VW Rear Tail Light 5-Pin Plug (5K0 972 705): Heat, Corrosion & Reliable Repair
Rear lamp connectors often fail from contact resistance at one or two high-load pins. The result is localised heating, flicker, or a melted corner of the plug. This guide explains the root cause and shows the correct fix.
What Fails (and Why)
- Loss of terminal tension increases resistance → heat builds at the contact → plastic browns/melts.
- Water ingress from a compromised seal accelerates corrosion and voltage drop.
Inspection Points
- Discolouration on one pin or a burnt smell near the lamp
- Loose terminal that won’t “click” in its cavity
- Corrosion under the seal lip
Repair Steps
- Replace the 5-pin housing and the affected terminals—not just the shell.
- Verify crimp height and proper seal compression (no pinched seals).
- Load-test the lamp while monitoring voltage drop across the repaired pin.
Recommended Product
5-Pin Rear Tail Light Connector (5K0 972 705)
Tip
If one contact has overheated, proactively replace neighbours to prevent repeat failures.
