I foolishly forgot about the release tab on my headlights and yanked it

This pulled the wires out of the headlight socket. I was able to get the wires back in the right slots and the light to work briefly but i can't get them to stay in the back of the connector. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas on what i can do? It would be like if you pulled the wires from the back of this and needed to get them to sit back inside again http://img.ptimg.com/is/image/Autos/p45239008hd_1?

 

Cut and connect the wires done!

 

Thanks, the ends are still intact, but trying to get them to stay inside the socket is the difficulty. I can push them into their specific holes but can't get them to stay in there once I move it. Are they just not in far enough? Is there something that should lock them in there?

 

You've probably stripped out the plastic "catch" tabs that hold the wires in the socket.
Best to just replace the socket assembly.

 

Thanks FMG

 

If you are talking about the brass/copper ends that pulled out of the plastic housing that the wires are attached to, the copper ends often have a little prong that catches inside the housing to prevent them from being pulled out. If the prongs are bent, they won't catch inside the housing. Bending the prongs back so they stand out slightly will help them catch inside the housing, preventing them from being pulled out.

If the wires themselves have been broken away from the copper contacts, one can remove them from the housing by inserting a thin screwdriver, or such, to press against that prong that hold them in place - resolder, and reinsert into the housing.

 

If you really want to save a few $ at the expense of time and aggravation the pin can be bought and replaced.

But, your local Auto Parts store will be able to get a new plug if they don't have it in stock.