D4 Rear light connector release?

[Jpdv]

OK collective wisdom. One of those stupid questions about a minor issue that's holding up a larger job... How the hell do you 'unclip' the cable connector so that the blasted light can be set aside whilst you're working in that space? I have tried a forum search, no obvious answers. Went online, found a 'dipstick dave' video on rear light cluster removal, in which, as I breathlessly waited to see what he did, he commented 'that connector's a fiddly job', and left it connected (!). That didn't inspire me to continue with my 'pulling it until something happens' approach.
Can't see any obvious tangs or push points... A picture or graphic would be highly appreciated! Surely the bloody thing is meant to come apart????

[DiscoJeffster]

I’ve removed mine before. Can’t recall thinking anything of it [emoji848]

[Tombie]

From memory, squeeze the bar across top of plug and slide back.

[Jpdv]

Yup, it's weird. The logic is to press on that 'bar'/clip at the top - and drivesafe's video on installing a traxide setup shows him 'pressing' it about there and pulling apart - problem is its a secondary issue so he doesn't make anything of it.

My problem is that I've now pressed hard enough on it to start leaving permanent marks/damage on the clip, but its still not releasing. Driving me mad. Its going to be so bloody obvious when it goes, but I'm close to buying a spare because I'm using that much force that I know what's about to happen.

[Eric SDV6SE]

Assume you mean one of the tail lights and not the high mount brake light? (That one needs to be smashed out to remove)

Have you tried rotstong the bulba out of the lamp assy? I had mine out last year as I had to replacecthe entire taillight assembly, (long story, big stick in the bush on a 4wd track.)
From memory undo the screws holding it into the body, light assembly falls into your hands, rotate to release bulbs.

[Jpdv]

Thanks Eric, but no, I'm actually just trying to get the whole 'podule' out of the way whilst I punch through the grommets to run a power cable to the rear bumper. I can do it without actually disconnecting, but I hate risking expensive bits of kit when I get focused on a different job - the cable connection in my case is just too short to swing it round and rest it on the tailgate, so it hangs in the way a bit...And I'm now determined to understand how the bloody thing works, as a point of principle(!). I may well buy a spare and play with it to work it out - I know I'm going to curse when it becomes obvious.

I'll come back to everyone when I sort it, in case anyone else hits the same problem. Its always the little incidentals that hold me up on jobs - I'm quite mechanically competent, but this one has me beat so far, and as said, the default solution of just pulling is getting to the level of effort where I know that a) I'm missing something and b) there's about to be that depressing snap as something plastic breaks irreversibly.

[Eric SDV6SE]

Ah ok. Try lifting the clips. Some work by inserting a screwdriver gently that then depresses an internal clip. Can you share a photo?