Pulling electrical terminals
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Pulling electrical terminals
I've found corrosion on some terminals plugged into the connector under the driver's seat of my 2000 3.0 2WD Ranger. I'd like to pull them and clean them, but I can't seem to get 'em out. I know Snapon sells a terminal tool, but they cost $17, and Autozone was no help as usual. If anyone has ideas or suggestions, they are more than welcome. Thanks everyone.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
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From: Virginia
There is usually a tang that catches when the terminal is pushed into the plastic block. The trick is to get this tang pushed back down so you can pull it out.
If the terminal has multiple tangs all around it, you are pretty much sunk, and are going to need a special tool. If you can look up inside and see only one tang, sometimes you can insert a very small jeweler's screwdriver up inside the block and release it. You insert opposite the wire end, while pulling on the wire.
If the terminal has multiple tangs all around it, you are pretty much sunk, and are going to need a special tool. If you can look up inside and see only one tang, sometimes you can insert a very small jeweler's screwdriver up inside the block and release it. You insert opposite the wire end, while pulling on the wire.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
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I'd say go with the $17.00 tool. If you must try to do this on the cheap, try measuring the pin diameter (a caliper would work best if you have one) or take the truck to a hardware store to do the next step. Buy some small diameter brass tubing that will just fit over the pins in the connector (if the store will let you, take the tubing out and try it on the pins). Also buy some steel rod that will fit inside the brass tube. You might want to figure out a way to put a handle on the tube and the rod so you don't puncture your hand. No insert the tube into the connector over the pin you want to remove. Push the tube firmly down to seat it in the connector and press the retaining tabs on the pin down. Then insert the steel rod in the tube and push the pin out. This is much better than trying to pull the pin out by the wire it is connected to.
You might also check at Radio Shack. They probaly have pin pushers for less than $17.00
You might also check at Radio Shack. They probaly have pin pushers for less than $17.00
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,007
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From: Oregon
You can find the tools cheaper. The unofficial name for the pins are Molex pins, so try a google search for "Molex Pin Extractor" and a bunch of links come up. Hobby shops will have some of the small diameter tubing, if you want to make your own, but I've always used steel and it seems that with the amount of force needed to push those suckers out sometimes - that's a good choice.
www.molex.com
In case you ever want to replace or make your own quick disconnects
www.molex.com
In case you ever want to replace or make your own quick disconnects
