1st Gen Wire Harness Depinning Tool for Sumitomo Connectors

I'm looking to use some existing wire harness connector open and existing positions to add power mirror controls and rear locking differential controls to my '98 Tacoma. These connectors look to have Sumitomo pins and sockets (Corsa TSO90 type).

Does anyone out there know where I can find a good depinning tool to release some of these pins/sockets from the harness connectors? I ordered one of those cheap multi-tool types from Amazon and have had zero luck so far.

Thanks in advance.

 

Not the recommended method, but mine were so brittle that I carefully crushed the plastic on a few of the ones that I couldn't get to release using a pick set. Of course I had new connectors to replace the old ones.

 

Thanks. I got a few connectors I don’t need from a donor truck that I can test/practice with so I don’t screw up my wiring. I just know how this stuff goes and I’m bound to stick a wire in the wrong place and I’ll need to pull it back out! I do plan to do as you have and just break out the pins and sockets off the donor connectors if I can’t get them out any other way. Probably wishful thinking, but I was just hoping there was a good tool out there that worked well with these type of connectors. I did order some new connectors too.

 

I use this kit from Amazon, used it quite a few times to repin factory tacoma connectors.

$52 8MILELAKE Terminal Release Kit 23PC Universal Terminal Connector Release Tool

8MILELAKE Terminal Release Kit 23PC Universal Terminal Connector Release Tool

Check out the FSM too online, electrical section to show how to remove pins correctly with tools.

 

I just use a a tiny flat head screwdriver. You just have to pay attention to which way you need to pry against the pin and it comes out pretty easy.

 

Many Thanks for the information and advice. I’ll check into these tools and the FSM.

 

I tried about 3 different tiny screw drivers with no success. I’m probably not doing something right but will check the FSM instructions and keep trying. Thanks.

 

There's a downloadable copy of an older "Toyota Wiring Harness Repair Manual" out on the 'net. It's a fantastic resource for dealing with Toyota connectors. It discusses depinning, has the part number for all the connectors in the Toyotaverse at the time, and shows details like how the latches work and what pin numbers correspond to what cavity.

It's a tricky one to get used to. But stay with it -- seriously -- and it'll answer all the questions you might have. But be prepared, even if the info is there it's not intuitive to figure it out.

 

Many Thanks. I’ll search for this manual tomorrow.

 

Try this one:

 

Wow. That's great! Thanks so much!

 

I already found one of my problems. I didn't realize there is a locking retainer on the connector housing that I have to release. Duh!...reading on.

 

Haha yea there’s a locking retainer on all of them and they are all different. Once that’s out, just look straight on at the pin and see which side has the retaining tab. Stick a small screwdriver or pick in there and lift the retainer off the pin while pulling on the wire on the backside. It should slide out easily at that point. Sometimes you have to push the wire in slightly to release tension on that small retainer.

 

I think releasing the retainer is my problem. I do need to credit whomever designed these Toyota housings and connectors - damn they're locked in tight! I wish half my bush-rig wiring jobs worked as well as these. Anyhow, thanks again to you and others for your replies and help - really appreciate it.