User Tag List
Thanks: 0
Likes: 0
Results 1 to 9 of 9
Thread: Blade Connectors Are Locked On
-
11-04-2020, 04:09 PM #1
- Join Date
- Jul 2020
- Location
- Central Florida
- Posts
- 727
- Mentioned
- 6 Post(s)
- Tagged
- 0 Thread(s)
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.
Mike & Lisa
Central Florida
2021 Imagine 2970RL
1996 Chevy K3500 Crew SRW 7.4L Gas
-
11-04-2020, 05:01 PM #2
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
-
11-04-2020, 05:05 PM #3
- Join Date
- Mar 2020
- Location
- ON & QC Canada
- Posts
- 4,767
- Mentioned
- 38 Post(s)
- Tagged
- 0 Thread(s)
All 3 are like that? Is it possible that they are just tight?
Sent from my SM-T580 using TapatalkSteph & Lise
2019 F150 Lariat 2.7 EB
2020 Imagine XLS 22MLE
-
11-04-2020, 05:11 PM #4
- Join Date
- Jul 2020
- Location
- Central Florida
- Posts
- 727
- Mentioned
- 6 Post(s)
- Tagged
- 0 Thread(s)
Mike & Lisa
Central Florida
2021 Imagine 2970RL
1996 Chevy K3500 Crew SRW 7.4L Gas
-
11-04-2020, 05:11 PM #5
- Join Date
- Feb 2018
- Location
- SW Colorado
- Posts
- 2,673
- Mentioned
- 42 Post(s)
- Tagged
- 1 Thread(s)
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 helps2018 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
-
11-04-2020, 05:27 PM #6Rob & 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
-
11-05-2020, 09:47 PM #7
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
2020 Reflection 315RLTS
-
11-06-2020, 06:03 AM #8
- Join Date
- Jul 2020
- Location
- Central Florida
- Posts
- 727
- Mentioned
- 6 Post(s)
- Tagged
- 0 Thread(s)
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
-
11-06-2020, 09:40 AM #9
- Join Date
- Feb 2018
- Location
- SW Colorado
- Posts
- 2,673
- Mentioned
- 42 Post(s)
- Tagged
- 1 Thread(s)
Here is one source for replacement switches
https://spemco.com2018 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
Re-pack bearings necessary?
Today, 09:29 PM in Axles, Brakes, and Suspension