Which tool? De-pinning dimmer connections

Hi all, I want to use the

$7 MENKEY Terminal Removal Tool Kit for Car, 39 Pieces Wire Connector Pin Release Key Extractor Tools Set for Most Connector Terminal

terminal pin removal tool kit to remove the headlight dimmer wire terminals from the harness/connector on the steering column.

Does anyone know which pin removal tool I should use in the kit? Size and shape? Thanks!

 

man i just use one of my awls that doesnt have too sharp of a point

 

I don't have any idea, but I'm curious about what project you're working on.

 

Any pick tool that will fit will work. Take a quick look at this vid which talk about depinning, crimping, etc. She also lists a few suggested tools in the notes of the video.

https://youtu.be/Wb2VOGU7qc8?feature=shared&t=362

 

Ha! I'm replacing the headlight dimmer switch, which hopefully will solve the problems of no low beams + high beam indicator light on when in low beam mode. See this thread.

 

Thanks, I tried using my pick tools, but with no luck and I don't want to force or break anything. It's entirely possible that I'm doing it wrong. The videos I watch for removing these all describe a different style of crimp terminal than what I'm working with.

 

Understood.

my 1st wire took me 20mins
Then got process down….easy peasy

just throwing out there…..
Comp called Iwire(Subaru mainly)
But
They have tons of videos on how to de-pin multiple types of connections/pigtails

hope it helps you

https://youtu.be/QE7DdnD9cto?si=2DKM0y1HVl0YC6KG

 

I got one of the multi-depinning sets and I still just use a tiny flathead screwdriver for most of them.

 

You need to find what needs to be pressed. Sometimes it is on the connecter, sometimes it is on the pin. Sometimes you need to back probe to release, sometimes from the front. With a flashlight, look at the connection while pulling the wire back and forth. See where it is catching, then figure out if you need to come from back or front to release. Sorry, can't be more specific, but there are so many variations. And I have always used a very small flat screw driver

 

Those look like Molex pins to me.

Molex pins were used in the 70s computer industry, and I suppose they are still used today. They were more or less reliable. I have a tool that was made my Molex to remove the pins from the connectors. You poke it over the pin and all the way down into the plastic connector. When it bottoms out, it has compressed all of the little tabs that prevent the pin from backing out of the connector. You can then tug on the wire and pull the wire and pin out. Here's a photo:

​

 

small flat blade screwdriver or pick tool

 

After trying for quite while, I still cannot get these pins to move at all. Thus far I've tried:

• Small flat blade screwdriver
• Different pick tools
• Every tool in
  $10 XLWJBES Upgraded Terminal Removal Tool Kit, 21Pcs Red Electrical Pin Removal Tool Kit, Electrical Wire Connector Pin Release Tool, Automotive Terminal Release Kit for Household Devices
  this kit

Below are some additional pictures of the pins. Perhaps if I knew what part of the pin I was trying to move or dislodge, it would be helpful. I don't see the plastic connector that @skeezix mentioned. Thank you.

 

Ok I think these are “afixers/pressure pts holding pin wire in plastic the pigtail

 

IMO
Either
-2 picks needed for one pin/wire
-some kinda release flap on plastic pigtail

 

Can u post a pix of the plastic pigtail?
Like what those pins insert into

 

Still no luck. Here are some additional photos that may help us solve this puzzle:

 

Well fuck
Lemme think……

 

Hmmm

Looks like there is a release pin/tab on the bottom of said pins
Here:



Bc of the angle of release tab, appears would have to be accessed through the back of black ECM pin holder (squares)

have u tried that?

 

Can you post a pic of the back of connector straight on? I am thinking that the tab on the bottom is acting like a spring to keep pressure. The square towards the wire on the top, behind the two prongs, may be where the latch is. A lot of times, you need push or pull the pin before you can release. I would try pushing the pin in, holding it there, while back probing to push a tab down on the connecter. If you look in there with a good light, and push/pull the pin at the same time, you should be able to see what is stopping it.

 

So I have a fix, but it is a Plan B fix...

After trying everything suggested in this thread and then some, I took the harness to my good friend works on electrical things for a living. After screwing around with it for another 12-15 minutes, he also could not get these to come out with my toolset (this was validating for me ), so we decided to punt to Plan B.

We carefully inspected the existing wires, removed them from the old dimmer, and soldered them on to the new dimmer. Now I'll start reassembling my steering column stuff, and see if it all works!