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To cut to the chase, when I was removing this connector the gray clip on the back broke. Its what holds the connector in place and makes that "click" sound when reattached. Now, the connector wont stay locked in place without it.
Do I need to cut this connector off & replace or is there a way to replace the grey clip itself?
Has this happened to any of you before? What do you normally do when a connector breaks?
Last edited by 2014MCS_Miami; Feb 7, 2025 at 03:00 PM.
Reason: want to shrink image size
I tried, unfortunately there was nowhere solid and stable for a ziptie to hold.
I ordered a bunch of generic connectors of this style and am now trying to figure out how to remove pins from damaged connector and then slide them into the new replacement connector, as I've never done anything like this befor.e
I tried, unfortunately there was nowhere solid and stable for a ziptie to hold.
I ordered a bunch of generic connectors of this style and am now trying to figure out how to remove pins from damaged connector and then slide them into the new replacement connector, as I've never done anything like this befor.e
You will likely need a 'pin removal tool', that slides in the open end of the connector to push back the retaining tabs to release the connector/pin from the housing. While there are specific tools for specific connectors/pins, you can usually pick up a universal/generic tool kit off the interwebs. Here is a link to a specific connector tool for reference of what I am talking about, it is basically a very thin piece of metal that slides down into the connector and really the only way to remove the connector w/o damaging it...unless you carefully cut apart the housing of course.
Would this be the appropriate tool for the specific connector in the photo I provided in my original post?
I only ask because I googled "de-pin tool" and found what appears to be several hundred different types!
Would this be the appropriate tool for the specific connector in the photo I provided in my original post?
I only ask because I googled "de-pin tool" and found what appears to be several hundred different types!
Tough to say with exact certainty. But that's why I picked up the 56500. I have to replace a coil connector or two and this tool came up. If the thing you have to fiddle with uses similar to / same pins as the coil connectors, almost certainly yes. And then there are all those other pins on that tool.
Fact is you don't "absolutely need" a tool. The right sized sewing needle will do for certain pins on certain connectors. But using a tool designed for the purpose makes it a lot easier and faster, and a lot less likely you'll break something.
Tough to say with exact certainty. But that's why I picked up the 56500. I have to replace a coil connector or two and this tool came up. If the thing you have to fiddle with uses similar to / same pins as the coil connectors, almost certainly yes. And then there are all those other pins on that tool.
Fact is you don't "absolutely need" a tool. The right sized sewing needle will do for certain pins on certain connectors. But using a tool designed for the purpose makes it a lot easier and faster, and a lot less likely you'll break something.
UPDATE: This was much easier than I imagined. I wanted to provide details for anybody that might encounter a broken BMW / Mini Connector of this type.
First thing to note, BMW doesnt make this specific connector anymore that ends with "03" (see pic in original post). The newer connector ends with "04".
FIXING BROKEN CONNECTOR:
61132359997 - Repair Kit, Socket Housing 619900 (socket with pins ie “repair kit”) <--didnt end up needing this "repair kit", just the connector was all I needed.
12527615491 - Socket Housing, 3-Pin (just the socket) <-- this is the connector itself, no pins, ie not the "repair kit"
Hirschmann 805-121-522 Connector (3-Way F 1.2 MLK) <— I think this might be the generic name for this connector
So all you need to do is: (first take a pic to note order of wires)
1. pop open the little box where the ends of the pins are located. Use a tiny flathead screwdriver.
2. using the same tiny flathead, press gently down on the pin's "lock" and you'll be able to pull it right out!
3. insert pins into the new connector in the same order as the original
4. pins will click in place and you shouldnt be able to pull them out, give a gentle tug to ensure they're locked in.
5. DONE!!
UPDATE: This was much easier than I imagined. I wanted to provide details for anybody that might encounter a broken BMW / Mini Connector of this type.
First thing to note, BMW doesnt make this specific connector anymore that ends with "03" (see pic in original post). The newer connector ends with "04".
FIXING BROKEN CONNECTOR:
61132359997 - Repair Kit, Socket Housing 619900 (socket with pins ie “repair kit”) <--didnt end up needing this "repair kit", just the connector was all I needed.
12527615491 - Socket Housing, 3-Pin (just the socket) <-- this is the connector itself, no pins, ie not the "repair kit"
Hirschmann 805-121-522 Connector (3-Way F 1.2 MLK) <— I think this might be the generic name for this connector
So all you need to do is: (first take a pic to note order of wires)
1. pop open the little box where the ends of the pins are located. Use a tiny flathead screwdriver.
2. using the same tiny flathead, press gently down on the pin's "lock" and you'll be able to pull it right out!
3. insert pins into the new connector in the same order as the original
4. pins will click in place and you shouldnt be able to pull them out, give a gentle tug to ensure they're locked in.
5. DONE!!
@2014MCS_Miami I'm in a similar predicament. How do you do step 1 to open the box where the pins are located? Is there a release above the yellow piece in the first photo below? Thanks!
