Electrical Question

[Vandy Vol]

The ground wire for my driver side tail light is apparently insufficient for the current that the wire is supposed to carry.  Based on what I could find on the web, this is a common problem with this model of car.  The end result is this (although this is not a picture of my particular connector):



One solution on a forum is to splice into the ground wire and connect a "secondary" ground to a metal tab that operates as a ground.  Here is the illustrative image for that fix:



Now, my question is, why just splice the ground wire?  Why not just reroute the entire wire to that tab, and not have the ground wire included in the 8 pin connector plug?

The reason I ask is because the connector plug has been damaged enough so that there is no plastic insulation between the ground wire and the other wires.  The other wires are fine as far as being insulated from each other; it's just where the ground wire goes that no longer has insulated "walls" in the connector plug.  It would be easier to just remove the ground wire from the connector and have it attached to the tab.  Otherwise, I'd have to get a new connector plug, reinsert all wires (including the ground), and then splice the ground.

Any thoughts?

[GH2001]

Told you about those electric cars.

[Vandy Vol]

Told you about those electric cars.

Whatever...driving around in my Prius is awesome.

[Kaos]

What the fuck is wrong with your finger?  It looks like an elephant finger.

[Vandy Vol]

What the fuck is wrong with your finger?  It looks like an elephant finger.

I'm not sure...like I said:

The end result is this (although this is not a picture of my particular connector):

[Saniflush]

+



in



=

problem solved.

[AU_Tiger_2000]

I bet if you replaced your taillights with energy efficient, yet radioactive, LED's it would solve your problem.

[Godfather]

+



in



X


+


=

problem solved.

You forgot a part of the equation, also it can be solved with or without the packing peanuts.

[Vandy Vol]

I bet if you replaced your taillights with energy efficient, yet radioactive, LED's it would solve your problem.

Actually, it would, but I have no interest in taking the time or spending the money to buy aftermarket tail lights and replacing the entire assembly for both sides.

[GH2001]

Actually, it would, but I have no interest in taking the time or spending the money to buy aftermarket tail lights and replacing the entire assembly for both sides.

Seriously, what do you drive?

[Godfather]

Seriously, what do you drive?

This:


and he does a lot of walking.

[Vandy Vol]

Seriously, what do you drive?

2002 325i

[Saniflush]

You forgot a part of the equation, also it can be solved with or without the packing peanuts.

I left those out on purpose so the ATF, FBI, CIA, Homeland Security could not say that I told him exactly how to make a bomb.

[Godfather]

I left those out on purpose so the ATF, FBI, CIA, Homeland Security could not say that I told him exactly how to make a bomb.

More of a motlov cocktail ...no?!?

[Saniflush]

More of a motlov cocktail ...no?!?

Get with the times. 
They are all bombs now.

[Godfather]

2002 325i

 
I don't really think this is highfalutin just always wanted to use this smiley

[Vandy Vol]

I don't really think this is highfalutin just always wanted to use this smiley

It's just my weekend car.  I ride in on an Ent during the week.

[GarMan]

Get with the times. 
They are all bombs now. 

They actually call them WMDs now. 

[chinook]

2002 325i

bamagrad is that you?

[GarMan]

Now, my question is, why just splice the ground wire?  Why not just reroute the entire wire to that tab, and not have the ground wire included in the 8 pin connector plug?

The reason I ask is because the connector plug has been damaged enough so that there is no plastic insulation between the ground wire and the other wires.  The other wires are fine as far as being insulated from each other; it's just where the ground wire goes that no longer has insulated "walls" in the connector plug.  It would be easier to just remove the ground wire from the connector and have it attached to the tab.  Otherwise, I'd have to get a new connector plug, reinsert all wires (including the ground), and then splice the ground.

Any thoughts? 

If I understand you correctly, your solution should work fine.  The problem is your ground wire carrying the current for all of the lights in your assembly.  It's a common ground for all of the lights.  Pull it out of the connector (or cut it) and reroute to prevent further melting and potential damage. 

2002 325i