The headlight system on your vehicle consists of many electrical switches, fuses, relays, sockets and bulbs. When there is an electrical short in one of these areas, the headlight socket(s) can become damaged. When this happens, there is no need to replace all of the wiring along with the socket because there are replacement sockets that can be connected to the existing wires. Wiring a new headlight socket is a fairly easy task and can save you a lot of money.
Remove the headlight and socket from the vehicle. This process varies greatly between vehicles, so refer to your owner's manual for specific directions.
Remove any electrical tape or covering from the wires connecting to the headlight socket, using a utility knife. Notice the colors on the old socket's wires match those on the replacement socket.
Remove approximately 1/2 inch of the plastic covering from the ends of both wires on the replacement socket, using the electric wire tool. Place a butt-style connector on the end of both wires on the replacement socket and crimp them to the wires, using the electric wire tool.
Cut the old socket and wires from the vehicle. Make certain to cut approximately the same amount of wire that the new socket has.
Remove about 1/2 inch of covering from the wires still in the vehicle. Connect the butt-connectors on the ends of the new socket's wires to the exposed wires in the vehicle. Make certain to match the wire colors to each other and crimp the butt-style connector using the electric wire tool. Secure the butt-style connectors by wrapping electrical tape around them and the wires.
Reinstall the bulb and socket into the appropriate area. Refer to your owner's manual for specific directions because this process varies greatly between vehicles.
Close your vehicle's hood.
