'99 V70 Base; ETM electrical clip release Topic is solved

Post by **E Showell** » 06 Aug 2017, 17:27

Can't release ETM electrical connector. What's the trick?

Post by **abscate** » 06 Aug 2017, 17:49

I feel always feel,like the village idiot trying to undo Volvo electrical connectors, and I do all sorts of electronic stuff.

Post by **scot850** » 06 Aug 2017, 17:56

I can't recall, but I have a spare base (non-turbo) ETM in the garage for my 2000 base project. I'll take a look and see if there is anything obvious as a trick that may help.

Neil.

Post by **E Showell** » 06 Aug 2017, 17:58

Thanks Neil. Much appreciated.

Post by **scot850** » 06 Aug 2017, 18:10

Actually found it in the large pile of bits! It is the same connector as the turbos but like all of them it is a swine to separate if it has not been disconnected in some time. Only way I have been able to do so is to use 2 pairs of adjustable pliers, soak the connector in silicon oil to try to loosen the dust and grit that gets in there, and then work them using one of the pliers to depress the lock tab downwards into the clip. It can take a while to do, but you have to be careful obviously not to squeeze too hard and break the connector.

Good luck!

Neil.

Post by **E Showell** » 06 Aug 2017, 18:20

Guaranteed this one has never been apart.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Aug 2017, 07:01

Sent email - picture of ETM connector apart here. Its simple...if you a Martian...

One hand compresses the tab on top
One hand grabs RHS
One hand grabs LHS
Pull

Post by **scot850** » 07 Aug 2017, 09:18

That works with a car that has never been outside. In the real world like where my cars live, the connectors almost feel like they have fused together. I was not able to grip them tight enough to be able to separate the 2 parts so ended up needing the 2 adjustable pliers to get enough grip while on was doing double duty of compressing the latch and flexing the connector. Even then it was touch and go if the connector did not break first. I have undone several of these at PnP over the years and they were all the same. The same connector is used in several locations around the engine bay and they have all been the same.

Neil.

Post by **E Showell** » 07 Aug 2017, 12:36

Just needed to pinch harder with right thumb and pull harder with both hands. No magic. Press down on clip and pull hard. The challenge is getting the pulling force on the horizontal given the short wiring harnesses and the miniscule space in which to move hands.

Post by **abscate** » 07 Aug 2017, 13:01

On the upside, the force required is overcoming the seals on these connectors which are really good. Thats why they don't get wet, and why they don't corrode after 20 years of service. I know its a pig, but we have to acknowledge the use of high quality , expensive stuff on these cars, where appropriate.