Please help me take apart this plug?

[squelch]

This is the plug inside my power mirror. I am replacing the exterior part of the mirror, but this plug will not fit through the hole to get the mirror off the door. I would like to pull each one of these wires out of the plug in order to thread the wire bundle through the hole.

Does anyone know how to to get these wires out without tearing things up? I need to re-use them in the plug after I put the new mirror on. I imagine there is some sort of barb that is holding the wire contact inside the plug housing, but I can't figure out a way to get it off.

Thanks,
Chuck

[Diverwes]

If it is like most plugs look inside the end and you will see the pin and a small tab that comes out and catches on the plastic housing. You will use a very very small screwdriver or a pick and push it inside the pin part and push the tab back in without breaking it off then pull the wire and connector out of the plug.

[Diverwes]

You can also buy a pin popper from Radio Shack.

[jeff1hughes]

+1 on this!

Originally Posted by Diverwes

You can also buy a pin popper from Radio Shack.

[john walker's workshop]

the release tool looks like a thin-wall tube that slips over the male/female terminal end and pushes in the lock tab. motorcycle stores usually have one.

[GH85Carrera]

I went to several Radio Shack stores. When I asked for the pin removal tool they all looked at me like I asked for a Flux Capacitor. I tried several professional radio shops. I finally found the right size tool at a local tool shop that is sort of like a local Harbor Freight. It is a multi-function tool that is low quality but cheap and it worked. I would love to find a source for a professional tool of the right size. I bought a Snap-on brand tool that is real close but not quite right.

Removing the mirror is a pain. I know several people just cut the wires and just solder & use heat shrink tubing. That has one advantage, the wire ends are the same color. The connectors can be a chore to get the correct color connector in the correct hole.

[squelch]

Thanks for the info Gents. I went to Radio Shack today. The correct term for the tool is Pin Extractor. Here it is. However, they only have one size and it looked too big for my purposes. I just went ahead and cut the wires and soldered them back together. Not as cleans as taking the plug apart, but it works good enough.

Thanks,
Chuck

Here is a pin extractor: