Sound system upgrade and 8-pin connectors disconnect

[Gxgn]

Hi, has any of you managed to disconnect the grey and brown 8-pin connectors under the dash/steering column from the audio unit? I’m trying, in vain, for a few days to disconnect these two connectors and it’s very difficult, I cannot see what I’m doing. Any tips how to make this work? Thanks

 

[baders]

They are difficult. The clip you can see on the LH side of the plug.

 

[Gxgn]

I know, I’ve been trying to press it and pull the connector at the same time but no luck so far.

 

[Clark Kent]

I know, I’ve been trying to press it and pull the connector at the same time but no luck so far.

I think it's called a quad lock plug. That tab on the left side is the lock.Try pressing it down/into the head unit to unlock it then wriggle the plug out without pulling on the harness. At the same time push in on the back of the plug with your other hand to take some pressure off the lock.
You could also try inserting a small flat blade screwdriver into the slot in the back of the tab to push it in.

It might also need to be pushed to the right towards the harness. One of those two actions should release it.

 

[landmannnn]

If my memory serves me correctly I unscrewed the head unit to get to the plugs. I couldn't get them off in situ.

 

[Gxgn]

I think it's called a quad lock plug. That tab on the left side is the lock.Try pressing it down/into the head unit to unlock it then wriggle the plug out without pulling on the harness. At the same time push in on the back of the plug with your other hand to take some pressure off the lock.
You could also try inserting a small flat blade screwdriver into the slot in the back of the tab to push it in.

It might also need to be pushed to the right towards the harness. One of those two actions should release it.

Thank you Clark, I’ll give it a try. I was pressing the lock towards the 8 pin, not pressing in, hopefully this will help now.

 

[Gxgn]

If my memory serves me correctly I unscrewed the head unit to get to the plugs. I couldn't get them off in situ.

I hope I don’t have to do that, it’s. it’s very hard to reach there

 

[derek_zoolander]

I got mine out by just pushing the tab to the left of the connector in the pic then pulling hard. The harder part was plugging in the new one

 

[Gxgn]

I pretty much gave up and was planning to go to a repair shop to see if they have more skills but I’ll give it another try. @derek_zoolander - did you push in or push towards the outside? Bare hand or with a screwdriver? Thanks

 

[derek_zoolander]

Bare hand. Push in the clip towards the wire bundle and pull hard towards the front of the vehicle.

 

[derek_zoolander]

You can also easily pull the head unit forward if you remove the plastic fascia below the steering wheel I think there may be 4 torx holding it in place. That will get you a bit more finger room. I didn't require it but If your hands are larger it may be needed so you can fit your hands up there

 

[Gxgn]

Thank you @derek_zoolander

 

[derek_zoolander]

No problem, let me know how it goes. I've done a full audio upgrade so drop me a DM if you have any further questions

 

[landmannnn]

You can also easily pull the head unit forward if you remove the plastic fascia below the steering wheel I think there may be 4 torx holding it in place. That will get you a bit more finger room. I didn't require it but If your hands are larger it may be needed so you can fit your hands up there

Exactly what I did having already lost too much skin trying to get my hands in that crowded place.

 

[Bigkan]

Does anyone know where to find a t harness to plug into the back of the head unit? does anyone know what the name of that harness is so that I can order the components to make my own t harness?

 

[derek_zoolander]

Does anyone know where to find a t harness to plug into the back of the head unit? does anyone know what the name of that harness is so that I can order the components to make my own t harness?

There's another sound thread where I post the harness you need. I believe its a universal ISO connector. Plenty of options on amazon, but you want one with both the male and female ends. Female goes from the pictured connector here to your amp for the output, male goes from amp to headunit for the input.

 

[Bigkan]

yeah I stayed up all night using AI to find the connector. I knew that I was going to need a male and female options for sparse. I would have to modify the items that I found

 

[derek_zoolander]

yeah I stayed up all night using AI to find the connector. I knew that I was going to need a male and female options for sparse. I would have to modify the items that I found

You want something like this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9GB8CH2?tag=globalgrena0b-20