Mauireman

I need to remove my central fuse panel to try and repair a burnt fuse socket. To do so I need to unplug all the wiring plugs along the bottom and don’t want to break any of them. They don’t seem to just pull out and must have some sort of retaining clip? Anyone know how these plugs come out?
THANKS
Dan

Kevin in Atlanta

From Alan:
1) Disconnect the battery (always)
2) Uncover the panel - you need good access all round - so remove the passenger mats - fold carpet well back & out of the way
3) Pull out the red unlocking tab in the center bottom - make sure the disengagement bar slides to release the bottom tab of the plugs (early years <'85 don't have this)
4) Remove all the plugs - use puller tools (or make one - big paper clip & pliers?). Each plug has 2 loops (diagonal offset) you can use - avoid breaking the top (tiny) 'lock' tabs (caution brittle - ease it)*
5) Unbolt & remove the top panel red wire connections (different connections on <'85 cars)
6) Unbolt the panel - top & bottom of panel (detail varies by year - early cars have a bottom hinge)
7) Ease the panel out from behind the ECU's (more awkward on 85+ cars - bigger panel)
8) Fold the panel down & remove the ground connections above the panel location
9) Remove the panel from the car.

Mauireman

Thank You!

Mrmerlin

Note the red pull tab pulls out about 12 MM,
the locking bar moves sideways as this happens,
then each connector has a small finger tab that holds the top of the connector in place,
push the tab easily or you can snap it off

Kevin in Atlanta

Hint: Grasp the connector by its wires keeping constant pressure on the wires. As you pull gently move the finger tab up until it releases the connector.

Alan

I'd say don't pull on the wires - make a tool and use the 2 tabs as in #4 or use a puller tool alternatively on these 2 tabs (ease the upper retaining tab as you pull the plugs - these get very very brittle with age (only applies to 85+ cars)

Alan

ammonman

Slip a business card between the small "finger tab" and the plug body before pulling the plug out. These get VERY brittle and break off easily.