Headlight bulb wire connector

[sakoluvr]

What the heck is holding the wire connector on the headlight bulb? Just want to replace the bulb on the drivers side of my wife's 2001.

Have to pull of the red connector before I can pull the boot off and disconnect the spring, Are there release tabs that I'm not seeing or feeling?

 

[Tyler James Inc]

Nope! Likely just some corrosion taking place.
If it's stuck on there that good, I would try to peel back the boot enough to disengage the spring, and remove the bulb. Then you can handle it better, and not mess up the spring by pulling on it too hard.

 

[sakoluvr]

Nope! Likely just some corrosion taking place.
If it's stuck on there that good, I would try to peel back the boot enough to disengage the spring, and remove the bulb. Then you can handle it better, and not mess up the spring by pulling on it too hard.

Yep, that is what I will try next. I sprayed some WD40 on the connector and hope that will help after a few more applications. If not, I will try and remove the whole thing. I had to back off because I could see where I was about to damage the spring.

Thanks Tyler.

 

[habanero]

If I'm understanding what you're asking-
EDIT: Rereading, looks like your plug is being annoying and I have misread. Still gonna leave this here if you don't mind.

Once you know how it goes it's a simple retainer.
Pull plug, pull boot, then:

The wire is held in by a little hook, press down, move slightly to the side and release. The yellow arrow is touching said hook...

It swings out of the way...

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f200/habaneros-1996-4runner-build-up-thread-201751/index54.html

 

[TheDurk]

Like +1

Guess what? This forum has an actual LIKE button. Over here ........................................................................................VVVV

 

[gamefreakgc]

Yep, that is what I will try next. I sprayed some WD40 on the connector and hope that will help after a few more applications. If not, I will try and remove the whole thing. I had to back off because I could see where I was about to damage the spring.

Thanks Tyler.

Mine was super stuck the first time I changed my bulbs too. It felt like I was going to rip the harness apart. Just wiggle it around as best you can to break the corrosion and it'll start to find its way loose.

 

[sakoluvr]

Yeah. I even looked in the owners manual. It said to wiggle it if it is stuck. I will keep messing with it. Thanks

 

[4Runner4Leon]

Maybe stick a flathead screwdriver between the connector and the terminal (one at a time), and twist the blade to break the stiction. That way you are pulling the connector away from the terminal without pulling on the terminal itself.

 

[sakoluvr]

After spraying the connector with WD40 for 2 days, the connector popped right off. I pulled the boot back with a screwdriver to expose the front of the connector and gave it a good blast. When I put in a new bulb I will make sure I use dielectric grease like I do on all electrical connectors. Thanks all.