Removing wires from back of fuse panel?

[atomicjoe23]

Is there a special tool to remove wires from the back of a fuse panel?

I have an aftermarket wiring harness (previous owner purchase) that has WAY too many circuits for this particular vehicle and I would like to remove the excess wire from the fuse panel. Granted I could just snip the wires, but I would rather pull them out.

I pulled one out by just pulling REALLY hard, but I'm pretty sure that isn't the right way to remove them. . .I tried getting some small needle nose pliers in there to squeeze the terminal legs (for lack of a better descriptive term), but that didn't seem to help.

Thanks for the help!

[billy bones]

A picture would help. But most are held in by a tab, either part of the connector body, or part of the terminal itself.

Yes, there are special tools to remove terminals without damaging them. I use a few different sets from Snap-on and Matco. You can release most terminals with a small pick fairly easily.

[TheAlmightySam]

One of those little tiny flathead screwdrivers that comes in the cheapy eyeglass repair kits often works well too.

Give us a pic or two and we might be able to help better.

[atomicjoe23]

Here's the style of terminal connection I'm talking about. . .the terminals in the bottom right of the photo, the three silver ones that are connected to each other



Thanks!

[89breaker]

Originally Posted by TheAlmightySam

One of those little tiny flathead screwdrivers that comes in the cheapy eyeglass repair kits often works well too.

This

[atomicjoe23]

Thanks!

[89breaker]

Originally Posted by atomicjoe23

Thanks!

If you are trying to reuse the slot or terminal, be very methodical and figure out which way the tabs move as they each have quirks. Otherwise you'll break off the plastic lock bar on the connector.

[maxyedor]

Looks like a Delphi style terminal, this should be the right extractor http://www.waytekwire.com/item/422/P...-REMOVAL-TOOL/

Paper-clips work most of the time, unless they're high end components, then the tool really comes in handy.

[atomicjoe23]

Thanks Maxyedor,

I've got the Waytek catalog, but I don't know enough yet to figure out which tools go to which style of connectors if I didn't buy them.

[4x4prepper]

If you have the tool, long thin piece of spring steel, for removing drawers on Snap-On tool boxes, you can cut and narrow one end down. Or use the eye glass screw driver as others have pointed out. I suppose an ignition feeler gauge (steel, not brass) might work if it was thick enough and if you didn't have the snap-on tool.