I tried to post this a few hours ago, but I may have accidentally put it in the forbidden zone and a mod may have deleted it. If so, mea culpa.

I need to pull the wires from the OBD2 connector on my 2004 Dakota Sport to clean and reshape the terminal ends. But after much head scratching, on-line searching, and YouTube viewing, I can’t figure out how to release the terminal ends from the connector body so I can pull the wires out the back. I can’t even find a picture of, much less a part number for this specific connector. Can anyone offer any tips for releasing the terminal ends? I strongly suspect that the light grey piece is the key, but I can’t figure out how to manipulate it in any helpful way.

Any advice will be appreciated.

 

Id replace it with a identicle one off the same type dakota ,an wire to wire connect..That one does look worn out.
There may be a clip on it also.

See where it says LOCK.. an arrow on 2nd pic

 

Thank you. I’m really just looking for information on how to disassemble this connector.

 

There is likely a 'special tool' to release those. They aren't real common though, as Dodge doesn't generally advertise them. (they are more inclined to replace the entire harness, than repair one....)

 

Thanks. I’ll check with a Dodge dealership about the availability of a special tool.

 

If you can figure out which one you need, they are available on amazon as well, generally in kits with new contacts. Trying to 're-use' the old ones is a pain.

 

 

Yea a very small flathead can work to unlock it or release spring tention.
Nothing that is that difficult to buy a specialty tool for.. lol

the Tab on side mark pointing to LOCK may just need to be pulled out ..

 

After removing the lower dash panel I was able to get a better look at the connector. On closer inspection I realized that the text on the arrows (also noticed by hidden1) did not say “lock” on both sides, as I’d initially thought. “Lock” is stamped on the right, and “unlock” on the left. I also saw that the grey component is meant to be able to slide left and right. So I tried sliding it by hand, but couldn’t budge it. Tried a screwdriver. No dice. Tried gentle persuasion with some pliers and it was instantly apparent that the plastic is too old and brittle to withstand that sort of pressure. So I’ll order a replacement and then break the old one apart to free the wires.

I hope this discussion and the pictures will be of value to someone trying to figure out the mysteries of that specific connector down the road.

 

That grey part moves after u push it to unlock..
Was easy to do w screwdriver.
One direction locks it an the other unlocks



a flexable side tab in it too