Where to find the elusive JDM headlight connector? FOUND!

[camroncamera]

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!

[Huffer]

That actually looks like a fairly common connector found elsewhere on the Subaru harness..?

[hansvonaxion]

This it?



Google is your friend.

The number M04FW I believe is;

M - M type connector
04 - 4 pin
F - Female
W - White?

Looks like there's a Nissan harness repair kit (for Altima, maybe 240sx) available for about $10 that includes the plugs?

Part code: 24342R
Part number: B4344-0CFW0
Part name: CONNECTOR ASSY-HARNESS REPAIR, 4P



As above, 1m Relay, also...

F/RR COMBINATION LAMP
F/LICENSE LAMP

Link

Like I said, these things are going to be generic parts.

I think I found a manufacturer here but it looks to me like you could source them over there, no?

[camroncamera]

This it?



Google is your friend.

WOOT WOOT WOOT! Google was not my friend but it sure was yours! Nice job Hans!

The number M04FW I believe is;

M - M type connector
04 - 4 pin
F - Female
W - White?

Looks like there's a Nissan harness repair kit (for Altima, maybe 240sx) available for about $10 that includes the plugs?

Part code: 24342R
Part number: B4344-0CFW0
Part name: CONNECTOR ASSY-HARNESS REPAIR, 4P



As above, 1m Relay, also...

F/RR COMBINATION LAMP
F/LICENSE LAMP

Link

Sa-weet! Now I've got something to take to my local parts shops to see what they can source from this info!

Like I said, these things are going to be generic parts.

I think I found a manufacturer here but it looks to me like you could source them over there, no?

It looks like one manufacturer is Sumitomo Wiring Systems and Yazaki Corporation is another.

http://www.qcomponents.com/search-resul ... =6101-5041
http://www.sumitomoconnector.com/index.html
http://www.newunitedracetech.com/shop/2 ... 44d33d29b0
http://www.newunitedracetech.com/shop/u ... _1305.html
http://www.newunitedracetech.com/shop/Y ... -8053.html
http://www.newunitedracetech.com/shop/s ... -9157.html

It does not surprise me one bit that there are other vehicles with this connector out there, but it's nice to get confirmation that they are found on at least one or two USDM vehicles. I hope to report back in a couple days if any of the parts stores in the US scan easily get these repair harness, and I'll do some further Google searching to see if I can find the connector by itself through any auto electrical suppliers as well.

Nice job, Hans, thanks again as always!

[camroncamera]

That actually looks like a fairly common connector found elsewhere on the Subaru harness..?

I don't recall seeing any in the engine bay when I pulled the engine to do the headgaskets last year on my USDM BK. Is there somewhere specific within the vehicle I should have a look?

[camroncamera]

Sumitomo 58 series 250(6.0mm) 4 Position Female Housing [White]
Part No. 6101-5041
http://swsct.sws.co.jp/components/en/ho ... 6101504158
http://www.newunitedracetech.com/shop/s ... 68_575_576


Stopper/Retainer (only) for Sumitomo Socket:
Part No. 6918-0075

Yazaki 58 Connectors Unsealed M Type 4 Position Female Housing [Natural]
Part No. 7123-6040 (or PH571-04020 ?)
http://connectors-catalog.sys.yzk.co.jp ... &select=05
http://www.newunitedracetech.com/shop/Y ... -8053.html


Retainer (only) for Female Socket:
Yazaki 58 Connectors Unsealed M Type 4 Position Term Retainer [Black]
Part. No. 6918-0075
http://connectors-catalog.sys.yzk.co.jp ... &select=XX
http://www.newunitedracetech.com/shop/y ... _1296_1305


The link from which Hansvonaxian's photo comes:
http://www.best-sys.com/products/list.p ... ory_id=110
http://www.best-sys.com/products/detail ... uct_id=262
(Google translate: http://translate.google.com/translate?u ... 1&ie=UTF-8 )

The diagrams for the Sumitomo and Yazaki connectors above appear at first glance to have different dimensions, but I believe they are equivalent parts being measured along differing edges/flanges/locking tabs.

