footwell blower electrical harness connector

[DGW]

I can't figure out how to disconnect the electrical harness connector from the fan.

I looked at a bunch of blower threads but nobody mentions how to do this. It can't be hard, I see a tiny little spring on the connector and I have a motor on the work bench and I see a knob on each side of the blower connector which I suppose that spring catches, but I don't see how to actually disconnect it.
Can somebody give me a simple instruction?

[Ctopher]

I just pulled my footwell blower to clean and lube two days ago. I’m trying to understand what you are asking since you say you have it on the workbench. My car is a 87, the grey connector pulled right off which is from the harness. If you want you can also remove the metal clip surrounding the plastic connector first but shouldn’t be necessary. Beyond that I’m not sure what else you might have. I did see the fuse that is part of my harness but that stayed in the car and wasn’t touched for removing the blower itself.

What year car? Do you have a pic of what you are working on? Can you ask your question based on the pic?



Ctopher

[john walker's workshop]

Rock side to side as you pull.

[sugarwood]

This also confused me a few years ago.
Do what Walker said.
No need to remove the paper clip wire thing.

[DGW]

Mine looks just like the picture. I tried pulling but could see no evidence it was moving and I didnt want to break anything. Now that I know it will pull off without having to worry about that spring I am sure I can get it. If you have ever broken something trying to get it apart you can understand my reluctance trying to remove the electrical harness connector.

Once I get the wire disconnected, the next challenge will be getting the fan out. Working under the dash is hard on my old body.

Ctopher, the one on the bench is the replacement for the one I am trying to get out of the car.

[Ctopher]

Originally Posted by DGW

Ctopher, the one on the bench is the replacement for the one I am trying to get out of the car.

It shouldn’t be too difficult, the connector, 2 hose clamps and it should twist up and out. Mine sat in a rubber boot/hose that was flexible so it was easy coming out. I’m actually going to remove the drivers today to clean and lube like the last one. Already cleaned and greased the engine heater blower. Making my rounds, next will be the fresh air blower, hopefully no more squealing pigs.


Ctopher

[sugarwood]

I know that feeling well.
You don't want to break old plastic, so you are too gentle.
Just wriggle it back and forth
Don't pull straight back.
When you slant it, I think the tab clears the paper clip