4th brake light wiring help question

[ElCid08]

So I have very limited experience with wiring anything. Installing the Diodynamics 4th brake light kit on my 18’ tonight...all went well until installing the connector into the factory harness under the car. The metal piece that goes into the connector came off of the wires. Do I need to send this back or can I reattach it? ANY help would be appreciated.

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[ValidusTalon]

In brief, yes, you should fix that

You could pry open the ends of the piece that is in your palm (2nd picture, pointed to the left), put the bare wires in the opening, then use a crimper (or pliers if you don't have a crimper) to essentially collapse the ends you pried open on the wires capturing them. This is not the most ideal solution as it can weaken the connector... ideally you would replace it (see next suggestion).

Alternatively you might be able to find a replacement connector at a local auto parts store, and if lucky they'd let you use a crimper for 20 seconds

 

[catchthecarp]

It's a crimped connection, see if you can pry it open, insert the wire and re-crimp. Heat shrink tubing to protect and strengthen it up. As one who did this install last year I feel your pain. The pin will only go into the socket when orientated correctly but's it difficult to determine the orientation laying flat on your back under the car. Having good eyesight and a second pair of hands holding a light so you can see helps a lot. I used my entire repertoire of 4 letter words and invented some new ones trying to get that pin in.

 

[Wine dude]

Yes I hear u, that’s why I did mine on a lift with a tire mechanic at his shop to help

 

[ElCid08]

I really appreciate the replies everyone. Guess I’ll try to pry it open and re crimp the wires in there and try reattaching the connection. Yes...getting the correct orientation is a pain in the ass for sure

 

[ElCid08]

Thanks again everyone. Tried crimping it myself this morning and of course the connector broke even more. No auto parts store had the right piece so I ended up at my dealerships parts center. They hooked me up with the entire new connection piece, crimped it into the heat shrink, cut the diode dynamics wire and crimped that into the heat shrink, and didn’t charge for a thing. Used my heat gun when I got home, hooked it up and it’s working perfectly.

 

[Wine dude]

Nice enjoy

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