[hansvonaxion]

The first pic has the retainer on it also.

[camroncamera]

The first pic has the retainer on it also.

Hansvonaxian is correct.

I've spent half the day Googling these every way til Sunday, and although I've found a few distributors that may be able to supply them in quantities of 3500 (lol), I've yet to find any online retailers that can sell a few of these connectors at a time. I will probably also look into the Nissan repair harness at my local dealership, though it would be nice to find a direct line on the connectors alone.

[harrymaneuvers]

I was searching for the harness side connector for the JDM wrx side markers... turns out it is the same as the foglight connectors... I searched for days and didnt even come up with these two manufacturers... Good to know for the future.

[camroncamera]

No retailers found online yet that have them in stock and available in small quantities. Several wholesalers/distributors listed below.

Placeholder links (these may get deleted/edited as confirmed suppliers are found):

Distributors:
http://www.qcomponents.com/search-resul ... =6101-5041 (Sumitomo Qty. 3600, minimum order US$200.00)
http://www.qcomponents.com/search-resul ... =7123-6040 (Yazaki Qty. 5500, minimum order US$200.00)
http://www.ttiinc.com/page/search_advpa ... mp;utm=704 (Request For Quote (RFQ))
http://www.hobid.com/electronic-component/61015041/ (various distributors RFQ page)
http://connectors-catalog.sys.yzk.co.jp ... elect=null (Yazaki page)
http://www.aedelectronics.com/search.asp (RFQ) (search using part number 6101-5041 (Sumitomo) or 7123-6040 (Yazaki)) Shows quantities available.
http://www.odysseyelectronics.net/resul ... er=odyssey (7123-6040 Yazaki available/in stock, RFQ)
http://www.odysseyelectronics.net/resul ... er=odyssey (6101-5041 Sumitomo available, RFQ)
http://www.sourceesb.com/part.asp?part= ... lter=44774 (Yazaki RFQ through http://www.initialelectroniques.com/ )

None of the above connectors but many other cool connectors:
http://www.bmotorsports.com/shop/index.php/cPath/109

Cool crimp QA chart:
http://www.bmotorsports.com/download/pr ... -Guide.pdf

Not very helpful SumitomoConnector.com website:
http://www.sumitomoconnector.com/index.html

More helpful Sumitomo Wiring Systems website:
http://swsct.sws.co.jp/components/en/ho ... 6101504158

9007 male connectors for building JDM-to-USDM adapters:
http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=1409
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... ink:top:en

[r3v_v3ng3]

Unless your very anal about your stuff, you can just go to a junk yard and go to the import aisle look around for a 4 wire connector (female/male) cut that piece off. Go home depin your wires and transfer them to the connector. WaaaaLaaaa .

Make sure the connector hold the same gauge wire as your old one. Pick n Pull is your friend

[Matty2Hotty]

You just need one connector?

[camroncamera]

You just need one connector?

For me, yes. I just need one female connector (same as in the very first photos of this thread) to have a pair of tidy USDM-to-JDM conversion harnesses in my own BK wagon. I don't even need the wire pigtails, really - just the white plastic connector and the little black retainer that snaps to the back. Happy to buy one from you if you've got one for sale.

Right now I have individual insulated quick-disconnects going directly into the JDM connector of each of my JDM projector fixtures. It works fine but it's not a really elegant install.



But what I'm really getting at is that it would be cool to have a consistent supplier of new JDM-style connectors in bulk so that others that are missing them can easily and inexpensively purchase them and build their own conversion harnesses as needed.

[Matty2Hotty]

Double check but might of thrown mine away. If not I will have two on my subaru am splicing off for my morettes this week.

[Huffer]

You could really use an four pin connector and just rewire both sides - the headlight side and the car harness side, then you'd have your nice snap together harness.

Or, you could still use the butt-end connectors, but enclose them in the same kind of waterproof box that Bosch ships with it's universal O2 sensors.

