Corroded fog light connections, best way to clean them?

This past December I had my frame replaced and had a few issues arise that the dealer took care of. One that still is still lingering is the fog lights are not working. The circuit is intact, however I’ve discovered the pins in the connectors are severely corroded. I’ve inquired at the parts dept into getting new ones but was told they’re “discontinued” and to try a junkyard. I’ve gone to a few auto parts stores and one was able to find some at $80 a piece. I was also able to locate some on Amazon but read mixed reviews from those who used them. Guess it’s just easier to clean them. What would be the best way to go about cleaning these things? I’ve read about using baking soda, CRC QD electronic cleaner, even vinegar. Looking for a little assistance and advice. Should I even go this route or just try and get new ones? Thanks

 

Before you go out and buy new ones, try out your ideas. You are on course of doing it yourself and saving some $$. I would disconnect the battery before trying to remove the corrision. Any type of mild acid, vinegar, coca-cola or baking soda should be throughly rinsed off. Maybe a small file or something simular could be used the corrision instead. Also the CRC QD electronic cleaner is good electrical cleaner that can also be used for cleaning the MAF sensor. You may also want to think about adding some dielectric grease. I actually use petroleum jelly on a lot of electrical connection. Works great on battery connections.

 

Try cleaning them but if that doesn't work cut them off and replace the plugs.

$13 2 Pin Connector Waterproof Connector,Male and Female Way 16 AWG Wire Suitable for car Truck, Boat and Other Wire Connection (5 kit)

https://www.amazon.com/Connector-wa...locphy=9003712&hvtargid=pla-944411219403&th=1

 

Once you figure out how to clean them well I'd use Alnox and get it worked in well to the female fitting by installing the male side several times and working more Alnox in each time. Then clean off any excess where the plastic fits together.

 

My wife approves of this post .

 

I feel bad for you dudes who have to deal with these types of problems. Hopefully you can work it out, and maybe go through other connectors while you are at it to make sure something else isn't going to fail on ya downstream.

 

Replaced mine this week. OEM discontinued
Both Very corroded, one would not work
Cheap
https://www.carid.com/toyota-oe/front-fog-light-socket-mpn-9008098039.html

 

There are special cleaning tools. You can always crimp on a new pigtail.

Stupid that they would discontinue it, especially on a car not that old, whose terminal end pins are probably used in many other locations and even on current model vehicles since there's no reason to change that design if they (hopefully) got it right the first time.
It's the mark of a successful brand to keep producing parts like this to keep their cars on the road; if they are not, then something is wrong.

I believe Audi/VW phases parts out after 30 years, and Mercedes policy is to produce them for a lifetime. Or at least used to be.

That being said, it's a possible excuse of a lazy or incompetent parts person to just have you leave and say "it doesn't exist" when really they don't know where to find it.
Sometimes you can only find terminal end pins from the manufacturer. Because they have strict quality control at the factory crimping them on and do not trust the technician to do that in a workshop.
However, they still usually sell "repair wire" (per wire), as well as wire itself, with the terminal pins already crimped on the end. Some of the crimping tools and dies can cost $700 at a factory.
They then leave it up to you to do the cutting, and crimping, such as with an NSPA Krimpa-Seal or similar of appropriate gauge thickness.
Which is a mechanical crimp (not solder), shrink tube sheath outer, adhesive lined inside to seal out moisture. $1 or less per/each

Those pins definitely look bad and you should replace them to, at minimum, rule it out of the equation.
It would be cheap to find one that is not corroded at a U-pull yard, cut it off, then crimp it on.

 

Depin each one and clean em. You’ll never get all the corrosion off of them unless you did.
I went through the same issue with mine.

 

This looks like it would work. $12.00. Please verify. Use as pigtail.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/141972109686?fits=Make:Toyota

 

Speaking as one who worked in the metal finishing business for years - and one who lives in the rust belt - skip cleaning them. Although you might be able to successfully clean them, you will have several problems. First, some of the base metal is gone, so the sockets / pins are no longer the correct size to mate and make a good electrical connection. Second, you will have no plating left to protect the base metal from future corrosion.

As others have said, simply cut out and replace the connectors. There are plenty of replacements available. Just make sure to properly seal all of your new connections and use dielectric grease on the new connectors to prevent future corrosion.

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the help. That’s why I love this place, there’s always someone who knows, who has seen, or who has done exactly what you need done.

Think it’ll just be easier to cut and replace the connectors in the long run. Found a decent set on Amazon that I’m going to give a try.

$10 MOTOALL Adapter Socket Connector Wiring Harness Female Plug Pigtail Wire Loom Pair for 9005 9006 9012 9140 9145 9150 9155 HB3 HB4 H10 Headlight Fog Light LED Bulb Lamp Retrofit - 2pcs

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JHTHVZD/?coliid=I1F0NEOFCXIDE7&colid=2YNIOYTP84AM1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

If these don’t cut it I’ll check out the ones from CarID that @Geeves77 mentioned above