Headlamp Assembly, Depo Problems

sschriber · Sat Apr 09, 2016 3:58 pm

"Bumped" a deer a couple of months ago. Only damage was a shattered left headlamp assembly (all the bulbs still worked). I've dropped the bumper 2 or three times to replace bulbs so swapping in a new headlamp assembly would be relatively easy. Suzuki units are $500. Aftermarket exact fits are half that. I ordered first from Amazon then from Rock Auto. Both units were "Depo" brand. The fit was exact, but the turn signal did not work on either. The main plug went together easily but did not secure. All bulbs worked fine when put back in the taped up old unit.

Are there any other brands out there or am I stuck with salvaged parts or expensive new?

BLyons · Sat Apr 09, 2016 5:55 pm

You might want to contact forum member CG1, I believe he has used Depo brand replacement assemblies before.
And I'm guessing the assembly didn't come with a new socket, correct? It's just swapping over the socket from your OEM assembly? I don't think that should matter, just asking for clarity.
I'm not sure if there are any other replacement brands out there, and I would honestly be kind of surprised if there were.

Sun Apr 10, 2016 3:06 am

I'd go with the OE headlight from Monster Factory Parts. These should be OE Suzuki and they are going for $369.72 each.

https://monsterfactoryparts.com/parts/2 ... am=1470015

CG1 · Mon Apr 11, 2016 1:23 pm

sschriber wrote:"Bumped" a deer a couple of months ago. Only damage was a shattered left headlamp assembly (all the bulbs still worked). I've dropped the bumper 2 or three times to replace bulbs so swapping in a new headlamp assembly would be relatively easy. Suzuki units are $500. Aftermarket exact fits are half that. I ordered first from Amazon then from Rock Auto. Both units were "Depo" brand. The fit was exact, but the turn signal did not work on either. The main plug went together easily but did not secure. All bulbs worked fine when put back in the taped up old unit.

Are there any other brands out there or am I stuck with salvaged parts or expensive new?

Indeed I do have the Depo units, and I think that's our only option apart from OE. Thus far, the quality seems alright. As BLyons noted, they did not ship with any of the caps on the backside that provide access to each bulb, though it appears the OE unit is sold without them as well. I also had the issue with the wiring harness not going in far enough for the clip to latch. That was caused by a sharp ridge on the female side (headlight) that would catch that ribbed silicone gasket on the harness and bunch it up. Once I chamfered the edge all the way around with an exacto, and used some bulb lube things were good. I've run them them since fall, and they did not exhibit any moisture issues, which is often an issue with generic replacements.

Not sure what's up with your blinkers as mine seemed alright. Are you getting the hyperflash condition which usually presents itself when there's an open loop in the circuit?

sschriber · Fri Jun 17, 2016 6:40 pm

Sorry for the Delay... the turn blinkers were flat out dead (no hyperflash) on both DEPO units. I ordered an original part from a local salvage yard ($200). All brackets were intact. The connector slid together nicely and gave a solid "click" . All lights worked and I am back in business! I returned both DEPO units successfully, but am out about $60 in shipping... Montster seems like it would have been a reasonable option. Thanks for everyone's input!

LPSISRL · Fri Jun 17, 2016 7:24 pm

In the future, I've used a clearing house at http://www.junkyarddog.com
The send your request to their network of salvage yards who then contact you with the part/pricing info.