[camroncamera]

Unless your very anal about your stuff, you can just go to a junk yard and go to the import aisle look around for a 4 wire connector (female/male) cut that piece off. Go home depin your wires and transfer them to the connector. WaaaaLaaaa .
Make sure the connector hold the same gauge wire as your old one. Pick n Pull is your friend

You could really use any four pin connector and just rewire both sides - the headlight side and the car harness side, then you'd have your nice snap together harness.
Or, you could still use the butt-end connectors, but enclose them in the same kind of waterproof box that Bosch ships with it's universal O2 sensors.

Yes, these are workable options, thanks for your input. However, I still think it would be cool to develop a plug-n-play adapter harness to go from stock USDM wiring to JDM fixtures without cutting or depinning any of the stock wiring from either the car or the lights.

Such a harness would be also be useful in that it could
A) allow easy reversal back to USDM headlights should the need arise by simply removing the harness and plugging the stock headlights back in to the car's stock wiring
B) allow easy replacement of damaged JDM lights without having to again modify the wiring of the replacement fixtures
C) allow the simple integration of optional configurations for relays, low beam plus high beam combo, etc.

[harrymaneuvers]

Realistically... you should just ask the seller of your next ebay JDM purchase to snip one and throw it in.

Yes it would be great to find someone who has 10 of those connectors for sale... but if a Google search doesnt easily turn up someone who has them cataloged in their inventory for sale... then it sounds like they were only made and supplied to the factory for automobile production and although the ability to make more exists, it would require an order large enough to justify another run (probably digging out a mold) So yes it is an option for anybody who wants them... but it would most likely be for someone who is making their own product for sale that would use that connector.


I know Elislider was missing one when he got his set and the seller mailed him a pigtail connector.

I am pretty sure the seller's name is newstars... which is who I actually got my lights from a couple years ago.

[Legacy89]

Why not replace all the connectors?
https://www.deutschconnector.com/produc ... ctors.html
Weather proof, different clips for any aplication etc.

[camroncamera]

Looks like there's a Nissan harness repair kit (for Altima, maybe 240sx) available for about $10 that includes the plugs?
Part code: 24342R
Part number: B4344-0CFW0
Part name: CONNECTOR ASSY-HARNESS REPAIR, 4P
http://www.nissanpartszone.com/componen ... 489_8.html

I stopped into the local Nissan dealership parts counter yesterday with the one JDM plug that I do have and a printout from the link above to ask about the Nissan Repair Harness. The parts guy was friendly and helpful and had no problem recognizing that the Nissan parts numbers were valid. While the front counter computer was occupied by another staff member, he disappeared for a good five minutes into the back room to check his inventory computer there. When he returned he told me that, although the parts numbers were valid, he was unable to get them, as his supplier had indicated that the items were No Longer Available. Even if they were available, the pricing would be a several dollars more than the prices on my printout sheet. His suggestion was that I should order the set from the online retailer on my printout, so perhaps I'll try that.

On a whim, I went directly across the street to the Subaru dealership parts counter (this area is known locally as the Vancouver Auto Mall, as there are about 5 new car dealers all jammed together on one-half mile strip of road) and showed the Subaru parts guy my connector. He also was unable to source the connector, but I'm glad I stopped in because he was very familiar with the popularity of JDM Subaru parts. He told me he was unable to source JDM parts, and that he cannot even enter valid JDM part numbers into the computer, as they don't come up... this conclusively answered the question I've had for some time whether USDM dealerships can order JDM parts. Even though the answer was an unsurprising "no," I'm no longer left to wonder lol.

After the dealership visits, I drove out to my town's Pick N' Pull to see if they had pre-removed parts ('95 USDM Leggy folding mirrors, Outback front bumper beam for my GT-B Limited bumper project). But since everything is pull-ur-self, I didn't pay to go into the yard with no tools on me in the pouring rain, lol. They told me that they had two Legacies on the lot, but they couldn't tell me what parts were still on the cars. I could see from the road that they had an Outback, but the front bumper was either gone or maybe stuffed into the back of the wagon (hard to see through the slats of a junkyard fence, lol). I didn't think of it at the time, but If the Nissan Repair Harness is applicable to several mid-90's USDM Nissans, maybe I'll try to see if there are any Nissans that have any of those connectors in place from the factory the next time I go. There is also a Japanese indoor wrecker in Portland I've been meaning to check out, so maybe I'll hit that place with these connectors in mind as well.

