Scotty and everyone, how in the world do you guys unhook electrical connections?! It feel like I spend more of my time on those electrical connectors than anything else. What’s the secret to doing this easily?
Carefully.
I think the real trick is to discover what type of locking clip they used on the dang thing and then figure out how to release the clip without breaking it. Never had this problem in the old days, just yank it off. Now, there always seems to be some mysterious and convoluted latching mechanism that is designed to break when you touch it.
“Designed to break.”
Agreed!!!
What’s the secret to doing this easily?
Patience, ingenuity, and the right tools.
And a LOT of swearing..
it doesn't hurt
Yes! I used something like that flathead in the pic. There were some connectors where the latch mechanism wasn’t accessible by the flathead no matter which way I angled it.
Patience, ingenuity, tools, and swearing. Got it!
maybe if you posted a pic we could help. There are various kinds of connectors each with their own technique.
I would totally if I were still stuck! I never figured out the actual connector, but I found another way in to the actual thing I needed to change out.
It was a PCV Valve on a friends 3rd Gen Prius. And it is located underneath a whole bunch of stuff that needed to come off.
Well....you gotta hold yer tongue juuuuust rite! 😀
It is comforting to know that not just us novices have this same problem. I have searched for 45 minutes trying to find a good video for you, kaizen, but most have to do with de-pinning, not unhooking. But I'll keep looking because I always appreciate the time and effort you give to help me and others here.
Thanks for lookin’. I am all ears.
There are a bunch more guys on here that know way more and have worked on way more cars than me.
That’s what’s great about this forum, is that whether you are a professional mechanic, hobbyist, expert, experienced, or novice… we are here to share the knowledge we picked up, and maybe learn a thing or two along the way.
I am happy to share what I have picked up over the years either working on my own car or trying NOT to get ripped off by dealerships or unscrupulous mechanics.
Yes indeed, I agree with all that you said. It is a great website in so many ways and I am thankful for it.
Just read a recommendation to use a blast of compressed air to removed any crud that may have built up behind a tab that needs room to be opened up, or depressed and also a squirt of penetrating oil to help the connector release.
Also saw this tool being recommended: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002STTPW/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00
Still looking for a video.
That’s an interesting tool!
Well once you order it, you can post a review! 😉
I hesitate to ask, but did you click on the "free review" tab to check it out at Amazon?
I just clicked on the “preview” button.
Video of the Lisle 13120 electrical connector separator:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrW2Kcz9rYs
That looks like it may just work!
Well it looks like the Amazon link that I posted has disappeared. This is the name of the tool that I saw someone recommend, for those who are still interested:
Lisle 13120 electrical connector separator.
Whenever one of the stupid locking clips break, I put the electrical connection back together with a tight Zip Tie. That'll hold it.