brians356

How do I release this male/female connector (see somewhat blurry picture.)

On the left end, there seems to be the release, however I cannot see how to squeeze it without some special tool.

Brian

Tmcmahon

is the connector mounted in place to a metal piece? if so there should be a release tab near the metal piece, and after you take the connector off it should come apart like a normal connector

brians356

Is was attached to a metal tab on the A/C fan housing. I got it off the "hanger" tab no sweat, I am trying to decouple the two halves. It may be a "normal" connector but I can't figure out how to release it. ;-(

Brian

Former User

Should be a press to release connector. Press the tab while using a flathead screw driver to separate the two sides of the connector.

brians356

When you say "press the tab" you mean in the direction straight away from the camera?

(It looks almost like I need to squeeze the two little fingers on the sides of the tab towards the middle.)

Tmcmahon

in the picture there is the part on the left of the connector with the two lines on it. press that down and use a flat head screwdriver between the two sides to the connector and twist the screwdriver while still holding down the ridged piece on the left

Former User

HondaPartsHero

Like said press down on that tab, I've found that rocking side to side will also dislodge or pliers on the tab side and pull with your hand on the other.

brians356

Nope. Pressed that tab with pliers, partially destroyed the connecter trying to pry it apart with a flat screwdriver blade. I defy anyone to part it that way.

The so-called release tab does not move when pressed, no springing action, there is no place for it to move to, unlike the one on the other end which releases the connector from the metal hanger tab on the fan housing - that tab displaces quite a ways when you press it.

Can anyone can show me a picture of this type of connecter split apart?

Brian

Former User

What car? Which connector in the diagram below?

brians356

It's the one on the left, hangs on the fan housing. Part of my problem is I can't get both hands down into that area to really get hands and/or tools on the connector, as it is still hanging onto the harness under the fan housing, can't pull it up and out to get to it.

It's a '92 Civic VX.

Brian

Former User

What car?

brians356

I wrote:

"It's a '92 Civic VX."

Former User

Below is the diagram for your car.

What exactly are you doing? Replacing the condenser fan?

brians356

I believe it is the thermoswitch connector.

I should mention this is related to the thread I started last week on the thermal protector unit (still open questions in that thread):

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/new-member-need-c-info-92-civic-vx-3156651/

The wire between this connector and the thermal protector unit on top of the A/C compressor was chewed away by squirrels (or rabbits or packrats.) All I am trying to do is get it out where I can splice in some wire. Or, I would need to disconnect it if I buy the thermal replacement group.

Brian

93HondaDelSolSi

Push the back end of the tab down on the connector either by hand or squeeze with needle nose pliers. Regular pliers will destroy the connector. Then use a pocket screw driver or similar sized screw driver to gently separate the connector halves. The connector is the same on my 93 Del Sol.

brians356

Forgive me, but which end of the tab is the "back end"? Outboard end?

Don't want to be obtuse, but pushed on the tab (thumb and pliers), it doesn't "give" at all.

Thanks for you patience. I really am a car guy, just new to these Japanese connectors which, frankly, seem over-engineered and "child-proofed."

Brian

93HondaDelSolSi

The raised end of the connector with the two raised lines to the left of your fingers in the picture. If it has been connected since day one it is a P.I.T.A first time off.

HondaPartsHero

It's like any Honda two piece connector (02 sensor, reverse switch, VTEC solenoid, etc). The connector you are showing is the condenser power connector, it's identical to your VTEC solenoid connector on the VX. Go to your VTEC solenoid connector and separate it and you'll see how it looks apart. Trust me I make wiring harnesses day in day out. The connectors in that part of the harness get lots of water, sand and dirt in them and cause them to freeze up like that. I've never had one not separate using the plier method and I've literally seperated hundreds of them if not thousands. Good luck!

brians356

Thanks, I will search for a more accessible copy of that connector and play with it first, to get the feel.

Probably a dumb idea: Would a little WD-40 judiciously applied at the joint not penetrate and help loosen it up? (Later, a little alcohol to wash away the WD-40.)

Brian

Former User

I think this^ would be fine. After cleaning the connector, you also might want to apply some dielectric grease to help seal and protect it from moisture.