EDIT: Complete 2nd-gen '95-'99 Legacy JDM headlight conversion harnesses now available!:
DIY JDM Headlight Installation with JDM Harness Adapters page is HERE. Questions and comments on the install and the product itself are encouraged in that thread
The JDM Headlight Adapter purchase signup page is HERE.
Thanks!
******************
As originally posted Sat Mar 17, 2012 6:59 pm:
I installed JDM projector headlights last year into our BK wagon and I love them. However, even though both headlights were complete from the bulbs to the female JDM plugs on the fixtures, for whatever reason I was only supplied with one of the two female connectors and pigtails that was snipped from the original JDM vehicle. This seems to be common from the threads I've read on JDM headlight installs.
It wasn't a show-stopper, and I was able to make do by wiring my projectors using insulated quick-disconnect terminals. However, I did very reluctantly have to snip off my stock USDM 9007 connectors in order to perform this mod. (I've since found out that male 9007 plugs are available; here is one: http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=1409 )
The past few weeks hansvonaxian, based in Japan, has been so kind as to look for JDM parts for me and others. I asked him specifically about this elusive car-side JDM headlight connector. He told me that this Subaru part at the dealership is listed only as a whole wiring harness, and that the plug itself was not available separately. I've searched these forums and have seen several others ask about the plug as well, but no one seems to know where to get replacements without buying another whole set of lights. I'm wondering if we can once and for all solve the mystery of where to find this connector.
Here are a few closeups of the one connector I did receive with my JDM lights:
It is actually two parts - a white plastic housing, and a black plastic retainer (removed in this photo) for the terminals.
Although the plastic plug itself appears to be "male", it houses female terminals:
Just to clarify, this is the car-side JDM headlight plug. Or, in other words, the plug that would be "permanently" wired into the JDM vehicle that donated the light fixtures. My JDM headlight fixtures themselves both came complete with the female end of this type of connector. It is the male end that myself and other are often missing.
Here also is a closeup of the I.D. markings on this male plug:
"SJO" or SJD? (manufacturer, maybe?), then "A-12 MO4FW"
Could we find another source of these plugs - new or used? It seems that common auto parts stores in the US cannot get them, but maybe it is only a matter of part ID?
Could we determine the manufacturer of this plug, if not Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru Japan)? It does not have the FHI logo so I kind of doubt that it is made by Subaru itself.
Would there by any USDM vehicles - Subaru or otherwise - that uses these connectors? Possibly sitting in a junkyard near you?
Would there be any other JDM vehicles - Subaru or otherwise - that uses these connectors?
Would common auto parts stores in Japan carry these connectors, in the way that a US parts store commonly carries replacement 9007 plugs?
Finding an alternate source of these plugs would go a long way towards being able to easily make USDM->JDM adapter harnesses and eliminate the need to permanently cut on our stock wiring.
Thanks all for helping solve the mystery of the JDM headlight connector!