How to clean a corroded DRL socket?

**MistrCreazil** · 06-21-2009, 12:31 PM

Mine is badly corroded. At first I thought it was just one of the bulb elements blown out, but upon pulling it.. This thing is BAD. What exactly causes this? How can I clean it and
prevent it?

**pajeff02** · 06-21-2009, 12:49 PM

You can try a small brass brush with baking soda and water. Another possibility is soaking the socket in vinegar -- you just want to rinse it real well when done. Blow the socket dry with compressed air and then use dielectric grease on the bulb and socket upon re-assembly.

**ronnie tadlock** · 06-21-2009, 02:09 PM

Go to any of the big chain auto parts stores, buy a replacement socket and replace your old one. They are only a few bucks and can be switched out in no time.

**pajeff02** · 06-21-2009, 02:18 PM

That works too!

**JoshieDoom** · 06-21-2009, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by ronnie tadlock

Go to any of the big chain auto parts stores, buy a replacement socket and replace your old one. They are only a few bucks and can be switched out in no time.

Winner

**0rion** · 06-21-2009, 04:19 PM

yep, only a few bucks just to replace it. You could try sanding all the metal contact points and using di-electric on it but in about half that time you could have a brand new socket installed.

**JoshieDoom** · 06-21-2009, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by 0rion

yep, only a few bucks just to replace it. You could try sanding all the metal contact points and using di-electric on it but in about half that time you could have a brand new socket installed.

Yeppers.

I put a nice set of male/female terminals on mine so all I have to do it put new male ends on a socket when I buy it then pop it into place without having to put strippers/cutters up in that small area and risk doing other wiring damage.

**rbob93** · 06-21-2009, 05:45 PM

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...rtId=prod61973

I think you're the one that turned me on to these Joshie

**JoshieDoom** · 06-21-2009, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by rbob93

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/cat...rtId=prod61973

I think you're the one that turned me on to these Joshie

That is for the round bulb, not the blade type like the stockers. lol

**rbob93** · 06-21-2009, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by JoshieDoom

That is for the round bulb, not the blade type like the stockers. lol

Well I know they carry them.....just gotta go & get the correct ones.
Yep.....after looking at the pic I can see one of the lugs.....shit!

**JoshieDoom** · 06-21-2009, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by rbob93

Well I know they carry them.....just gotta go & get the correct ones.

Yep.

They will have them, dont let them tell you they are a dealer part only.

**MistrCreazil** · 06-21-2009, 07:27 PM

How exactly do I go about switching out the whole socket? And how much does dielectric grease cost?

I'm wet behind the ears to everything.

**JoshieDoom** · 06-21-2009, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by MistrCreazil

How exactly do I go about switching out the whole socket? And how much does dielectric grease cost?

I'm wet behind the ears to everything.

A packet of that grease is like 2 bucks. There are three wires you must cut in order and clip and splice in.

**pajeff02** · 06-22-2009, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by JoshieDoom

A packet of that grease is like 2 bucks. There are three wires you must cut in order and clip and splice in.

^^ Adding to this -- your best connection is with solder and shrinktube. However, if you use crimp connectors, squirt some of the dielectric grease into the connector, or dip your wire ends in a glob of it before inserting. This will help keep the wire from getting wet and corroding on you.

**GULLETT17** · 06-22-2009, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by MistrCreazil

Mine is badly corroded. At first I thought it was just one of the bulb elements blown out, but upon pulling it.. This thing is BAD. What exactly causes this? How can I clean it and
prevent it?

i agree with most of everyone. . . just replace the socket. I had to replace my passenger side for the second time a few weeks ago (it had slightly melted do to the bad shape of the previous housing). This problem is caused by a combination of the housing gettin so hot, cracking of the housing, and moisture then gettin into the housing. If your housings look like theyre in bad shape (mainly cracks), I would change them too. . . Theyre about 25 bucks a piece, and it looks gooood with new ones. Got both of mine a couple months ago.

**SandmanWs7** · 06-22-2009, 01:53 PM

Autozone part number 85881 about $6.99 each.

It says its for the rear tailights but it works for our front corner lights.

**Cutlass** · 06-23-2009, 05:03 PM

They make heat shrinkable butt splice connectors for a water proof connection. When you heat shrink them, they ooze out some slime goo that hardens and seals to the wire. they look like this:

Otherwise another good idea is to melt some hot glue over the ends of a regular butt splice to seal it up from the elements.

**pajeff02** · 06-23-2009, 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by Cutlass

They make heat shrinkable butt splice connectors for a water proof connection. When you heat shrink them, they ooze out some slime goo that hardens and seals to the wire. they look like this:

Otherwise another good idea is to melt some hot glue over the ends of a regular butt splice to seal it up from the elements.

Auto parts store or electrical supply? Have not seen these before.

**Cutlass** · 06-23-2009, 05:47 PM

geez...I've seen them somewhere but can't remember. I usually get them through the parts dept at my work.

**pajeff02** · 06-23-2009, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by Cutlass

geez...I've seen them somewhere but can't remember. I usually get them through the parts dept at my work.

The only thing similar to what you posted that I know of is used for installing and splicing the wiring for in-ground water pumps. Those were way too large for use in automotive lighting systems though.