HELP! - Wiring Harness Connector under dash on '99 Jimmy

[marcvad]

I am trying to replace the multifunction/turn signal switch. I have the dash apart and have found where the 2 main connectors (1 black, 1 gray) attach to a large black block along with some other connections. Problem is, I can't seem to figure out how to release the connectors to attach the connectors from the new unit. There are 4 small catches on the top of the large block, but these seems to unlock some blue connectors on the other side of the block, not the ones I need. There appears to be a black plastic part that is keeping these connectors in, but for the life of me I can't see where/how they come out it almost looks liek it's molded in place.

- Marc

[old_master]

A picture is worth a thousand words... can you post one?

[marcvad]

Here's a couple pics . . .

[old_master]

There might be a bolt between the rows of wires in the connector. If not, there might be tabs on the narrow ends of the connector that must be released. Tabs however, are not visible in either of these images. If the grey connector appears to be a separate piece, (can't tell for sure in the image) it's possible the blue tabs next to the wires are the release tabs. Look at the new multifunction switch and you might be able to see something there.

[marcvad]

I found it! There IS a bolt right in the middle of the wires - didn't see it the first time. Once that's out, the whole thing comes out and the gray and black connectors simply slide out of the larger block.

Funny thing though - I am replacing the multifucntional/directional switch and noticed that there are 2 wires running from the switch to the black connector that are spliced into somewhere else in the car (not sure where they go - they run under the dash to an unseen place.). It's a black wire and a green wire. I was able to re-splice these with the new unit (took out my trusty soldering iron so the connections were solid) but I find it interesting - is there some aftermarket feature on the car I don't know about or is it just poor design and in manufacturing someone decided rather than add another connector that they'd just do a splice in the factory?

Anyway switch is replaced - car is back together. All this for a mis-functional brake light! Any other car it would have been a simple bulb replacement . . . oh well.

- Marc