight switch the blue wire comes out of the top of the connector. I called Lectric limited to get a new part or information on part numbers etc. for this part. I was told they do not supply parts for their wiring harnesses. A little annoyed since I purchased all my wiring harnesses from Lectric Limited. Thought I had a bad headlight switch, when I dropped the switch and shook the switch side to side the lights would flicker. Further inspection, I could just pull the blue wire out of the connector. There is nothing inside the connector to lock the wire in place. Thanks
P20 Series Headlight Switch Connector
P20 Series Headlight Switch Connector
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,478
Likes: 2,647
From: Really Central IL Illinois
You might have to use Liquid Tape or even Silicon adhesive to hold the barrel contact in the harness connector. I have a heated glue gun for plastics that would work, but then you have to buy the gun and melt sticks (glue).
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,197
Likes: 4,182
From: Kannapolis NC
Are you sure the little tab on the blue wire connector inside
the slot is bent out enough to catch? if it's pressed flat it won't catch on the connector. Use a small screwdriver and bend that tab out a little more and it'll probably catch.
the slot is bent out enough to catch? if it's pressed flat it won't catch on the connector. Use a small screwdriver and bend that tab out a little more and it'll probably catch.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
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Thanks for the ideas. I thought about using silicone or some sort of glue. However this is the second headlight switch in the car since restoration in 2012. First switch was aftermarket and lasted 6 years. The current switch was installed in 2018, NOS 149. I don't want to eliminate the option that I may have to replace my current switch by gluing wire in connector.
I have pulled the tang out on the clip to various degrees many times. The connector seems tight in the connector until I press in on the switch, then the wire pushes out the top. My current plan is to get a new 8 pin connector and re crimp the wires to a terminal. I need to find the size of terminal to use in the connector housing. I see that Corvette Central and ZIP sell the 8 pin plastic housings.
I have pulled the tang out on the clip to various degrees many times. The connector seems tight in the connector until I press in on the switch, then the wire pushes out the top. My current plan is to get a new 8 pin connector and re crimp the wires to a terminal. I need to find the size of terminal to use in the connector housing. I see that Corvette Central and ZIP sell the 8 pin plastic housings.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,197
Likes: 4,182
From: Kannapolis NC
If the female side is lining up with the male spade on the switch, there's no reason you can't push that wire back down on the spade. The female side is spread too wide to hold the male, OR the female side's edges are pressed to tight to allow the spade to enter. There's no reason the whole connector has to be replaced to make a male and female connection snug.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
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With the wire outside of the connector and not connected to the switch I am able to push the female terminal onto the headlight switch male spade. When I open the tang on the female terminal and re insert the terminal back into the connector it feels locked in. When I press the connector back onto the switch as far as it will go, the male spade on the switch pushes the female terminal up, causing the disconnect. It acts like the male spade is the release pin tool. It seems the male spade is going up on the backside of the female terminal. I have tried to insert the problem female terminal into the connector after it is installed on the switch. I cannot get the female terminal to slide onto the the male spade on the switch.
What I initially had was the female terminal touching the male spade in the switch, when I would shake the switch with the lights on, the lights would flicker. My thoughts, the female terminal touching the male spade and moving around caused a hot spot and damaged the catch spot for the female terminal in the connector. At a loss, only one wire not attaching to male spade inside the connector.
What I initially had was the female terminal touching the male spade in the switch, when I would shake the switch with the lights on, the lights would flicker. My thoughts, the female terminal touching the male spade and moving around caused a hot spot and damaged the catch spot for the female terminal in the connector. At a loss, only one wire not attaching to male spade inside the connector.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,478
Likes: 2,647
From: Really Central IL Illinois
Sounds like the holes (barrel terminals) in the plastic connector are not spaced to the same spacing as the pin terminals on the switch. Try measuring them.
Or maybe a bent pin on the switch???
Or maybe a bent pin on the switch???
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,197
Likes: 4,182
From: Kannapolis NC
Your best bet is to connect the switch connector and then forcibly align the female with the male in the plastic connector so it lines up with the spade. With the switch and connector in your hand it should be doable.
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I believe this is the standard GM connector. Hard to go wrong for $11.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aww-500189
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aww-500189
