Dash Removal Help

sandmc

sandmc

New Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2019
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11
Location
Virginia
I’m removing my dash and HVAC in order to replace my heater core. Does anyone know what these grey and yellow connectors are and how to disconnect them? I’ve already snapped one wire and am trying to minimize damage.

I’ve tried pressing the tabs, manipulating the red piece, brute force…I’m stuck.

Any thoughts?

image.jpg
 
Last edited:
sandmc said:
I’m removing my dash and HVAC in order to replace my heater core. Does anyone know what these grey and yellow connectors are and how to disconnect them? I’ve already snapped one wire and am trying to minimize damage.

I’ve tried pressing the tabs, manipulating the red piece, brute force…I’m stuck.

Any thoughts?

View attachment 526886
Click to expand...

Disengage the red locking tabs first. Be gentle,more force is never the solution
 
sandmc said:
How do you disengage the tabs? That’s where I’m stuck. They’re not moving either
Click to expand...

If you don't spray them with some electrical connector cleaner first they often won't come loose (local parts store or Walmart). Gunk gets in there and the connectors freeze. I did an entire engine harness and dash harness swap, and I generously sprayed the connector cleaner on each connector first, then on the ones with the red tab, you push the tab over (not all the way out) toward the solid side (or use the raised portion to try to slide it, but I usually push from the opposite side. Then you push down on the tab just above it in your photo. When you do push the connectors TOGETHER first, and then pull it apart. You are getting things moving again when you do this.

Sucks removing the HVAC. If you need more help along the way tag me in a post so I see it.

Screenshot 2024-05-14 at 12.02.57 PM.png
 
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JMT said:
If you don't spray them with some electrical connector cleaner first they often won't come loose (local parts store or Walmart). Gunk gets in there and the connectors freeze. I did an entire engine harness and dash harness swap, and I generously sprayed the connector cleaner on each connector first, then on the ones with the red tab, you push the tab over (not all the way out) toward the solid side (or use the raised portion to try to slide it, but I usually push from the opposite side. Then you push down on the tab just above it in your photo. When you do push the connectors TOGETHER first, and then pull it apart. You are getting things moving again when you do this.

Sucks removing the HVAC. If you need more help along the way tag me in a post so I see it.

View attachment 526900
Click to expand...

Thanks for the insight. Looking at the FSM, I think these are the plugs that control on/off switch for the passenger side. I'm about to have to run up to the parts store to get some quick disconnect tools so I'll pick up some of this too. One of the wires broke when I was trying to get a better grip on it. May have to see if I can get one of those from Rock Auto while I've got it apart.


1715713804521.png
 
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sandmc said:
Thanks for the insight. Looking at the FSM, I think these are the plugs that control on/off switch for the passenger side. I'm about to have to run up to the parts store to get some quick disconnect tools so I'll pick up some of this too. One of the wires broke when I was trying to get a better grip on it. May have to see if I can get one of those from Rock Auto while I've got it apart.


View attachment 526904
Click to expand...

Yeah, you can reset the pins with the right tools. I didn't break any connectors, which is very fortunate. Do all you can to be patient. I think the electrical cleaner will be your best friend for the rest of the task. It's a lot of connectors to get to the heater core. It's also a lot of screws on the HVAC box! And two clips (don't foget them!) Fortunately, it's not difficult to find where everyone plugs back in and they only connect one way, but don't forget to plug them all back in. I missed one on the bottom of the HVAC box and it took me six weeks to realize why I wasn't getting heat!
 
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