So I bought a used 96 Accord EX with a non-functioning speedometer. and decided to try and fix it with little-to-no experience fixing cars Replaced the speedometer to no avail, so I tackled the VSS, discovering that the VSS plug had melted.

I've acquired a new pigtail, but before I wire it up/plug it in, I want to see what could have caused it to melt like so:




My first thought is the plastic got brittle with age, broke, then shorted out, but I'd like to hear any other opinions so I can troubleshoot.