How to Disconnect a Wire Harness Connector

A wiring harness connector is made so that it doesn't come loose with the vibrations of the car and engine. If a sensor or the computer should come unplugged, at best, the vehicle would run shoddy. In most cases, the vehicle will stall. Most wiring harness connectors can be removed by hand, but if the plug is newer the connectors might need to be persuaded to come loose. Sensors have two tangs on either side of the sensor. The computer has tangs in some cases, but on most vehicles it is bolted into the back of the computer.

• 1

  Pry the two tangs on the sensor out with your fingers. Pull the plug out of the sensor. If you cannot pry both tangs open with one hand, use the screwdriver to "help" one of the tangs pull away from the sensor.

• 2

  Slide the screwdriver between the tang and the sensor. Use your fingers to pull the other tang away from the sensor and pull the plug.

• 3

  Unbolt the retaining bolt in the center of the computer's wiring harness, using the appropriate socket. Pry the tangs on each side of the plug away from the plug, if the computer wiring harness is equipped with both, or just the tangs. Pull the plug straight out of the computer, taking care not to bend the pins in the plug.