Coolant Temp Sensor

[Professor Peach]

I can get the retaining clip out (a very clever arrangement with cable ties so I didn't lose it), but can't get the connector off, nor the sensor/connector assembly out. As I say, I'll try again when I have more time and better light.

[HPsauce]

Connector has a sort of lever that you press one end to release the catch at the other. Think I used a small screwdriver. Then just a gentle pull on the cable.
If you look at the replacement unit you'll see the little ramp it catches on, that should give you a good clue, it's dead easy "when you know how".

After that it was gentle tapping to release the seal and wiggling/twisting with pliers IIRC.

I took the connector off before attempting anything else, not least because it gets in the way!

[Professor Peach]

Yep, studied the replacement part shape in the hope that it would enlighten me and I pretty sure I was pressing in the correct place to release the lever but to no avail. I figured once I had that off, I could be a little rougher with the sensor itself, but I was very concerned about damaging the connector.

[HPsauce]

Maybe you need to push the connector shell down at the same time in case the catch is caught on the end of the ramp so won't unlatch?

[Professor Peach]

Yep, maybe. More jiggling is definitely needed. Not going to be beaten (just yet).

[moltuae]

If my memory serves correctly, you just poke a small 'terminal' screwdriver (3-4mm flat-blade) into this slot:



Push the screwdriver down while pulling the connector up.

I may be wrong; if I am, it's the side slot. One thing's for sure, when you stick it in the right hole, it's easy (as the actress said to the bishop).


As for getting the sensor out ... Just keep pulling and gently rocking it (don't twist the connector). It'll seem like it's not budging then, after a minute or two, it should just pop out.

[Professor Peach]

Oh I've shoved it in in every hole I could find I can assure you! Still no luck. Perhaps the previous owner super glued it in place instead of using the cool heatshrink sleeve solution!

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by moltuae

If my memory serves correctly, you just poke a small 'terminal' screwdriver (3-4mm flat-blade) into this slot:

NO, you don't!

That slot is "behind" one end of a lever arm. That end should have a flat tab on it and is between two "Walls" that run the length of the connector.
The lever arm is all plastic and only connected to the shell about halfway down (Edit: actually at the top end). The "far" (lower when installed) end has a small ramp to latch it in place.

Basically you apply pressure on the top of the lever PERPENDICULAR TO THE WIRING and INWARDS towards the centre (Edit: actually towards you and the top end) of the shell, between the "walls".
That will lift the other end, releasing the catch.

You do NOT press DOWN as in towards the ground in line with the cables.
You do NOT insert anything in that slot, that will actually PREVENT release.

In your "wrapped" example you'd need to slide the thin flat screwdriver a few mm down the outside, immediately under the wrapping then push on it sideways and in (Edit: and up). Best to cut the wrapping off first though.

Once you've got the bloody thing off it's obvious and you'll kick yourself for pushing/prodding in the wrong place/direction.

[HPsauce]

Having had another rack of my brains and looking up some images online I think what I said above isn't quite right. There are two basic ways of getting it off:
1. Slide a very thin and narrow blade into the slot until it rides over the latching ledge and releases the catch. This will be tight and need a firm pull.
2. Use a short broader, thicker blade going in from the side press inwards and towards you to "lift" the tab on the end of that lever. If you push down on the connector a bit initially to release pressure on the latch (after applying WD40) the whole thing should then just lift off easily.

It's a rubbish design but you might get the idea by looking at this, which is I think the same connector:
http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...pose/ES370867/

Here's a close-up of the side. If you can get a screwdriver blade into the slot marked with the red cross then twist to widen it will just slide off.
Usually there's something in the way though :

IIRC when I refitted my sensor I took careful note of the orientation so that the catch would be easily accessible in future, pointing away from any obstructions.

[moltuae]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

If you can get a screwdriver blade into the slot marked with the red cross then twist to widen it will just slide off.

I think you're correct, but I think there's an easier way.

Like I said, this is from memory -- I may be thinking of a different connector (I 'd have to check), so I may be totally wrong. However, if the catch operates the way I think it does (and your image suggests it does), if you poke a small screwdriver down the topmost slot, as I mentioned earlier, you can release it that way. I think what you have to do though it push the screwdriver into the slot and then push the screwdriver handle in the direction or the wires (ie make the tip of the screwdriver move outwards) in order to lift the catch.