Help Removing Stubborn AC Compressor Connector

[jbaptiste]

MOD COMMENT:
This topic has been split off a different thread.

Hi Sstupid - My compressor locked up on my 2008 M45S. Replacing with rebuilt. I have access to the top of the compressor. I'm trying to remove the ECV connector but it won't come off. I don't want to damage the connector but I'm trying to push down on the button on the top and pulling but nothing. Not sure there's even a latch...I thought it just came out like a plug. What am I doing wrong? thanks.

[Sstupid]

Hi Sstupid - My compressor locked up on my 2008 M45S. Replacing with rebuilt. I have access to the top of the compressor. I'm trying to remove the ECV connector but it won't come off. I don't want to damage the connector but I'm trying to push down on the button on the top and pulling but nothing. Not sure there's even a latch...I thought it just came out like a plug. What am I doing wrong? thanks.

Hi there! Yeah, I remember that connector being a real PITA. I can't remember exactly how I got it disconnected, so I won't be much help there, but I'm sure you will get it figured out like I did. I won't have access to the car until Wednesday. If you still haven't figured it out by then, I'll get a pic of the connector.

[EdBwoy]

Not close to the manual, but I have a compressor in front of me. So the black connector at the top is the clutch one, correct?
And the light grey one at the bottom is the ECV one you're talking about? If so, I believe the connectors are similar, the male connector for the bottom one is just a little narrower than the top one.
Oh, and they are oriented the same way, in that the latch is at the top for both so for the grey one you need skinny fingers because the body of the compressor... just bend the tab down and you can see it better.

[Sstupid]

He is talking about the electromagnetic coil connector on the top. I remember it being a pain to access and even put how angry I was with it in my How-To. It is just one tab in the top to release but it is hard to reach. I think I removed the fastener for the bracket that holds the clip and moved it to a more accessible area.

[jbaptiste]

I still can't get it off. I just can't get the female part out...it moved about 1-2 mm but that's it. I even cut the cable and removed the old compressor to get better access. I can't even get it off the bracket. It's now the only thing keeping me from installing the new compressor. This is the hardest think I've had to contend with only because I can't use brute force...don't want to have to replace the cable. Sstupid - do you recall how did you remove it from the frame?

[EdBwoy]

I removed mine a little while ago, but honestly can't recall having any such issues.
jbaptiste, can you post a pic of what you're dealing with?


MOD NOTE:
Also, I'll split these posts from BlackedOutM35's thread, as we've moved beyond troubleshooting a non-working system to a disassembly issue.

[Sstupid]

I'll be working on my car tomorrow so I'll be able to get a pic and some instruction.

[jbaptiste]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[Sstupid]

I put pics and explanation in my "replacing 2007 M45 compressor" thread.