instrument cluster removal - 93 protege

I am trying to remove the instrument cluster on my '93 protege. There is not enough slack on the speedo cable for me to pull it out far enough to disconnect it from the cluster, so I need to disconnect the cable under the hood. The cable is made of two pieces with a junction in the middle. The junction is plastic and seems to be spring loaded. I've tried everything to separate it and I just can't figure it out. Anyone else come across this, I would very much appreciate your help. Thanks.