Ceramic H4 Headlight Connector - Local?

Energy One

Toolman

New Member
Scary ride home last night, headlight was cutting out and switching from high to low beam. No fun at all. Removed the headlight this AM and found the connector melted like many others, looks like it has been replaced once already (with what appears to be a dorman # 84790 connector). I know there are tons of sources online for ceramic connectors as well as LED lights, and I will certainly order them, however I would like to ride the next couple days, does anyone know of a auto parts store part number for a ceramic connector so I can get back on the bike tonight? Headlamp Plug.jpg
 

Reddickracing

Well-Known Member
Most parts stores carry dorman products and should have that connector or at least can get it the next day. Until you upgrade with a better light. Also take some pliers or screwdriver and sqeeze the connector tight so its hard to get on bulb. Loose connections can cause it to burn like that. Had several do it in my work trucks until we started making it a tight connection
 

BWG56

Guru
Most parts stores carry dorman products and should have that connector or at least can get it the next day. Until you upgrade with a better light. Also take some pliers or screwdriver and sqeeze the connector tight so its hard to get on bulb. Loose connections can cause it to burn like that. Had several do it in my work trucks until we started making it a tight connection
:agree: X2
 

Toolman

New Member
Thanks for the input, I found what appears to be a good quality connector locally @ autozone. Thought i would share at least in case someone else runs into this. Part number SC04. I would say that anyone that owns one of these bikes and plans to ride at night, better take a few minutes to check out that connector, pretty dangerous when that takes a crap. Also ordered a LED light and Ceramic connector for a more permanent fix. Now just need to order a new headlight gasket since the last clown that was in there destroyed it. Connector_3.jpg
 

SKOGDOG

One of the old ones.
I would recommend using solder and shrink wrap on those wires too. Reddickracing (Jeff) above is dead on target with loose connections causing beastly heat in these connections. The fewer connections the better.
I had problems with a custom headlight housing and finally benched it and went back to OEM and the problem went away.
 

woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
another problem in that area that seems to have been forgotten, or at least put out of mind, is the undersized JST connector on the backbone under the tank. only put there for ease of assembly at the factory, but just as much a culprit for headlights going black at very inopportune moments.
 

Toolman

New Member
another problem in that area that seems to have been forgotten, or at least put out of mind, is the undersized JST connector on the backbone under the tank. only put there for ease of assembly at the factory, but just as much a culprit for headlights going black at very inopportune moments.
I will be installing a new D O C headlight harness next time I have the tank off again. Taking the tank off is a little bit of a PITA so unless I need to for something else I will wait until this next winter and take care of things properly then. I saw those connectors under the tank, they definitely seem pretty undersized. I think the LED conversion will help with current draw as well and eliminate some of those possible issues.
 

BWG56

Guru
I will be installing a new D O C headlight harness next time I have the tank off again. Taking the tank off is a little bit of a PITA so unless I need to for something else I will wait until this next winter and take care of things properly then. I saw those connectors under the tank, they definitely seem pretty undersized. I think the LED conversion will help with current draw as well and eliminate some of those possible issues.
The ESC from D O C is an excellent idea, it comes with the ceramic plug, many of us are running that system and your right it does eliminate that connector under the tank.
 
Last edited:

BWG56

Guru
The ESC is the only alternative that eliminates the JST connector under the tank along with the ceramic plug.
 

Toolman

New Member
The ESC from D O C is an excellent idea, it comes with the ceramic plug, many of us are running that system and your right it does eliminate that connector under the tank.
Thanks for the advice, mine is fuel injected no petcock on my bike, not sure if there is still a screen in there.
 

Toolman

New Member
whether carb or EFI, still have the potential for the tank liner to release and clog up the screen. thank you ethanol.
Lucky for me there are several stations that sell premium non-oxy non-ethanol fuel. unfortunately this last weekend we rode about 150 miles and had to put in a couple gallons of junk fuel to get home, disappointing for sure, but it beats walking. Seems like I can get about 110 miles before I need to think about walking home, how far do the rest of you get on 1 tank?
 

woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
rule of thumb is 100 miles. some get better, some not so much. I have gotten in the 140 range, but mine is basically stock.
 
Top