Why not replace all the connectors?
https://www.deutschconnector.com/produc ... ctors.html
Weather proof, different clips for any aplication etc.

That too is a good idea; the JDM headlight connectors are secure but not weathersealed.

Realistically... you should just ask the seller of your next ebay JDM purchase to snip one and throw it in.

Yes it would be great to find someone who has 10 of those connectors for sale... but if a Google search doesnt easily turn up someone who has them cataloged in their inventory for sale... then it sounds like they were only made and supplied to the factory for automobile production and although the ability to make more exists, it would require an order large enough to justify another run (probably digging out a mold) So yes it is an option for anybody who wants them... but it would most likely be for someone who is making their own product for sale that would use that connector.

I know Elislider was missing one when he got his set and the seller mailed him a pigtail connector.

I was hoping to do that with my order from Hans, but he was unable to source them. I've placed RFQ's with two of those US-based online vendors that specialize in selling hard-to-find connectors in small quantities. I'll definitely update everyone once I hear back from them.

[Legacy89]

Use these at work on all of our Cat Eqipment.
When they can survive -45 to +90C in mud, snow and rain i they would most certanly survive in a enginebay.
They are rugged and easy to install and remove. Everything is re-usable except the pins/barrels.

[camroncamera]

UPDATE!

Yesterday I heard back from New United Race Tech with regards to my Request For Quote (RFQ). The good news... they CAN get the Yazaki-branded connectors The not-as-good news - minimum order on the
Yazaki 58 Unsealed M Type 4 Position Female Housing connectors is 74 pieces @ US$1.58 (US$116.92 before shipping).
The minimum order on the
Yazaki 58 Unsealed M Type 4 Position Male Housing connectors (only needed if you wish to replace the one on your JDM headlight assembly) is 44 pieces @ US$2.25 (US$99.00 before shipping).
I've confirmed that the retainer/stopper is a separate part and would also need to be ordered (don't yet have a price/min qty.). Still not an economical solution, but it is progress, lol.

BUT - The website has an awesome connector expert on its Live Chat feature - Justin really knows his stuff and was superbly helpful! I referred him to this thread today and explained what I am trying to accomplish. He seemed really impressed with the legwork we've done so far. He even was able to positively identify the manufacturer of the MO4F connector in my first photos in this thread:

Justin says:
that part in the image is a KUM CO part
Justin says:
a 3rd manufacturer source
Justin says:
... its SJD = Mitsubishi cable industrys = Korean machinest union
Camron says:
You are referring to my close-up photos of the connector and pigtail I have?
Justin says:
yeah
Camron says:
WOW, you know your stuff!
Justin says:
this is typical ... OEMs like toyota honda ect require 3 manufactures to make a part
Camron says:
The plot thickens lol
Justin says:
you have no idea
Justin says:
i got gravy over here
Camron says:
gravy... lol

Anyway, he was familiar with most of the distributors I mentioned in this thread, but agreed that I was unlikely to find any of them willing to sell in small quantities since they are wholesalers. Justin also suggested checking in 90's USDM Nissans and Hondas to salvage these connectors used. I was actually able to visit a third wrecking yard a few days ago with Nissans in mind (thinking of the repair harness mentioned a few posts back) but no dice thus far. Didn't really look in any Hondas yet.

[camroncamera]

UPDATE

New United Race Tech has managed to obtain a very small handful of the Yazaki connectors, with NO MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITY as long as your quantity is 5 or fewer (There was 10 in stock, but I bought 5 for myself, being sure to leave a few for you guys that would also like a couple).

The Yazaki female connector housing is sold for US$2.25/each: http://www.newunitedracetech.com/shop/i ... ts_id=8053
The stopper/retainer is sold separately, plenty in stock with no MOQ @ US$2.50/each: http://www.newunitedracetech.com/shop/i ... ts_id=8090
The proper B-type 0.250" female terminals are also available @ US$0.19/each: http://www.newunitedracetech.com/shop/i ... ts_id=8074 Be aware that these terminals require a B-type crimp tool (the kind that makes those really nice OEM-style crimps).

