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  1. #1
    Rolling Along OurNewEra's Avatar
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    Blade Connectors Are Locked On

    Need some help! I am putting in a dimmer switch on the main cabin lights. My challenge is the female blade connectors that push onto the blades on the back of the switch is LOCKED on. Has anyone seen this type of connector? I have done some Googling and found some positive lock connectors that look like they have a tab on them that pushes a dimple through the hole on the switch blade connection. I just cannot figure out how to 'release' the female connector. I would rather get them to release so I can reuse rather than cut the wires and have to resplice. But that may be my only option unless someone can tell me how to unlock these.

    I have included a picture that shows the 3 connections on the back of the switch. These are the wires on the back of the 'blue light' for the main cabin lights.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	SwitchConnectors.jpg 
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    Mike & Lisa
    Central Florida
    2021 Imagine 2970RL
    1996 Chevy K3500 Crew SRW 7.4L Gas

  2. #2
    Long Hauler geotex1's Avatar
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    Lol! There are retainers built into the terminal that catch on the solder holes on the switch's terminals. This is purposeful. You need to be firm with it and wiggle side-to-side as you pull. They'll let go. If you need a little more grip, use needle nose plier but make sure to grip the terminal body past where it engages the terminal - i.e., the round portion.
    Rob & Nikki + Cloverfield
    2020 Grand Design Solitude S-Class 3350RL
    2015 RAM 3500 Longhorn Laramie Crew Cab, Long Bed, 4x4 Dually Cummins/AISIN

    Mountains of Pennsylvania

  3. #3
    Site Team Ynot4me2's Avatar
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    All 3 are like that? Is it possible that they are just tight?

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    Steph & Lise
    2019 F150 Lariat 2.7 EB
    2020 Imagine XLS 22MLE

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    Rolling Along OurNewEra's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by geotex1 View Post
    Lol! There are retainers built into the terminal that catch on the solder holes on the switch's terminals. This is purposeful. You need to be firm with it and wiggle side-to-side as you pull. They'll let go. If you need a little more grip, use needle nose plier but make sure to grip the terminal body past where it engages the terminal - i.e., the round portion.
    Ok. I'll give it another try tomorrow. Pull and wiggle harder! My plan B is to cut the shrink wrap off to see what is going on. I do trust you're description because it sounds like you've done it. Thanks for the response.
    Mike & Lisa
    Central Florida
    2021 Imagine 2970RL
    1996 Chevy K3500 Crew SRW 7.4L Gas

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by OurNewEra View Post
    Need some help! I am putting in a dimmer switch on the main cabin lights. My challenge is the female blade connectors that push onto the blades on the back of the switch is LOCKED on. Has anyone seen this type of connector? I have done some Googling and found some positive lock connectors that look like they have a tab on them that pushes a dimple through the hole on the switch blade connection. I just cannot figure out how to 'release' the female connector. I would rather get them to release so I can reuse rather than cut the wires and have to resplice. But that may be my only option unless someone can tell me how to unlock these.

    I have included a picture that shows the 3 connections on the back of the switch. These are the wires on the back of the 'blue light' for the main cabin lights.

    Click image for larger version. 

Name:	SwitchConnectors.jpg 
Views:	25 
Size:	79.1 KB 
ID:	30545
    You will need a thin flat blade jewelers screwdriver (think eyeglasses) Slip it through the insulation on the curled side of the female connection (in the center). It may take a bit of trying

    The other way is with needle nose pliers and a block to pry against as you try to pull the connector. Hope this helps
    2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th wheel with 6K axle upgrade. B&W 25K OEM Companion, Steadyfast system, 2022 F350 SRW 6.7 King Ranch 8' bed, Trailer reverse lights, rear spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, and Solar

  6. #6
    Long Hauler geotex1's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by OurNewEra View Post
    Ok. I'll give it another try tomorrow. Pull and wiggle harder! My plan B is to cut the shrink wrap off to see what is going on. I do trust you're description because it sounds like you've done it. Thanks for the response.
    Yep, sure have and I also watched the guys wiring them in the factory. They give them an extra squeeze after the push on the terminals.
    Rob & Nikki + Cloverfield
    2020 Grand Design Solitude S-Class 3350RL
    2015 RAM 3500 Longhorn Laramie Crew Cab, Long Bed, 4x4 Dually Cummins/AISIN

    Mountains of Pennsylvania

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    Site Team Redapple63's Avatar
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    Been there when I did my dimmers, they are in fact tight, but as mentioned, you wiggle them and they will come off. I was afraid at first to pull too hard and cause damage, but they eventually came off.
    2019 GMC 3500 SRW Sierra Denali Duramax
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  8. #8
    Rolling Along OurNewEra's Avatar
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    Thanks everyone. They did come off with some persuasion. Interesting that all three connectors were different. If you look in my pic, the one on the right did in fact have a retainer with a very small release button. A button that you can't see. The two connectors with shrink tube are smaller than the standard blade connector so I cut them off and put on some new 'standard' female blade connectors.

    And then when I connected the dimmer switch I did it wrong and fried the switch. Too many wire colors and none match. More like I didn't take my time and double check everything. So I still have the blue light and am taking a break from trailer work. Per my DW.

    Everyone have a great weekend!
    Mike & Lisa
    Central Florida
    2021 Imagine 2970RL
    1996 Chevy K3500 Crew SRW 7.4L Gas

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by OurNewEra View Post
    Thanks everyone. They did come off with some persuasion. Interesting that all three connectors were different. If you look in my pic, the one on the right did in fact have a retainer with a very small release button. A button that you can't see. The two connectors with shrink tube are smaller than the standard blade connector so I cut them off and put on some new 'standard' female blade connectors.

    And then when I connected the dimmer switch I did it wrong and fried the switch. Too many wire colors and none match. More like I didn't take my time and double check everything. So I still have the blue light and am taking a break from trailer work. Per my DW.

    Everyone have a great weekend!
    Here is one source for replacement switches
    https://spemco.com
    2018 Reflection 150 Series 220RK 5th wheel with 6K axle upgrade. B&W 25K OEM Companion, Steadyfast system, 2022 F350 SRW 6.7 King Ranch 8' bed, Trailer reverse lights, rear spare tire holder, storage tube, sumo springs, Victron MultiPlus 12/120/3000, and Solar

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