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Before I break a connector: I am replacing the horn relay on my '73. Seems to be a very simple process........however, I am finding it very difficult to get the two electrical connectors off that attach to the blades in the white plastic case on the bottom of the relay. Does anyone know if those connectors simply pull off of the single blade each connects to, or is there some trick to it or some tool to make it happen without breaking a connector?
I know, it seems very simple, but I don't want to use unnecessary force that ends up breaking something if there's a simple technique to get it done. As far as I know (and I'm the original owner), the two connectors are original to the car and may be more brittle with age than newer ones would be, likely making them easier to break. Breaking connectors turns what is about a 15 minute job into a few days down because of tracking down, getting, and reinstalling new connectors.
Before I break a connector: I am replacing the horn relay on my '73. Seems to be a very simple process........however, I am finding it very difficult to get the two electrical connectors off that attach to the blades in the white plastic case on the bottom of the relay. Does anyone know if those connectors simply pull off of the single blade each connects to, or is there some trick to it or some tool to make it happen without breaking a connector?
Thanks for any insight someone may have.
They probaby don't just simply pull off. The connectors probably have a "tang" or latch like mechanism that has to be depressed with a very small screwdriver blade. It's very fiddly for one person to do. You may have to unbolt the horn relay to hold it up and rotate it around looking for the connector "tangs" to depress to allow the connector to release.
The are just pressure fitted- there are tangs that hold them in place-but are not locking. The "walls" around the connector on the horn relay are smooth.
The connector itself- is pressure fitted -
Some contact cleaner-and a pair of needle nose - gently work it back and forth.
Richard, yes those are the same connectors. I'll keep working at it.
Just to be clear, use the needle nose pliers to work the connector (bottom picture) to which the wire is attached, or the plastic shields, shown in your hand, that surround the actual metal connector?
Thanks to 68/70Vette and to Richard for the hints.
Last edited by tankertoad89; Aug 29, 2020 at 01:45 PM.
Electrical Connectors