Once the current handful of Yazaki JDM headlight connectors sells out, the next Minimum Order Quantity will be 74 pieces (@ US$1.58/each at quantity pricing).

I'd like to reiterate that Justin at New United Race Tech was extremely helpful and very knowledgeable about the many, many items he offers. I was notified that my order has shipped and I am very much looking forward to these parts. The Live Chat feature on his site puts you directly in contact with him, and this was really useful for getting these parts available. He also said that if, say, a vendor purchased the minimum quantity of 74 pieces, that after that point there would be no further minimum order quantity restrictions for additional customers afterward. The initial MOQ is used to cover his cost for getting the parts from his suppliers.

[camroncamera]

My order from New United has arrived!


Brand-spanking-new Yazaki JDM-style Headlight Connectors, Stoppers, Female 58-type terminals, and B-Crimp tool:


Old VS. New... looks like a perfect match, but the new terminals can use larger-gauge wire:



Close-up comparison:


Thrilled with this order, ready to start relaying and wiring! ...er, oops I still need to order those 9007 male connectors lol:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... ink:top:en

[hansvonaxion]

You should have bought at the bulk rate and become the go to man for connectors.

[camroncamera]

You should have bought at the bulk rate and become the go to man for connectors.

It had crossed my mind, but once the initial bulk rate quantity is met, all the following orders would be no Minimum Order Quantity from that vendor after such an order - so anyone that needs only one or two connectors could then order just those one or two from New United. The only way to really make it work for me (or anyone else) to fulfill the MOQ would be to build and sell complete conversion harnesses for those that would rather not DIY...but I'd better build and test a couple of my harnesses first, lol.

Looks like the bulk minimum order quantity on the connector has gone up to 100pcs. at US$1.35, and the retainers are limited to 64pcs. in stock at the moment at US$2.50. And they are now down to 50 female terminals in stock at US$0.19, limiting the number of pairs to build to 6.

Lets see if my crappy math works out to make 6 pairs using the above info, lol...
58-series Yazaki Connector - 100pcs. @ US$1.35 = US$135.00
Yazaki Stopper/Retainer for above connector - 12pcs. @ US$2.50 = US$30.00
58-series Female Faston terminals - 50pcs. @ US$0.19 = US$9.50
Add also:
ebay 9007 USDM headlight adapters - 12pcs. @ US$4.99/pr = US$59.88 + US$6.70 Shipping to my ZIP code = US$66.58

At this point I'm up to US$241.08 (before shipping from New United), lets round that up to $250.00

So US$250.00 / 6 pairs = US$41.67 materials cost per pair, and this does not even include additional materials such as wire, fully insulated quick-disconnects (for making the harnesses expandable for relays, Hi+Low double ground, etc.), nor my time making them, packaging them and shipping them out.

Le sigh.

[harrymaneuvers]

You are honestly better off emailing 4-5 JDM parts sellers from Japan or NZ on ebay and asking for a favor.


I know Elislider was able to contact the guy he bought his headlights from and he sent elislider a pigtail.

[camroncamera]

You are honestly better off emailing 4-5 JDM parts sellers from Japan or NZ on ebay and asking for a favor.
I know Elislider was able to contact the guy he bought his headlights from and he sent elislider a pigtail.

Yeah, that totally makes sense if somebody just needs one or two connectors for their own conversion. If someone were to build and sell full conversion plug-n-play harnesses, I think that all-new components with heavier-gauge wiring would be a good selling point. It's just that the math doesn't work out very well until there are either no MOQ's or no constraints on the availability of related parts.

[camroncamera]

[r3v_v3ng3]

^^ nicely done!

[harrymaneuvers]

I like your style.

I put a few drops of silicone epoxy in the back of the blue connector to keep moisture out of the inside of the terminal openings.

Wondering where you got these at... I would bet they also have the pigtail connector for the JDM WRX side markers which is the same as the wrx fog light connector.