Hey everyone -

Not many people know how to do this trick, so I figured I'd document this for the newbies. This will also be in the next version of the FAQ.

You have to cut 4 wires for the PowerFC installation. But, in lieu of cutting wires, you can just back the wires out of the yellow connector that goes to the ECU. It's simple.

All you need is a sharp-pointed tool. I got a set of Craftsman fine-point tools the other day, I've also used dental picks in the past. It has to be stiff, with a slim tip and sharp point.

OK, here's how to do it -

- Find the wire you want to remove. Double-check it with your shop manual and the PowerFC FAQ to find the right wire.

- Look at the ECU side of the plug. Just above the metal pin is a plastic "tang" back in there a bit that locks the pin in the connector body. Stick the fine-point tool in there and wedge it between the tang and the metal pin.

- Tug on the wire, and it should slide right out of the housing. You shouldn't have to use excessive force.

- With the wire out, double it back and tape it up. It should be a dead circuit, but I sleep better at night knowing there isn't loose electrical connectors floating around.

That's it. Takes no time at all. This trick also works for pretty much any electrical connector on the car - it's handy if you need to put heat shrink tubing on a wire, or remove wiring from a harness.

Attached are pics illustrating the process - they're not too clear, but you'll get the idea.

Dale

 

thanks for the headsup man, appreciate the work you put into the community.

T.c.

 

Since I just went through this process, I thought that I would add that you will need to open up the wire side of the plug before the pins will slide out.

There are tabs on each side of the wire side of the plug. You will need to pry those open with a small screwdriver and pull the wire side of the plug open in order for the pins to slide out.

The area I am talking about is nearest to Dale's pinky in picture 2.