Starter solenoid connector release?

[TJP440]

3/4 of the way through the coolant change. The biggest obstacle so far has been trying to figure out How to release the flipping starter solenoid connector. With the research I've done it appears as though several different ones may have been used.
There was a top latch that I was able to raise with a little effort. But the connector/ terminal would not come off. I could not tell if there was a bottom latch as well but was not able to release it IF it did have one.
I finally got it off with a screwdriver between the connector and solenoid but it required a bit of force. I do not believe I broke anything as all appears fine
Is there something I'm missing with these flipping tight fitting connectors?

This is what I think is the one on my truck but not 100% on that.

 

[Wild one]

3/4 of the way through the coolant change. The biggest obstacle so far has been trying to figure out How to release the flipping starter solenoid connector. With the research I've done it appears as though several different ones may have been used.
There was a top latch that I was able to raise with a little effort. But the connector/ terminal would not come off. I could not tell if there was a bottom latch as well but was not able to release it IF it did have one.
I finally got it off with a screwdriver between the connector and solenoid but it required a bit of force. I do not believe I broke anything as all appears fine
Is there something I'm missing with these flipping tight fitting connectors?

This is what I think is the one on my truck but not 100% on that.


View attachment 559652

I think you push down on the latch to release it

 

[Ken226]

3/4 of the way through the coolant change. The biggest obstacle so far has been trying to figure out How to release the flipping starter solenoid connector. With the research I've done it appears as though several different ones may have been used.
There was a top latch that I was able to raise with a little effort. But the connector/ terminal would not come off. I could not tell if there was a bottom latch as well but was not able to release it IF it did have one.
I finally got it off with a screwdriver between the connector and solenoid but it required a bit of force. I do not believe I broke anything as all appears fine
Is there something I'm missing with these flipping tight fitting connectors?

This is what I think is the one on my truck but not 100% on that.


View attachment 559652

I did my coolant recently and removed the starter to get to the block drain. It was the same for me. I pushed the latch, got nowhere, and used a screwdriver to get it off.

It went back on fine.


Don't be shocked if your water pump ***** the bed about two weeks after the coolant flush.

 

[TJP440]

I think you push down on the latch to release it

that might make sense, thank you for responding, I'll check when I reinstall. certainly would be nice if there was some standardization but that would make too much sense LOL

 

[Wild one]

that might make sense, thank you for responding, I'll check when I reinstall. certainly would be nice if there was some standardization but that would make too much sense LOL

Pretty well all connectors like that are push to release,even on Ferds and Chebbies,lol
I usually push the connector on farther,then push the latch down,and then pull it off.By pushing it on as far as it'll go,the latch and connector will release easier

 

[TJP440]

As you know by now I'm a bit challenged on anything beyond about 1990 or so. I did try pushing down but did not try pushing on at the same time.
When I reinstalled the starter it went on but I can't swear that I didn't damage the lock. It took quite a bit of effort to remove with or without the lock being pushed so I called it good
The male / female spade connection have been around since the 60's some with locks. This was a new version to me. Having limited space didn't help.
Also, having just done the gas tank with the sending unit/ fuel pump connector which has two locks (as you also likely know as well) its gets a bit confusing to the unknowing.
Not quite sure why they felt the need for two locks but I'm guessing there was a reason. thanks for all your help so far